Return of Serve
Also known as: serve return, returning serve, return technique, how to return a serve, returning a fast serve, returning a big serve, returning a kick serve
To return serve well, split step as the server hits, turn your shoulders early and use a short, compact backswing. Against a fast serve, block or chip the ball deep and use the server's pace. Against a kick serve, step in and take it before it climbs, or move back and let it drop.
The return is the first shot of every point the opponent serves. The goal is usually to get the ball back deep and in play, not to hit a winner. Start in a balanced ready stance and split step just as the server strikes the ball. Read the toss and the racquet face for clues about direction and spin. Then make an early unit turn with the shoulders. The ball arrives fast. The backswing needs to be shorter than on a normal groundstroke.
Big first serves call for a compact block. Turn, hold the racquet face firm and meet the ball in front. Use the server's pace instead of adding your own. Many coaches teach a short follow-through aimed deep through the middle. That target gives the most margin and takes away the server's angles. Kick serves bounce high and jump away from you. Step forward to take the ball before it climbs above the shoulder, or stand back and let it drop into your strike zone. Against a weaker second serve, many players step in and attack.
Where you stand matters as much as the swing. Stand deeper against a big server and closer against a weak one. Adjust if you keep getting jammed or stretched. Keep the head still through contact and recover to a ready position as soon as you finish. Two rules are worth knowing. The receiver may stand anywhere on their own side of the net (ITF Rule 8). The receiver loses the point if they hit the serve before it bounces (Rule 24(e)).
Tips by skill level
Pick one simple target, deep down the middle, and aim every return there. Keep the swing short and focus on your split step as the server hits.
Scout the server's patterns early. If a player keeps serving wide on the deuce side at 30-all, shade that way and attack. Change your return position to give the server a different look.
Example
Facing a big first serve to the backhand, the returner splits as the server strikes, turns early and blocks the ball deep down the middle. The server's next shot has to come from behind the baseline instead of from inside it.
Why it matters
You return serve on about half the points in a match. A reliable return puts pressure on the server and creates break-point chances.
Common mistakes
- Taking a full groundstroke backswing against a fast serve and making contact late
- Splitting too early or too late instead of landing as the server strikes the ball
- Going for a winner off a good first serve instead of getting the ball back deep
- Standing in the same spot for every server and every serve
Frequently asked questions
How do I return a fast serve?
Stand a little deeper, split step as the server hits and turn your shoulders early. Use a short, firm block and aim deep through the middle. Let the server's pace do the work.
How do I return a kick serve?
Kick serves bounce high and away from you. Step in and take the ball on the rise before it climbs above your shoulder, or move back and let it drop. Keep the swing compact either way.
Where should I stand to return serve?
Stand deeper against a big first serve and step in against a weaker second serve. Start around the baseline and adjust after a few points. Move if you keep getting jammed or stretched wide.
Can you hit a serve before it bounces in tennis?
No. Under ITF Rule 24(e), the receiver loses the point if they return the serve before it bounces. You may stand anywhere on your side of the net, though.
Sources
Related terms
- 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.
- Block ReturnA block return uses almost no backswing. A firm, stable racquet face absorbs the serve's pace and redirects the ball back deep.
- Chip ReturnA chip return uses a short, compact slice motion to redirect a fast serve back low and controlled, prioritizing consistency over pace.
- 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.
- Kick ServeA kick serve mixes heavy topspin and sidespin. It clears the net safely, then kicks high and sideways, making it the standard high-level second serve.
- Hitting on the RiseHitting on the rise means meeting the ball on its way up, soon after the bounce, instead of waiting for it to peak or drop. To do it, stand on or just inside the baseline, turn early, shorten the backswing, stay low and make contact out in front with a steady racquet face.
Related guides & benchmarks
Put this into practice
Ask SwingVantage a follow-up question about this, or keep reading the related terms above.