SERVE & RETURN: Perfecting Your Return

By the Daniel Island Club’s Tennis Professional, Ben Cook

Without a doubt, the serve and return of serve are the two most important shots in tennis today. If you have a big weapon, you will pick up a free point or two per service game. If you struggle, you will find yourself on the defensive end in your service games. This is why many players spend hours working on their serve.

The more neglected shot, in terms of practice time, is the return of the serve. If you have a strong return, take the offensive in many of your opponents’ service games and get more breaks. To be a better service returner, try to work on the following.

1.    While your opponent is going through his/her service ritual (bouncing the ball, etc.), make sure your feet are moving. Avoid being flatfooted.
2.    When the toss goes up, try to take a step or two going forward. This will get your momentum moving into the shot instead of being on your heels.
3.    When your opponent makes contact with their serve, you must get in split step. This will allow you to react better and be ready to move in either direction. Being flatfooted on your opponent’s contact will lead to missed returns.

So keep sending time working on your serve. But also find a partner to serve you some, and work on those returns. It will make you a better player.

Contributed by Ben Cook, Head Tennis Professional, Daniel Island Club

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