Return of Serve Fundamentals

Key Points

• The correct grip for 2 handed players is the forehand grip with the right hand, and the normal backhand grip for the left hand
• Changing grips on the return is easier for a 2 hander
• The best grip for a 1 hander is usually a neutral grip so they can quickly adapt to a forehand or backhand
• 1 handers may have to move back further when returning to have time to change the grip
• When returning from further back, hit the ball a little higher to give yourself more time
• Change position on your return to give the server a different look
• Practice your return as much as your serve
• Have your coach serve from inside the baseline to speed up your reflexes
• Respect the wider serve when returning from further behind the baseline and still try to move at an angle to return
• A slow second serve is a short ball and you should be looking to attack
• Work on being stable and balanced before returning with the weight going forward
• Don’t take a huge split step or a large step forward so you can react quickly to fast serves
• The return of serve is all about reactions, footwork, legs and being very clear about what you’re doing
• Practice returning different speeds and spins and from different positions in the court
• Returning against big servers can speed up your reflexes and vision
• Aim your returns through the middle and pick your target
• Use adjustable targets at the net to practice the height and direction of your return (see adjustable targets video in Michael Joyce’s profile)
• Andre Agassi would take a small step forward with the left foot, split and then aim for the center net strap
• Give yourself big targets to aim at when returning against big servers