Block, Punch, Drive: A Return-of-Serve Menu for Every Serve
Quick answer
A reliable return is a menu, not one swing. Block the big first serve with a short, firm motion. Punch the medium ball back deep through the middle. Drive the slow second serve you have time to attack. Shorten your backswing as the serve gets bigger, and use the pace that is already on the ball.
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Why your return is your weakest shot
Most players take the same full backswing on every serve. Against a big serve there is no time for it, so you arrive late and shank or float. The fix is to match your swing length to the serve. The bigger and faster the serve, the shorter and firmer your motion.
The three-item return menu
1. Block the big serve
On a serve you can barely reach, treat it like a volley from the baseline. Short backswing, firm wrist, meet it in front, and redirect it deep to the middle. You are not trying to win the point on the return. You are trying to start the rally even.
2. Punch the medium serve
On a serve with some pace but not overwhelming, take a compact swing and drive it deep through the center. Depth and the middle take away your opponent's angles and buy you time to get into the point.
3. Drive the slow second serve
When you get a soft second serve, this is your chance to attack. Step in, take the ball early, and hit to a target. A weak return on a second serve hands the server a free point. A kick serve that jumps to your shoulder is the exception, so take that one earlier or back up to let it drop.
Where should you stand to return?
Start deeper against a big first serve to give yourself time, then move in for the second serve to take it earlier. Adjust by what you see. If a server keeps acing you wide, cheat a step to cover it. The two-handed backhand return is a great place to groove this compact motion.
The short version
Block the big one, punch the medium one, drive the slow one. Shorter swing as the serve gets bigger. Start the point even and play.
Frequently asked
How do you return a fast serve?
Shorten your backswing and treat it like a volley from the baseline. Firm wrist, contact in front, and redirect the pace deep through the middle instead of trying to add your own.
Where should I stand to return serve?
Stand deeper for a big first serve to buy time, and step in for a slower second serve to take it earlier. Adjust your position based on where the server is hurting you.
How do I return a kick serve that jumps high?
Either move in and take it early before it climbs to your shoulder, or back up and let it drop into a comfortable strike zone. Standing still in no man's land is what makes the kick serve awkward.
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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