Return Tactics to Compete Like a Tennis ChampionReturn tactics are one of the top two most important aspects of the game of tennis (the other being the serve). If you don’t get the ball in play off your opponent’s serve, then obviously you won’t have a chance to win the match. There are several variations of the return.
Standing back to return is used to give you more time to recover and get into the point. Set yourself far enough back to contact the tennis ball at waist height. Against a big server, position yourself close to the back fence. For the weaker server, start just behind the baseline. Gauge the speed and height of the bounce and position yourself accordingly. When you start the match, aim down the middle of the court with the return. You want to pin the server at the baseline and generate a short ball that you can immediately attack. You want your return to land at the feet of the server. As you get into the match, and especially if you have a lead, then you can vary your returns. After you hit the return, you must burst to the recovery position—several feet back of and to the left of the center hash mark. You need to be there before your ball bounces on the other side of the net. Do this and you’ll be in great shape to dictate and begin controlling the open court with your forehand. Moving in on the return is another option. This is a ball that you get on the rise at waist height. This takes quite a bit of practice to execute consistently, but when mastered, it will put all kinds of pressure on your opponent. Coil with the body and keep your hand in front of the ball. After you hit this ball down the line, burst into the net and get inside the service line before your ball bounces on the other side of the net. Do this and you’ll be in great shape for the volley. Remember to explode forward after the first volley to position yourself for a second volley.
|
