How to Returning Serves!

Returning serve is one of the most important shots in pickleball. Winning the point often starts with making a solid return to get the ball in play. 

However, with the evolution of advanced spin serves, returning can be a real challenge. 

In this blog, we break down key strategies and techniques to help you handle any serve that comes your way.

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Start with the Stance

Proper positioning begins with your stance. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and weight balanced on the balls of your feet. 

This athletic stance allows quick lateral movement and weight transfer. Avoid standing flat-footed.

Execute a split step just as the server is making contact. This gets your momentum going to move explosively. 

Have your paddle out front to visualize the contact point and aid your timing. 

Starting in a dialed-in ready position gives you a solid foundation to handle returns.

Read the Server’s Hands

The key to reading spin serves starts with watching the server’s hands, not the paddle. 

Focus on how they grip and spin the ball before release. If their right hand pulls up and left hand pulls down, the serve will kick left. Watching hand spin reveals the serve's movement.

Don’t get fooled by paddle motions meant to deceive. A server can fake topspin or slice serves, but the hand grip determines the actual spin and trajectory. 

Spot hand positioning early so you can anticipate the serve's reaction off the bounce.

Move Quickly to Intercept

Once you read the serve, move your feet to get your body behind the ball. The key is giving yourself enough time and space to react to the spin. Avoid crowding the bounce point which jams your swing.

By positioning 6-8 feet behind the bounce, you leave room to handle any kicking spin serves. React quickly but don’t overcommit. 

Stay balanced with your weight centered, ready to change direction. Getting your body aligned behind serves is crucial for solid contact.

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Control the Return

Aim cross-court to increase your margin over the net. Clear the net by 2-3 feet and land the ball just inside the baseline. 

This controlled return gets the point started without taking unnecessary risks.

Use underspin on harder, faster serves to help clear the net and create a high floating return. 

Topspin can be used on slower serves to be more aggressive. But keeping the ball in play is priority one. Save the aggression for after the return.

Watch Your Opponent

Pay close attention to your opponent's service patterns and tendencies over the course of a match. 

Note any obvious tells or motions to clue you in on upcoming serves. Identify favorite locations and what serves they use in key situations like break point.

Adapting based on observable patterns is a great way to gain an edge. Focus on watching your opponent closely before and during points to gather key intel to anticipate and attack certain serves.

Consistency Wins the Day

Mastering the serve return requires repetition and experience against different types of servers. 

Don’t get discouraged; even pros get aced. The key is maintaining consistency to get your return in play at a high rate. Minimize risks and unforced errors.

Perfect practice makes perfect. Drill returns frequently and implement the tips above. 

With time, solid footwork, positioning, and technique will make you a master returner. 

Taking command of the point often starts with the return, so strive for consistency and smarts to handle any serve.

Returning serve is a vital pickleball skill. Use these tips to read spins, move quickly, and consistently return tough serves. 

Don’t let a fierce serve rattle you. 

Follow our strategies to take control of the point from the start and frustrate your opponent. 

Sharpen your return game today for more wins tomorrow!

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FAQs

Where should you be looking when the opponent is serving?

Keep your eyes focused on the server's hands as they grip and spin the ball before serving. This reveals the spin they are putting on the ball.

If the server pulls their right hand up and left hand down, which direction will the serve go?

If the right hand pulls up and left hand down, it will produce slice or spin that makes the ball go left from the receiver's perspective.

What ready position should you be in when awaiting a serve?

Use an athletic stance with knees bent, weight balanced, and paddle out front. Do a split step when the server contacts the ball.

Is it better to return serve with topspin or underspin?

Underspin helps clear the net and creates a high floating return. Topspin can be used on slower serves to be more aggressive.

Where should you aim your service return in terms of court position?

Aim cross-court to increase margin over the net. Land the ball just inside the baseline to safely get the point started.