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Struggling to Return the Serve In Pickleball? Fix It With These 5 Secrets


In pickleball, the return of serve is the shot played by the receiving team after the serving team delivers the ball. The serving team initiates the point with a serve, typically an underhand shot aimed diagonally across the court. The receiving player must return the ball before it bounces twice, adhering to specific rules:

  • The Two-Bounce Rule: The ball must bounce once on the receiving side before the return and once on the serving side before the serving team can hit it. This means the return of serve cannot be volleyed (hit in the air).
  • Court Positioning: The returner must stand behind the baseline, within the boundaries of their service court, to receive the serve.
  • Scoring Impact: Only the serving team can score points in traditional pickleball scoring, but a strong return can prevent the serving team from gaining an advantage or lead to a side-out.

The return of serve is more than just getting the ball back—it’s a strategic opportunity to neutralize the server’s advantage and set up your team for success.

Why the Return of Serve Matters

Unlike the serve, which is a controlled shot, the return of serve requires quick decision-making under pressure. A good return can:

  • Force a Weak Third Shot: By hitting a deep, well-placed return, you can push the serving team back, making their third shot (often a drop or drive) more difficult.
  • Control the Pace: A varied return can disrupt the serving team’s rhythm, giving your team time to advance to the non-volley zone (NVZ), also known as the kitchen.
  • Set Up Offensive Play: A strategic return can position your team to take control of the rally, turning defense into offense.

Conversely, a poor return—such as a short, high ball—can give the serving team an easy opportunity to attack, putting you on the defensive.

Techniques for an Effective Return of Serve

Mastering the return of serve requires a combination of technique, positioning, and strategy. Here are the key elements to focus on:

1. Proper Grip and Stance

  • Grip: Use a continental grip (like shaking hands with the paddle) for versatility. This allows you to hit forehands, backhands, and slices without adjusting your grip.
  • Stance: Stand with knees slightly bent, feet shoulder-width apart, and weight on the balls of your feet. Face the server to track the ball’s trajectory.

2. Reading the Serve

  • Anticipate Spin: Many players add topspin or sidespin to their serves. Watch the server’s paddle angle and body position to predict the ball’s behavior.
  • Track Ball Speed: Serves can vary from soft lobs to fast drives. Adjust your positioning based on the serve’s speed and depth.

3. Types of Returns

There are several ways to return a serve, each with its own strategic purpose:

  • Deep Return: Aiming for the back third of the court forces the server to hit their third shot from a defensive position, often leading to a weaker drop or lob.
  • Short Return: A soft, angled return that lands near the NVZ can pull the server forward, disrupting their positioning. This is riskier but effective against aggressive servers.
  • Spin Return: Adding topspin keeps the ball low, making it harder for the server to attack. Backspin can slow the ball, giving your team time to advance.
  • Drive Return: A fast, flat shot aimed at the server’s feet can catch them off guard, especially if they’re expecting a softer return.

4. Placement and Targeting

  • Aim for the Baseline: A deep return is the safest and most effective option for most players, as it limits the server’s ability to hit an aggressive third shot.
  • Target Weaknesses: If you know the server struggles with backhands or movement, aim for their weaker side.
  • Avoid the Middle: Hitting down the middle can lead to confusion in doubles, but it’s less effective against strong teams who communicate well.

5. Footwork and Movement

  • Step into the Shot: Move forward slightly as you hit the return to generate power and maintain balance.
  • Advance to the NVZ: After returning, move quickly to the kitchen line (if playing doubles) to prepare for the rally. In singles, adjust positioning based on the return’s depth.

Strategies for Doubles vs. Singles

The return of serve varies slightly depending on whether you’re playing doubles or singles:

Doubles

  • Team Coordination: Communicate with your partner to decide who takes the serve, especially if it’s hit down the middle. The player with the stronger forehand or better angle should typically return.
  • Deep and Central: Aim for a deep return to keep both opponents back, giving you and your partner time to reach the NVZ.
  • Avoid Pop-Ups: High returns can lead to smashes from the serving team, so keep the ball low and controlled.

Singles

  • Aggressive Returns: In singles, you have more court to cover, so a drive return or angled shot can pressure the server and force errors.
  • Vary Placement: Mix up deep and short returns to keep the server guessing and prevent them from settling into a rhythm.
  • Quick Recovery: After returning, prepare to cover the entire court, as singles rallies often involve more lateral movement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced players can fall into bad habits when returning serves. Here are pitfalls to watch out for:

  • Hitting Short Returns: Returns that land in the middle of the court give the serving team an easy third shot, often leading to a drop or drive.
  • Overhitting: Trying to hit a winner on the return is risky, as it can lead to errors or give the server an easy volley.
  • Poor Positioning: Standing too close to the baseline or too far back can limit your reaction time and shot options.
  • Ignoring Spin: Failing to read the serve’s spin can result in mishits or weak returns.
  • Staying Back: In doubles, failing to advance to the NVZ after the return leaves you vulnerable to drop shots and dinks.

Drills to Improve Your Return of Serve

Practice is key to mastering the return of serve. Try these drills to hone your skills:

  1. Deep Return Drill: Have a partner serve to you, aiming to return every ball within 3 feet of the baseline. Focus on consistency and depth.
  2. Spin Reading Drill: Ask a partner to mix up serves with topspin, backspin, and no spin. Practice identifying the spin and adjusting your return accordingly.
  3. Target Practice: Place cones or markers in the corners of the opponent’s court. Aim your returns at these targets to improve placement accuracy.
  4. Pressure Drill: Have a partner serve rapidly, varying speed and placement. Practice returning under time pressure to simulate game conditions.
  5. Doubles Movement Drill: In doubles, practice returning and immediately moving to the NVZ with your partner, focusing on synchronized movement.

Advanced Tips for Competitive Play

For players looking to take their return of serve to the next level, consider these advanced strategies:

  • Disguise Your Return: Use similar body positioning for different returns (e.g., deep vs. short) to keep opponents guessing.
  • Exploit Court Conditions: On windy days, use the wind to your advantage by adding spin or adjusting depth. On indoor courts, focus on precision, as there’s no environmental interference.
  • Study Opponents: Watch for patterns in the server’s third shot (e.g., always dropping or driving). Tailor your return to make their preferred shot harder.
  • Mix Up Pace: Alternate between soft, loopy returns and hard drives to disrupt the server’s timing.

Conclusion

The return of serve in pickleball is a foundational skill that can make or break your game. By focusing on technique, placement, and strategy, you can turn a defensive shot into a powerful weapon. Whether you’re playing casually or competing in tournaments, a strong return of serve will give you an edge over your opponents. Practice the drills, avoid common mistakes, and experiment with different returns to find what works best for your playstyle. So, grab your paddle, hit the court, and start mastering the art of the return of serve today!

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