Chip Return
Also known as: block-chip return, slice return
A chip return uses a short, compact slice motion to redirect a fast serve back low and controlled, prioritizing consistency over pace.
The chip return shortens the backswing sharply and uses the pace of an incoming serve rather than generating full racquet-head speed, brushing slightly under and across the ball to produce underspin. This keeps the ball low after the bounce. This is especially valuable against a serve-and-volley player. This is because a low return is harder to volley for a clean winner. The compact motion also gives the returner more time against fast serves, since there is less backswing to complete before contact.
The chip return trades power for reliability and depth control. It is often the default return against a player's biggest first serve, with a more aggressive drive return reserved for weaker second serves. A common technical error is chipping with an open racquet face that pops the ball up rather than keeping it low and driving through the shot with underspin. This means the racquet face should stay relatively flat to slightly closed through contact, with the slice coming from the path, not the face angle alone.
Example
Facing a 115 mph first serve, the returner shortens the backswing and chips the ball back low and crosscourt. This uses the serve's own pace rather than trying to out-swing it.
Why it matters
A big backswing on the return against a fast serve is a common cause of mistimed returns. SwingVantage can measure backswing length relative to incoming serve speed to show whether a returner is compensating correctly.
Common mistakes
- Using a full backswing against a fast serve, running out of time before contact
- Opening the racquet face too much, popping the return up into an easy volley
- Chipping every return regardless of serve speed, giving up free attacking opportunities on weak second serves
In SwingVantage Motion Lab
SwingVantage measures backswing length and racquet-face angle at contact on return shots to distinguish a controlled chip from a mistimed slice.
Frequently asked questions
When should I use a chip return instead of driving the ball?
Against a fast, well-placed first serve, or any time reaction time is short. Against a weaker second serve, a fuller drive return is usually the better attacking option.
Related terms
- Block ReturnA block return uses almost no backswing at all, absorbing the serve's pace with a firm, stable racquet face to redirect the ball back deep.
- Return of Serve PositioningReturn of serve positioning is where a returner stands before the serve. This means how far behind the baseline and how far side to side. This means set to counter the server's pace, spin, and typical patterns.
- Slice ServeA slice serve applies sidespin by brushing around the outside of the ball. This causes it to curve away from a right-handed server's deuce-side opponent and stay low after the bounce.
- SliceIn tennis, a slice is a shot hit with backspin by swinging high-to-low through the ball, producing a low, skidding bounce. (This differs from a golf slice, which is a curving mishit.)
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