The key for me on being consistent with my return of serve, especially in doubles, is to commit to a full shoulder turn out of my ready position (the ready position is that neutral position where you’re facing forward not knowing if you’re going to be getting a forehand or backhand as the server is tossing).
If I can get can a quick full shoulder turn to commit to either a forehand or backhand, then my chances go way up that I’ll have better spacing (distance away) to the path of the incoming serve which allows me to play the return as an approach shot and that I’ll be able to make better instinctive shot selection choices.
To be able to make a full shoulder turn, I must have soft hands on the racket as the server is tossing the ball for their serve and when they make contact.
Soft meaning very light grip tension…
And I’m telling ya, you’d be amazed at just how much strength we apply to the racket handle prior to contact by the server.
Hand strength on the racket handle also equates to poor shot selection choices.
Mai and I are playing the USTA National Husband-Wife Grass Court tournament this upcoming week of March 8 at the Mission Hills Country Club in Ranch Mirage, CA (Palm Springs), and if you’re in that area, we’d love to have chance to meet you and say hi.
Lots of WebTennis players go to the Indian Wells tournament which also starts next week, so it’d be great to say hi if you’re going to watch that tournament.
We’re currently at the Mauna Kea resort on the big island of Hawaii and practicing lots and lots of returns of serve.
(Hey, life’s tough, I know, but my prize for winning the 2009 National 60s Hardcourt Singles last April was 2 round trip tix to Hawaii on Hawaiian Airlines, and since the points expire next month, well, you get the picture…).
Anyway, check out this short video (sorry about the nasty wind the day we filmed).
Here’s the link to the Husband-Wife draw and match times for next week in Palm Springs.
Hope to see you there.
And by the way, what’s your biggest challenge, your #1 question for your return of serve? Would like to hear your feedback.
Please detail your feedback in the Leave A Reply area below (not email, thanks)…
Brent
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About Brent
Hi Brent,
Video choice not showing up on this blog. Enjoy your website and hope to say hello down in Palm Springs next
week. We are also hoping to do some wildflower watching down in Anzo Borrego and Joshua Tree to mix in with the
tennis at Indian Wells.
Thanks again,
Keith (and Karen)
El Cerrito, Ca
Hi Brent, thank you for your advices over the return of serve, I am going to practice this morning the soulder turn and the soft hand on the racquet.
Best wishes for your tournament.
From Caracas, Venezuela
Your friend and fan
Laureano
hi,
Its really a great websitefor tennis tips and i have been folloing it for years(since started playing tennis).
I find it difficult to return serv at a decent pace for the reason that i use a long back swing and play a top spin game with my nearly western grip. Any advice for me to get better with my return of serves??
Brent:
Great tip for return of service. It really helped! Good luck in the tournament.
Ron Petty
PS: You can get a wireless , tiny microphone to attached to your video camera for not much$$$ and it would REALLY improve your quality, especially in windy situations. Just a thought. You have really helped me with my game. I’m a 3.0 winning at 3.5…thanks.
Hi Brent,
Love your site! Last night played for the first time in a month after deciding to take some time off to let my Achilles Tendinitis heal. I bought your DVD and followed it and after a several hours of doubles play I had only minor discomfort. This morning nearly pain free. I will be following the strength training and have also been using the marathon stick regularly now.
Also last night tried the 1/2 pinky trick on the serve. Works great! To my shock and surprise I actually overheard a comment as we were switching courts about my serve!
I could use some training and possibly some practice drills for the toss.
Thank you for your help. You and your wife go get-em in Palm Springs. You have a fan Pennsylvania. Thanks again, Steve Hogan, 53 year old, 5 years playing, 3.5 and growing!
Brent, thanks for the tips they are starting to pay dividends,I’m playing at the 3.5 level and just want to make a steady move upward to hopefully a 5.0 I have the drive but your tips sure make it easier. Good Luck to you and Mai in the tournament —–Vic
HI, When returning the first serve i just do seem to have the time to turn and get the racket to the ball with my body weight into it. I have single handed b/h. How did Macenroe do it as he seemed to have the most economical and powerful single handed b/h return?
Best wishes,
Mike.
Dear Brent: although I’m not able to play tennis cz of a shoulder that needs surgery I still enjoy your webcasts and info. When I recuperate I’d like to take a lesson from you sometime.
My question is do you prepare any differently to receive from a left handed server? Any suggestions for a rt hander to deal w/ a lefty?
Thank you.
Best of luck to you and Mai at the upcoming tournament.
Ken
This is exactly what I have been working on!
I’ve also been looking closely at the position of the servers racket, at the point of contact, to help me get an early feel for which side the serve is coming on.
Then if the server has a big serve, I just try to put my racket out and let the ball come to it without much of any intended swing.
Thanks for all the tips!
John
good luck with your tennis with your wife,,hope u will do very wellon monday and rest of the week
Hi Brent,
Thanks for all the tips so far. Just wanted to wish you all the best for your upcoming tournament.
How old is Mai you ol’ buzzard?
Don´t forget to practice the Shadow Doubles, with the approaching Split Step, through the 1st. and 2d. offensive and following the ball in Vicectriz and I know you should do great as allways. I envy you for beeing in Hawai and having the opportunity to play the houseban and wife tournament. But please be nice, polite and show patience with your greacefull wife. Jorge
When you practice your service return do you always play out the point or do you sometimes just work on serve placement and return placement?
All the very best to you & Mai at the USTA grasscourt championship….gotta be good for the husband & wife relationship!
Stephen
HI Brent,
great post, indeed!
My main issue regarding server return happens with players with weak 2nd serve, when the ball is short, flat and low bouncing.
I’m confused to face the ball, I would like to shoot a winner, but usually it is in the net or sometimes out.
What’s the best approach for you?
Should I to rotate the shouldern and “come in” the ball or to stand neutral and to top spin from righ to left (for the forehand)?
Have a great tournament,
Tib
Hi Brent,
Anything else to add for returning the kick serve high to the backhand. Last time I played someone like that I had a really hard time keeping the serve in play let alone returning the serve with anything on it at all.
Thanks,
Paul
Hey!! I enjoyed the tip! it was great, just today I was having some struggle with my return but I’ll try that! thanks for the tip! and good luck on the tourney!
Hi Brent,
Great tip that has immediately helped me in a weak area of my game.
Thanks so much and good luck to you and Mai in your tournament.
Doug
Thanks Doug for your kind words.
I swear that id there’s one thing I can only concentrate on during my return of serve, it’s making sure my hands are light on the racket during my opponent’s service motion.
Brent
Return of Serve Downloadable & DVD Lesson by Brent