5 Tennis Tips to Improve Your Return of Serve

Sometimes the little tricks can make a big difference in everything we do.
Below you’ll find 5 return of serve tennis tips that could greatly improve your technique and footwork. 

1. Shorten the Backswing
When you practice the return of serve always imagine that you are having your back against a fence (see picture below). In this way, you will not take the racquet too far back, and instead, you focus on preparing it behind the path of the incoming ball thus having a short/abbreviated backswing.
 

2. It is Not a Groundstroke
Do not treat the return of serve like you do a groundstroke. The serve usually comes at a higher speed than a groundstroke and from a higher point of contact.
This means on the return of serve you deal with a faster and higher bouncing ball.

3. Split Step and Footwork
Make a small step forward followed by a split step as your opponent tosses the ball up. This action will get the body in balance and put the weight towards the incoming ball (see the video below).

4. Move in on the Kick
If you see your opponent tossing the ball over the non-dominant shoulder (kick serve toss) lean and move forward to take the ball on the rise. Failing to do so will put you in a tough situation when you will have to deal with high balls of which contact could be above your shoulders.

5. Challenge the Server
When receiving serve you should sometimes challenge the server by standing more towards your weaker side. For example, when receiving from the ad side, move toward the alley to show the server a bigger opening on your forehand (assuming this is your strong side).
By doing so you put pressure on the server to either aim to the little room they have open on your backhand side or make them go for the big opening which is your strong side (the forehand).

If you have enjoyed these tips, check out the Serve and Return of Serve Drills video section.