Return Footwork Recovery for Winning Tennis MatchesReturn footwork recovery is key to getting to the next level. Many players hit the return and stand and watch their shot. You want to hit and recover, so you’ll be in position for the next shot.
You can stand in close to return mainly off the second serve. Take the ball on the rise and move to the net. The return becomes like an "approach shot." Move to a position inside the service line for the first volley—in case you don’t hit the winner off the return. You want to get to that position "before your ball bounces on the other side of the net." You can stand back on the return, especially against the big server. First, gauge the spin, height, and speed of the incoming serve. Position yourself to make contact at waist level. This may be at the back fence against a big server. Hit the "high heavy" return deep to make it tough on the server to maintain control of the point—your ball will be bouncing high out of the hitting zone.
While your opponent is getting his or her feet in position to hit your return, you want to burst back into position. Do the cross over first step, getting in position before your ball lands on the other side of the net. There’s too much ground to cover to try the side shuffle steps all the way to "position"...you won’t get you there in time. Get your right foot to the left of the center service hash mark. This positions you to hit a forehand on the next ball, taking control of the point. Your opponent will most likely hit the ball cross court, so position yourself on the left side of the court—be ready to take charge. This may force your opponent to try the lower percentage down the line shot. Practice these two return tactics with the recovery footwork to the correct positions. This will take some work for
muscle memory
development, but it will be well worth the effort. In a short amount of time the return footwork recovery will become second nature. |
