How to Hit a Backhand Return of Serve
Quick answer
To hit a backhand return of serve, split step as the server strikes the ball, keep your backswing short (no farther than your hitting shoulder), and pick one of three plays based on the serve. Block the big first serve, slice when you are jammed or out of time, and drive only the slower second serve that lands in your strike zone.
Set up to react, not to swing
On the return you have far less time than in a rally, so a full groundstroke swing is too big. Wait with both hands already in their two-hander spots, dominant hand in continental, top hand in its eastern forehand grip, so you fire without a grip change. Split step on time, stay balanced, and commit to stepping forward through contact.
The three plays
- 1Block: against a big first serve, or any ball above your chest. Short backswing, firm face, catch and redirect deep down the middle.
- 2Slice: against a jamming or high second serve, or when you have no time to change grip. Carve through the ball with a backhand slice and aim at the server's feet.
- 3Drive: against a slower second serve in your strike zone. Early turn, compact loop, contact in front, three-quarter finish, aim big crosscourt.
Shorten the swing
- Cap the takeback at your hitting shoulder.
- On blocks, finish no higher than your chest.
- Start balanced and end balanced. If the finish pulls you off the line, the swing was too big.
- Practice shadow swings in a doorway so the swing physically cannot get big.
The quick rule
Contact above your chest or on the stretch means block or slice. Contact in front and in your strike zone means drive.
Frequently asked
How do I return a big first serve to my backhand?
Shorten your backswing to your hitting shoulder and block it. Use a firm face, catch and redirect the ball deep down the middle, and step forward through contact.
Should I block or drive the return?
Block the big first serve or any ball above your chest. Drive only the slower second serve that lands in your strike zone. When in doubt and jammed, slice.
When should I split step on the return?
Time your split so you land just as the server strikes the ball. If you land late, start the split as the server's tossing arm drops.
Sources and further reading
Written by
Bolor Enkhbayar
Tennis coach and founder of CoachesNote
Bolor coaches serious juniors and adult competitors. She builds every weekly plan, reviews the video and match notes, and decides the next job, in person and remotely through CoachesNote.
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