Chip and Charge
Also known as: chip and charge, chip-and-charge, chip and come in, chip and rush, chip return and come to the net
Chip and charge means returning serve with a low slice, or chip, and following it straight to the net. The low chip makes the server hit up, so you can volley down. It works best against second serves and on fast, low-bouncing courts.
Chip and charge is a return tactic. You meet the serve with a compact slice and keep moving forward. The idea is to take the net before the server is ready. It puts pressure on the server's next shot.
The chip needs to be low and deep or low and at the feet. A low ball forces the server to lift the next shot. That gives you a volley you can hit down. If the chip floats high, the server can pass you or hit through you. Step in early, take the ball in front and keep the swing short.
Use it on second serves, when the serve is slower. It is common in doubles, where a chip to the server's feet is a classic play. It suits grass and fast hard courts. On slow clay, a passing shot has more time, so pick your moments. Split step as the opponent hits, then move to the volley.
Tips by skill level
Practise chipping second serves deep down the middle. Then add a few steps forward and a split step.
Mix chip and charge with deep drives on the return. A server who cannot predict your return makes more errors.
Example
On a soft second serve, she steps in and chips the return low to the server's backhand. She follows it to the net. The server has to dig the ball up and she volleys into the open court.
Why it matters
Chip and charge turns the return from a defensive shot into an attack. It also keeps servers from settling on second serves.
Common mistakes
- Floating the chip high, which invites a passing shot
- Stopping halfway in, in no-man's land
- Forgetting to split step as the server hits
- Trying it on fast first serves
Frequently asked questions
What is chip and charge in tennis?
It is a return tactic. You slice the serve back low and deep, then rush the net to finish with a volley.
When should I chip and charge?
On second serves and on fast, low-bouncing courts. It also works well in doubles with a chip at the server's feet.
Related terms
- Chip ReturnA chip return uses a short, compact slice motion to redirect a fast serve back low and controlled, prioritizing consistency over pace.
- Approach to NetApproaching the net means moving forward from the baseline after an approach shot or serve. The aim is to put away the point with a volley or overhead.
- Split StepA split step is a small hop timed to the moment your opponent strikes the ball. It primes your legs to push off explosively in any direction.
- Doubles Return TacticsIn doubles, return crosscourt to the server, low and away from the net player, unless you are sure a shot down the line will win the point. If the server comes to the net, aim low at their feet. If the net player keeps poaching, mix in a lob over their head or a shot down their alley. Block or chip big first serves, and swing more freely on second serves.
- Serve and VolleyServe and volley is a tactical pattern in which the server rushes to the net immediately after delivering the serve, intending to end the point with a first or second volley.
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