An Easy Return of Serve Tip to Win More Points

The simple positioning tweak that beats even ex-tennis players

Last week I was invited to play at an event at LifeTime Fitness in NY to check out their pickleball courts. Joyce and I were matched up against a young, former D-1 tennis player who was new to pickleball. He stood right on the baseline, ready to react to my serve, but he struggled with my deep serves. That experience really highlighted the importance of proper positioning when receiving a serve. Moving back behind the baseline and understanding your stance can make a huge difference in your return game.

First, always stand at least 3 to 4 feet, or even a little more behind the baseline when receiving serve. This extra space gives you more time to read the serve, decide your shot, and react confidently. Standing too close to the baseline can cause problems because a deep serve will force you to move backwards instead of forwards. Moving backwards to return the serve is bad because you’ll be hitting while moving backwards which is weak and awkwards, and you’ll be much slower getting to the kitchen line if you are moving backwards at this point. 

Second, think about your stance when hitting the return or any shot. The goal is to shift your weight on your front foot, your toes pointed towards the net, so you can drive the ball forward with precision. When you’re on the front foot, you’re in a more aggressive position, ready to move into the kitchen line or adjust for volleys. If you stand too upright or lean back, your shots lose power and control, and you’ll find it challenging to stay in the point.

Finally, adopt a quick, sprinter-like stance. Position one foot forward, with your knees bent and your weight balanced on the balls of your feet. This was a huge switch for me when I started as I had been using an open stance, feet parallel to the baseline. Positioning your feet diagonal to the baseline allows you to sprint forward quickly after your return, helping you get to the kitchen line to take control of the point. Being on the balls of your feet also improves your agility, making it easier to react to any volleys or drop shots.

In summary, standing properly behind the baseline and adopting a sprinter’s stance are key to becoming a more effective receiver. These small adjustments will help you handle deep serves better, stay balanced, and move swiftly into attacking positions. Mastering your stance and positioning early in a rally can dramatically improve your return game and success on the court.