Description:
Jerry Jayapal
This video covers essential principles that lead to hitting quality, consistent serve returns. When setting up for the return, make sure your position allows you to hit the ball in front of you. If necessary, take a step or two back behind the baseline prior to the serve. This ensures proper contact position and avoids having to hit a ball that’s at your feet, which is difficult. Hitting in front of you also keeps your momentum moving forward, leading to better shot control and helping advance towards the kitchen.
Trying to take a step back while returning serve or hitting while your momentum is moving backwards is much harder and takes you out of position for your next shot. Proper positioning on serve return allows you to contact the ball at its apex, or just as it begins to descend, in front of you, and makes hitting the ball in your strike zone much easier.