Return of serve problem, especially against swinging lefties!

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Return of serve problem, especially against swinging lefties!

by Scott Mills
(Oxford, Great Britain)

Hi guys

I've returned to tennis a few years ago after being a fairly successful junior. I would say all of my shots are getting there now, apart from my return of serve.

I really do seem to struggle against anyone with a half decent service in that I seem to lose my brain and just don't know what to do.

Where to stand, how hard to hit, what grip to take, whether to make short swings with the arm against fast servers, whether to just flick my forehand etc etc. Principally the biggest thing is where to stand against good servers, what grip to take, and how much of a swing (if any).

What I tend to find happening is I definitely hit the ball too late quite often, and sometimes when I take the advice of "short swings", I barely even swing it and mistime the ball.

I'm a right-hander with a single-handed backhand. If i can just get this sorted out, and maybe some reaction exercise, I think I'll be well on track.

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Return of serve problem, especially against swinging lefties!

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Mar 08, 2010
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Return of serve
by: Walter

Hi Scott,

I think that you having trouble with your rithm and timing.

1. check timing of your splitstep
2. do you turn you shoulder fast enough (when you see where the ball is heading)
3. do you turn your shoulder before you move to the ball
4. adjust your backswing to the speed of the serve
(short for fast and longer for slow serves)

a good drill is 'hit returns twice'

- instead of hitting your return the normal way,
you swing once before actually hitting the oncoming ball and then hit for real

- you have to be twice as fast, but you will be adjusting your rithm and timing of return!

Good luck!

Mar 08, 2010
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Brain too busy?
by: Julian

Hi Scott,

Try to relax too! I think you're thinking too much which will hamper your good instinctual reaction. If you're really focused (quiet mind) you'll notice that your perception of the event (returning serve) will actually slow down a bit or maybe even significantly.

It was kind of revealing when you said: "I seem to lose my brain and not know what to do..." I'd ask you to notice all the things you list as just some of what you are supposed to do... This, I'm sure to an extent or other, is stressing you out (creating anxiety) You might be unaware of it at a conscious level but your brain is also trying to process all this information (in the background) while you're trying to return serve. Very likely contributing to the problem of hitting late...

It's clear that you're not doing the same when hitting a forehand during rallying (for example) because it is not a perceived problem to you... But as of now "returning serve" is... There you can see the difference in one result versus the other.

Technique and proper form is essential but now you have to trust that your mind and body have assimilated it. It's all been stored somewhere and it's ready for use. Make a conscious commitment to shift your attention on the circumstances surrounding the return of serve. Watch your opponent's toss, trajectory of the ball, etc and just trust your natural judgment of what is required for each circumstance.

If anything I'd recommend (as for practice) is getting together with a good server, ask him to serve slow paced balls and move them around the box. Increment pace, placement etc. Get a relaxed flow/rhythm going.

Hope that helps!

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Mar 08, 2010
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Submitted by: Julian

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Hi Scott, Try to relax too! I think you're thinking too much which will hamper your good instinctual reaction. If you're really focused (quiet mind) you'll notice that your perception of the event (returning serve) will actually slow down a bit or maybe even significantly. It was kind of revealing when you said: "I seem to lose my brain and not know what to do..." I'd ask you to notice all the things you list as just some of what you are supposed to do... This, I'm sure to an extent or other, is stressing you out (creating anxiety) You might be unaware of it at a conscious level but your brain is also trying to process all this information (in the background) while you're trying to return serve. Very likely contributing to the problem of hitting late... It's clear that you're not doing the same when hitting a forehand during rallying (for example) because it is not a perceived problem to you... But as of now "returning serve" is... There you can see the difference in one result versus the other. Technique and proper form is essential but now you have to trust that your mind and body have assimilated it. It's all been stored somewhere and it's ready for use. Make a conscious commitment to shift your attention on the circumstances surrounding the return of serve. Watch your opponent's toss, trajectory of the ball, etc and just trust your natural judgment of what is required for each circumstance. If anything I'd recommend (as for practice) is getting together with a good server, ask him to serve slow paced balls and move them around the box. Increment pace, placement etc. Get a relaxed flow/rhythm going. Hope that helps!

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Mar 09, 2010
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Return of serve
by: Walter

Hi Julian,

I think you are right. He has to relax his mind.
To relax your mind, you do have to slow down your thoughts, in other words you have to focus.
How do we do that?
When you're concentrating on one thing (exp.the ball) then you're thoughts are quietening and you will give your actions (body) the control you need.
Is there another way?
Yes, concentrate on one action (like the drill I mentioned above) and your thoughts will slow down...
:-))

Good luck!

Mar 09, 2010
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Return of server on backhand side
by: Anonymous

Thank you guys

I think you have hit the nail on the head with the "over-thinking" aspect of it.

Though I do think there are a couple of technical things I need to work on for the backhand return. Shoulder turn is one of them as was mentioned, and my split-step is not right. I hit very late on the backand in particular and I am trying not to slice it back because net players pounce on that in doubles. I think the rest is there. I play a lot of doubles at the moment and it is mostly in doubles that I have the problem, in singles I get the ball back and don't have to worry about net player.

Mar 10, 2010
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Thanks Walter and Scott for your replies
by: Julian

Glad I could be of help. I just know from experience what good quality focusing can do to anybody's game (I'm positive it's improved mine) Good advise on the drills too.. Scott's on his way now! ;-)

One good general rule of thumb that may apply too : Just don't buy into any of your own criticism!! If/when it happens don't REACT to it. Because it surely has a way of becoming a self fulfilling prophesy... Keep a watchful eye on any mental negative chatter during play (Any mental activity should be encouraging/positive and when necessary). I'm certain you will experience a change for the better in other areas of your game too.

Enjoy your games!

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Return of serve problem, especially against swinging lefties!

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Return of serve problem, especially against swinging lefties!