The return of serve is easy to underrate in pickleball. A weak return hands the initiative straight to your opponent. A good one lets you ride the momentum up to the net and take control of the point. This article covers what the return is for, the three things that make it good, and how to move after you hit it.
In This Article
- Understand what the return is really for
- Learn the three conditions of a good return
- Learn how to move up to the net after you return
- Find out the common mistakes and how to fix them
The return is about going deep to buy time to move forward
The first thing to think about on the return is not putting the ball away but hitting it deep. Pickleball hasThe two-bounce rule, and the return has to bounce once in the serving side's court. The serving side cannot move to the net while they wait for that bounce, and the returning side uses that waiting time to reach the kitchen line first. The deeper the return pushes your opponent back, the bigger that time gap becomes.
The three conditions of a good return
Good returns have things in common. Meet these three and the point opens up in your favor.
| Condition | Details | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Depth | Send the ball deep into the back of the opponent's court | Pushes them back and buys you time to move forward |
| Margin (height) | Clear the net with room to spare so the ball goes in every time | Cuts errors and secures time to move up |
| Placement | To your opponent's backhand or somewhere awkward to reach | Draws a weak third shot and hands you the initiative |
Rather than pace or angle, prioritizing depth and simply getting the ball in is what works in matches.
Move up to the kitchen line after the return
Once you have hit the return, do not stop; head for the non-volley zone line (the kitchen line) at the net. With both of you lined up there, you can pressure the opponent's third shot from a high position, the strongest formation in doubles. The opponent's third shot will be either a drop or a drive, and a drop that dies at your feet is especially hard to push back, sothe third shot drop,explains how to handle it.
How to hit a deep return
Being told to hit deep is one thing, but swinging harder just sends more balls out. Here is how to get depth and consistency at the same time.
- Give the ball room over the net. A higher, arcing ball that lands deep is steadier than a low, fast one
- Transfer your weight from back to front. Do not try to hit it with your arm alone
- Take the ball calmly and do not stop your follow-through. Just blocking it leaves the ball short
Start with the image of landing the ball in the back third of the opponent's court, and count how many out of ten you get in. That builds a feel for depth.
How to think about placement
Once you have depth, use placement to move your opponent around. The default is their backhand side, since most players find the backhand harder to handle. There are other options unique to the return as well: hitting right between the two players to invite a mix-up, going up the middle to cut off the angles, or feeding everything to the slower player. Against an opponent who comes in with momentum, a low ball at their feet also works to slow their approach.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
The ways a return costs you points are predictable. If any of these sound familiar, take another look.
- Short returns: You fear the net and come up short. Give the ball more height and put depth first
- Going for a winner and hitting out: The return is not the place to attack. Make consistency the priority
- Hitting and standing still: Always move forward after you hit. Get all the way to the kitchen line
Summary
The return's job is to go deep and go in, buying you time to move forward. Build on depth and consistency, then move your opponent around with placement, such as the backhand side, once you are comfortable. Not stopping after you hit and getting all the way to the kitchen line is the first step to taking control in doubles. For your next move,dink mastery guidetakes it further.
FAQ
Q1: Should I attack with a hard return?
A1: The return is not the place to attack. Its job is to go deep and go in, buying you time to move forward. Going for a winner brings more errors and leaves you worse off.
Q2: Where should I aim my return?
A2: Deep into the back of your opponent's court is the default. Once you are comfortable, aiming at their backhand, which is harder to handle, draws a weak third shot.
Q3: Where should I stand after the return?
A3: Move up to the kitchen line at the net as soon as you have hit. With both of you lined up there, you can pressure the opponent's third shot, and you are in the strongest formation.
Q4: My returns keep landing short.
A4: Use a higher trajectory with room over the net and make depth the priority. The harder you try to hit low and fast, the shorter the ball tends to land, so aim to get it deep first.
Q5: Does the same thinking apply in singles?
A5: The basics of hitting deep are the same. But singles covers more ground, and charging the net every time is not always the advantage it is in doubles. Playing mainly from around the baseline and using placement to make your opponent run matters more.
Related Articles Worth Reading
- The Complete Guide to the Third Shot Drop in Pickleball
- What Is the Pickleball Two-Bounce Rule? The Basics and Common Misunderstandings
- The complete guide to pickleball doubles: partner strategy and teamwork
- How to Improve Your Footwork in Pickleball
- Pickleball dink mastery guide | Basic technique and tactical points
Related Articles
