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The Right Stance
Every effective return begins with a disciplined stance. One of the most common technical flaws I see, especially at the junior level, is a stance that is too narrow. When the feet are close together, balance and first step explosiveness are compromised before the ball is even struck.
For a reliable return position, I encourage players to set their feet slightly wider than shoulder width in a classic athletic base. Think of a soccer goalkeeper preparing to react. This width allows you to stay grounded while still being agile.
Posture is equally important. Your knees should be softly bent, your upper body leaning subtly forward, with the chest oriented toward the incoming ball. This positions your center of gravity in front of your body, which is essential for moving forward through the return rather than falling back.
From this base, you are ready to make a quick shoulder turn, absorb pace, and redirect the serve efficiently. A wider stance provides the stability to handle power while maintaining the freedom to move explosively in any direction. Novak Djokovic is an outstanding reference point here.
Return Position: How Far Back Is Too Far?
In today’s game, it’s increasingly common…