Tennis Return Serve Drills

Returning a fast serve in tennis is one of the sport’s most challenging feats. This is because you have an incredibly limited window to react, which often tempts you to rush your stroke. But in the rush, you might sacrifice accuracy and control, turning a potential strategic advantage into a weak link in your game. To transform this challenge into an opportunity, you should consider the psychology behind the action.

Anticipation matters just as much as physical readiness. I advise players to focus less on the power behind the ball and more on the technique of meeting it.

This shift in mindset helps to promote a swing that’s both controlled and timed correctly. Having sharp reflexes and a quick eye are undeniably important.

You should be mentally prepared to recognize patterns, predict the ball’s trajectory, and get into the right position to return the serve.

It’s about creating harmony between your mental and physical responses to make that return not just a reaction, but a deliberate action. With time and dedication, you can refine these skills. That’s where drills come into play. They can be as simple as practicing returns to your own service box. But don’t be mistaken — simplicity does not equal ineffectiveness. These foundational exercises are crucial stepping stones to mastering deeper and more forceful returns across the net.

Fine-tuning serve return precision through targeted drills

Starting with the basics is essential for any skill, and returning a serve in tennis is no exception.

Target service box across the net drill (cross-return)

The advantage of this type of return in a match is that you don’t expose half of the court as you do with a down-the-line return where you can be easily exploited by a cross-court winner. So, it’s an excellent both defensive and offensive return.
This drill reinforces the control needed to reduce unforced errors when you’re facing a barrage of fast serves.
Here’s how the drill might be structured:

Setup

• Start on one side of the court, either deuce or ad side, depending on your preference or the focus of the drill.
• Your partner or coach will stand on the opposite side of the net and serve from the service line or slightly behind it.

Objective

• The objective of the drill is to return the serve consistently into the service box across the net. This encourages players to focus on control and placement rather than power.

Execution

• Your partner serves the ball to you, aiming to replicate various types of serves (e.g., flat, slice, kick) to simulate real match situations.
• As the returner, your goal is to make a controlled return that lands within the service box across the net.
• Focus on using proper footwork, timing, and racket preparation to execute the return effectively.
• Pay attention to your stance and positioning to ensure you’re in a good position to make the return.

Variations

• Once you become comfortable returning serves into the service box across the net consistently, you can progress to more challenging variations of the drill.
• For example, you can increase the difficulty by aiming for specific areas within the service box across the net (e.g., corners) or by adding movement to simulate on-the-run returns.

Benefits

• This drill helps develop precision and control in returning serves, which are essential skills for neutralizing opponents’ shots and gaining control of the point.
• By initially targeting service box across the net, you learn to prioritize placement over power, which can lead to more consistent and strategic returns in match play.
• The drill also improves your ability to handle various types of serves, as you’re forced to adjust your technique and positioning based on the serve’s trajectory and spin.

What I find effective is initiating this drill with a self-feed, allowing you to adjust your swing and stance without the pressure of an incoming serve. This helps in developing muscle memory for the correct technique, which becomes crucial when you progress to faster and deeper returns.

By setting up a personal regimen that includes this drill several times a week, you can maintain and gradually enhance your skill level. We must recognize that improvement in tennis requires not only understanding the right techniques but also the dedication to practice them regularly.

Tennis serve return footwork drills

Here’s a secret: good footwork isn’t just about speed; it’s about efficiency.

Efficient footwork gets you to the right spot at the right time, without burning unnecessary energy. It’s the kind of movement that allows you to plant your feet and meet the incoming serve with both stability and readiness.

Now, to really get the hang of this, include tennis serve return footwork drills in your practice sessions. One hint you don’t need an actual ladder, you can just imagine that ladder is there.

Agility ladder drills

• Basic Ladder Runs: Players start at one end of the ladder and run through it by stepping in and out of each ladder square with one foot per square. This drill improves foot speed and coordination.

• Lateral Shuffle: Players face sideways to the ladder and shuffle laterally through it, stepping one foot in, then the other foot out of each ladder square. This drill improves lateral movement and agility.

• High Knees: Players run through the ladder while lifting their knees high with each step. This drill improves knee lift, lower body strength, and explosiveness.

• In-Out Hops: Players hop with both feet into one ladder square, then immediately hop out to the next square. This drill improves agility, coordination, and quickness.

• Crossover Steps: Players cross one foot over the other as they move through the ladder, alternating which foot crosses over on each step. This drill improves coordination, balance, and lateral movement.

• Ickey Shuffle: Players perform a combination of lateral shuffle steps and forward runs through the ladder, alternating between the two movements. This drill improves footwork, agility, and coordination.

• Ali Shuffle: Players perform a rapid side-to-side movement by crossing one foot in front of the other inside each ladder square. This drill improves lateral quickness, coordination, and agility.

• Hopscotch: Players hop forward on one foot into the ladder square, then immediately hop backward on the same foot to return to the starting position. This drill improves balance, coordination, and explosiveness.

• Double Leg Hops: Players hop forward through the ladder, landing with both feet in each square before moving to the next one. This drill improves leg strength, power, and coordination.

• 180-Degree Rotations: Players perform a series of jumps, rotating their body 180 degrees between each ladder square. This drill improves agility, body control, and rotational movement.

Agility ladder drills can be customized based on players’ skill levels and specific areas for improvement. They are often incorporated into warm-up routines or as part of a larger training session to enhance overall athletic performance and footwork proficiency.

Consistent practice of tennis serve return footwork drills can help tennis players move more efficiently on the court, react quickly to opponents’ shots, and maintain balance and stability during rallies.

Elevate Your Game: Return Serve Tips

Improvement in tennis, especially when it comes to returning a serve, doesn’t just happen overnight. It is the product of deliberate practice and the willingness to incorporate new strategies into your regimen.

One action that has been a game-changer for many players is consistently MOVING FORWARD towards the ball.

This slight advancement not only puts you in a better position to return but also adds momentum to your shot, making it more effective.

A clear vision of the ball is fundamental. From the moment your opponent’s racket makes contact to the ball’s bounce on your side, maintaining that visual connection is paramount. It helps in predicting the trajectory and in turn, results in a more accurate and confident return.

Remember, tennis is as much a mental game as it is physical. Stay patient, stay hungry for improvement, and most importantly, enjoy the process. As you implement these techniques and commit to your drills, you’ll notice a significant uplift in your return consistency. Embrace the hard work, trust in your ability to adapt and watch your tennis game elevate to new heights.

If you want to elevate your technique you can try the OTI Method which fixes weak returns, serves, forehands & backhands… with Laser-Focused Feedback!

Join the Conversation

We love hearing from fellow tennis enthusiasts like you! Whether you’re a seasoned player or just picking up the racket, share your experiences with us in the comments below.

Have you tried any of the drills mentioned in this article?
What challenges have you faced in improving your return of serve?

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