Return of Serve: Part 3

In the first two articles in this series we looked at six components in developing a great return. In the first article we looked at consistency combined with accuracy, the position of the racquet head, and watching the ball properly. (Click Here.)

In the second article we examined flexibility, shot selection and the split step (Click Here.) Now let’s look at the actual path of the racket, including both the backswing and the forward swing.

Rotate and Bend

I use the phrase “Rotation and a Bend” to describe the return backswing. As you come down from the split-step and read the direction of the serve you rotate your upper body on both the forehand and on the backhand.

That rotation takes the racket back to approximately the unit turn position. That is all the backswing you need to return a serve hit with good speed–assuming your return position is not far back.

You want to simplify things so you can meet the ball using its pace. When you rotate the upper body, the outside foot—the right foot on a right-handed forehand—will often act as hinge and rotate to the outside. The exact amount of rotation will vary among players and…