Unlimited Doubles: Return of Serve

by Steve Tourdo

Choose Your Target

The return of serve is as valuable to players trying to break serve as the serve is to players trying to hold serve. Let's learn some recipe for successfully returning serve.

Begin by clarifying your intentions for your return before the server even hits the ball. These intentions should be based on tactical considerations. If you're playing doubles you'll want to determine whether to hit cross-court, down the line, or lob. 

Chose a specific target for the return before the server hits the ball. Choose the cross court target 90% of the time and use the alley and lob for special circumstances when cross court isn't effective.

Getting the ball back in play away from the net player is the minimum requirement. A missed return of serve is a free point for the server so be consistent. Focus on requiring the server to play a second shot. This will challenge their ability to hold serve. 

Once you can accomplish a consistent return to your target area, raise your standards. Begin aiming lower at the server's feet to make them hit up or perhaps further crosscourt if the net player is challenging you too much.

As you prepare to receive the serve, keep in mind that the server has three primary options on the serve. They may serve down the middle, wide, or into your body. Begin by trying to anticipate the serve's direction. You will notice serving patterns right away. Try to anticipate these serving patterns especially if your opponent has enough pace on the serve to ace you.

When the server throws the ball up for the toss, take a step forward toward the server. This serves two purposes. 

1. It allows you to hit the ball rather than the ball to hit you.
2. Forward motion shortens the distance between you and the server which gives the server less time to
   recover from the service motion and advance on the net.

As the server strikes the ball, use your split step to balance yourself and prepare to move in the direction of the serve. Once the serve is on the way toward you, move forward again. This motion allows you to use a simpler return motion which will be more dependable.

Since you're moving forward you won't need a large back swing so use only a short back swing. This will help your accuracy and consistency. You'll want to keep the follow through since that doesn't cost anything from a timing standpoint and it will help you guide the ball right to your chosen target. Keep your motion simple by shortening your back swing and guide the ball to your target with your follow through.

To summarize- clarify your target intentions before the server begins their motion to serve.  Try to anticipate the servers intentions. Step forward as the server begins their motion. Use a shortened back swing without skimping on the follow through and remember to be consistent in guiding the ball to your chosen target.

Good luck ...and enjoy your challenges.

For a more complete explanation of this concept, see Steve Tourdo's book: Unlimited Doubles!!

Your comments are welcome. Let us know what you think about Steve Tourdo's article by emailing us here at TennisONE.  

Last Updated 10/15/01. To contact us, please email to: webmaster@tennisone.com

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