Hitting Your First Return

What to know:

The return of serve is an extremely important part of a tennis match. The return can either eliminate you from the point or put you in a strong position to dictate the point. The player serving typically has the upper hand in controlling the point but a player with a good return will put up a much better fight.

Fundamentals:

1. Split step
2. Quick racquet preparation
3. Shorten your backswing

Tips:

1. Remember to take a step forward on the second serve.
2. Don’t get caught off balance on the return, keep body momentum coming forward
3. Keep the ball deep on the return. This will ensure that you are not immediately put on the defense.