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 shot.
Standing back is used to give you more time to recover and get into the point. Set yourself far enough back. 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 get a lot of balls in play. You want to pin the server at the baseline. After you hit the shot, you must burst to the recovery position—several feet back behind the baseline. Do this and you’ll be in great shape to win the point. Moving in after this shot is another option. This is a ball that you get on the rise. 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 inside the service line. 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. |
