Comprehensive Doubles Return of Serve Masterclass

Key Points

• Stand with one foot in the doubles alley as your base return position
• The wide slice serve needs to be covered due to the server standing wider to serve and opening up the court
• Your base position should be low as you move forward and “lean in” to the return, trying not to stay upright
• Leaning into the return and meeting it out in front gives you more strength to block and direct it
• Double handers can return using a forehand grip with the right hand, and the left hand in the normal position to hit a backhand
• When covering the wide serve after the split step, your first move should be with the right leg
• Left leg moves first after the split step when moving to the backhand side
• Focus on great contact on your return and worry less about what’s happening on the other side of the net
• Returning from further back will give the net guy more time to intercept the ball
• Moving forward in a V shape helps you cut off the ball and allows you to use all of your body to increase strength and stability on the return
• Shorten the backswing with an almost full follow through
• If you have a short follow through, you won’t be able to dip the ball and get it down to your opponent's feet
• Trust the slice on the body serve by moving across the ball to create space and hit a forehand return
• Stand further in on the second serve return to hit the ball before it kicks up too high
• Work on hitting the ball below your shoulders
• If your opponent is serve and volleying, work on stepping in and hitting down to their feet to set up your partner to cross and knock off a volley
• Knowing what sort of server your opponent is and where they are comfortable serving, will help you become a great returner
• Cover the wide serve when playing a lefty - or someone with a great kick serve - by standing with your left foot in the alley
• Keep the ball low on the return and look to be an offensive returner
• If the server is staying back, try and get a deep return past the volleyer
• “Doubles is won by attacking, not defending”
• Angle your body towards the server and don’t stand straight on to the court
• Finish on your front foot, inside the court
• If you get stretched out wide on the 2 handed backhand return, use your left hand to come over and down on the ball