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Jorge Capestany - TennisDrills TV Chip and Charge Return Chip and Charge Return Many players do not have the ability to move in and take the ball early on the return of serve. One common reason for mistakes on this shot is because when players move in (creating momentum) they forget to shorten their swings, which is the other part of the equation to succeed with this shot.
On a singles return the percentage ratios are roughly 20% of the power coming from forward momentum and 80% from the swing. This is because the singles player is typically planning on staying at the baseline after the return and therefore does not need the momentum of moving in to help get into the net. The player will have a slight forward movement in the return ritual, but not enough to launch him all the way to the net. On the doubles return (AKA the chip and charge return) the percentage ratios change so that about 50% of their power comes from the forward momentum and 50% from the swing. This allows the returner to shorten the swing size and therefore make fewer errors. In this example, the increased forward momentum will launch the player all the way to the net and it is typical that the second shot will be a volley and not a groundstroke. This chip and charge return is also effective in singles against players that serve and volley. Next time you hit the courts take an assessment of your power ratios and add this new chip and charge return as a part of your game.
Jorge Capestany - TennisDrills TV Jorge is the Founder of www.tennisdrills.tv - a video based website that shows more than 700 videos of tennis drills and tips. Jorge is one of only nine people world-wide that is a Master Professional with both the USPTA and PTR. Jorge is a 6-time Michigan Pro of the Year a 2-time Midwest Pro of the Year. Jorge has coached hundreds of ranked juniors including 3 national champions. |
