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. The racquet brushes slightly under and across the ball to produce underspin. This keeps the ball low after the bounce, which is especially valuable against a serve-and-volley player. 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. A more aggressive drive return is reserved for weaker second serves. A common technical error is chipping with an open racquet face that pops the ball up. The goal is to keep it low and drive through the shot with underspin. 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. Motion Lab traces your racquet path, so you can see how big your return backswing is. It does not measure serve speed, so compare returns against fast and slow serves.
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
Motion Lab traces your racquet path on the return but does not measure the backswing's length or the racquet-face angle. Check the face at contact on video to tell 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. A firm, stable racquet face absorbs the serve's pace and redirects the ball back deep.
- Return of Serve PositioningReturn of serve positioning is how deep and how far to one side a returner stands. It is set to counter the server's pace, spin, and typical patterns.
- Slice ServeA slice serve adds sidespin by brushing around the outside of the ball. From a right-hander, it curves away from the deuce-side returner and stays low.
- SliceIn tennis, a slice is a backspin shot hit high-to-low through the ball, for a low, skidding bounce. A golf slice, by contrast, is a curving mishit.
Available in other languages
Related guides & benchmarks
Put this into your swing
SwingVantage can spot this in your own swing — free to start.
See a sample Tennis report first