The Return of Serve Part 2

Read on to find out how “making ’em pay” worked for me.

At the conclusion of part one on the return, your opponent was ready to hit the serve and you were moving forward into a split step. Now it’s time to swing. But how?

This depends on several variables: whether it’s a first or second serve (because the speed, spin, and placement will vary accordingly); whether you’re hitting a forehand or backhand; or whether the server is coming in or staying back.

But let’s start with one good, age old thought: “When it’s a first serve you want to make ’em play. On the second serve you want to make ’em pay!”

Grips

The grip you use when you actually hit the return depends on the kind of shot you’re attempting. If you’re chipping, slicing, or blocking the return on either side, the best grip is the continental. These returns are more like half volleys so it makes sense to use the ultimate volley-oriented grip. As always, the big bonus with the continental – you don’t have to change grips to hit off either side.

I can chip off either side using the continental without a grip change.

You…