5 Simple Tips to Hit a Perfect Pickleball Return of Serve
One of the most important shots in every pickleball rally is the second shot, also called the return of serve. It’s important because it helps to set up the rest of the rally, and if you hit it poorly, it could cost you a point.
Today’s article discusses the return of serve and offers some simple tips to improve your second shot and win more rallies.
Tip #1 - Back up
When returning a serve, you want to position yourself behind the baseline. This gives you space to hit the ball when it’s out in front of your body and provides you with enough time to react to where the serve is going. Depending on your opponent, you’ll want to stand two to four feet behind the baseline when waiting for the serve.
If you’re standing too close to the baseline and the serve is deep, a few things can happen:
It could force you to hit the ball at an awkward contact point
Throw you off-balance
It could force you to hit the ball while on the balls of your feet or leaning back
Ultimately, each of these issues can lead to inconsistent return of serves and cause you to give up points to your opponent.
Tip #2 - Hit deep returns
When you return a serve, it’s important to hit the ball deep to keep your opponents back as long as possible.
There are several other benefits to returning the ball deep:
It gives you more time to get to the non-volley zone line (the kitchen).
It pushes your opponent back–forcing them in an awkward position instead.
It creates more attack opportunities, like hitting the ball down at their feet.
On the flip side, returning the serve too shallow has the opposite effect–it lets your opponents get to the kitchen quickly and creates attack opportunities for them.
Tip #3 - Make solid contact
When returning the serve, you want to make solid contact so that you can hit the ball deep and set the point up in your favor.
Here’s how to make solid, consistent contact:
Move to the ball and set your feet first, then swing second.
Hit the ball in your optimal contact zone, which is out front but not too far out front.
Hit the ball at the peak or descent.
Make contact with the sweet spot of your paddle. Your paddle face should be aiming at where you are trying to hit the ball.
Tip #4 - Move forward
Some players tend to shy away from playing in the kitchen. But that is where most pickleball points are won. After returning the serve, it’s essential for you to get to the net as quickly as possible. Although it’s tempting, don’t hesitate to move forward by watching your shot to see how it does. So many beginning players make this mistake because they don’t have confidence in their abilities. But, as you progress, try not to stay in one spot admiring your shot. Instead, hit the return, then move to your ideal position up at the net.
The longer you hesitate, the more of an advantage you give to your opponents.
Tip #5 - Be strategic
Consistency in your return of serve is key because if you miss this shot, you lose a point. However, if you get your return in, you want to be strategic to make your opponents’ third shot as difficult as possible–and your fourth shot as easy as can be.
There are several ways to do this:
Aim for the back middle–this creates confusion about who will hit the ball.
Return with spin and pace–try to force a low contact point for your opponent to keep them off-balance.
Aim for their backhand–typically, players have a weaker backhand than forehand. Hitting your return at their weakside can help you get an advantage.
Return it with loft–If you need more time to get to the kitchen, adding loft to your return is a great strategy.
Combine all of these strategies–Return the ball deep to the middle, with spin and pace to keep your opponents off-balance and change the match in your favor.
A Drill to Help You
If you’d like to improve your return of serve, you can practice this drill with a friend. Set up on opposite sides of the court, with markers about three to four feet from the baseline (in bounds). Have one player practice serves while the other practices returns. Every ball that lands in the back zone between the marker and the baseline receive one point. After the return of serve, the player should catch the ball and prepare for the next round. The first player to 11 wins.
This will help you both develop a better awareness of how to hit each ball deep. Once you get in a good rhythm, you can practice spins and move the ball around more. Be sure to practice from the left and right sides of the court.
To see the video on these tips, check out High Five Pickleball’s YouTube Channel.
