The return of serve is one of the most underappreciated shots in pickleball. A great return not only neutralizes your opponent's serve but sets up your team to advance to the net and take control of the point. Let's break down everything you need to know about dominating the return game.
Why the Return Matters
The return of serve is crucial because:
- It determines your team's court positioning
- A good return limits the server's options
- It can force the serving team to hit a difficult third shot
- Momentum often shifts after the return
Understanding the Two-Bounce Rule
After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it. After that return, the serving team must also let it bounce once. This creates the "two-bounce rule" that allows both teams to advance to the net before volleying begins.
This means your return doesn't have to be perfect - you just need to get it over the net and in play, ideally making it difficult for the server's partner to advance.
Positioning for the Return
Where to Stand
- Stand 3-5 feet behind the baseline
- Position yourself to cover your half of the court
- Your partner stands slightly behind and toward the center
- Be ready to move in any direction
Reading the Server
Watch the server's body position and toss to anticipate direction. If they toss to their forehand side, they're likely serving to your backhand, and vice versa. Adjust your positioning accordingly.
Return Techniques
The Block Return
Used against powerful serves. Simply "block" the ball back by meeting it with your paddle face and absorbing the pace. Let the server's power work for you.
- Keep paddle still, don't swing
- Slightly closed paddle face
- Use shoulders and arms, not wrists
- Direct the ball where you want
The Drive Return
When you have time and a good ball, you can drive the return aggressively. This puts pressure on the serving team and can win points outright.
- Use full shoulder rotation
- Step into the ball
- Follow through completely
- Aim for the corners or opponent's feet
The Drop Return
When you're positioned near the baseline and want to get to the net, a soft drop return can be effective. This allows you and your partner to advance.
- Use a short, soft swing
- Target the opponent's kitchen
- Ball should clear the net by 1-2 feet
- Move forward as you hit
The Lob Return
Against aggressive servers at the net, a lob return can buy time and reset positioning.
- Hit up on the ball with an open paddle face
- Aim for the baseline or deep court
- Use when you're pulled out of position
- Can catch over-eager opponents at the net
Strategic Return Placement
Against a Server at the Baseline
- Return deep to their backhand if they're right-handed
- Aim at their feet to limit their next shot
- Keep the ball low
Against a Server Who's Advanced
- Lob over their head if you can
- Drive at their feet
- Try to move them backward
Against Different Serve Types
- Power serves: Block or slice return
- Spin serves: Meet the ball early, close your paddle
- Short serves: Step in and drive or drop
- Deep serves: Use more of the court, can be more aggressive
The Third Shot Drop
After your return, the serving team will hit their third shot. This is often a "third shot drop" designed to get them to the net. Your job is to make this shot as difficult as possible by:
- Returning deep and low
- Forcing them to hit up
- Keeping the ball away from their forehand
- Taking away court angles
Doubles Positioning After the Return
Your Team's Movement
After making your return:
- Move toward the net if your return is good
- Stay back if the return is short or high
- Your partner mirrors your movement
- Stop at the non-volley zone line when you reach it
Communication
- Say "watch" if a ball is coming to your partner
- Call "yours" or "mine" to avoid confusion
- Signal if you're going to attack or dink
- Coordinate coverage of the middle
Common Return Mistakes
Technical Errors
- Returning the ball too short
- Hitting the ball too hard to power players
- Not watching the ball all the way to the paddle
- Standing flat-footed at contact
Strategic Errors
- Always returning to the same spot
- Trying to hit winners instead of making plays
- Not moving toward the net after a good return
- Returning to the server's strength
Practice Drills
Partner Return Practice
Have a partner serve while you practice returns. Focus on consistency and placement. Try to make 20 returns in a row in bounds.
Reaction Time Drills
Practice quick reactions by having a partner serve from different positions and speeds. This improves your ability to read serves.
Movement Drills
Practice returning the ball and then immediately moving to the non-volley zone. Work on the transition from baseline to net.
Mental Approach
The return should be reactive, not proactive. Your goal is to neutralize the serve and get to the net, not to end the point immediately. Trust your training, read the serve, and make a simple play. The points will come from the rallies that follow, not from trying to do too much on the return.
Conclusion
A solid return of serve sets up your entire game in pickleball. Focus on placement over power, read the server's tells, and always be prepared to move toward the net after a good return. Practice these techniques consistently, and you'll find yourself winning more service games and controlling more points from the start.