Master The Return of Serve in Tennis | Pro Tips and Tactics for Success

A successful return of serve will give you a significant advantage in a tennis match, putting pressure on your opponent and setting the tone for the rest of the point.
In this video, you'll learn the basics of the return of serve from your positioning, grips, footwork and, of course, targets for your return.
Bonus: How to return the kick serve
The FUZZY YELLOW BALLS SINGLES PLAYBOOK: bit.ly/3RGotKk
Thank you to @michaellogarzotennis and @epirus_london for letting me use their footage. Check out their instagram accounts for more great videos!
Want more on how to adjust to returns?
Watch Emma Raducanu: • Emma Raducanu Adjusts ...
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[@MeikeBabelTennis]

JOIN MY PATREON for MORE and EXCLUSIVE content, monthly live coaching call, voting power on what content I create AND MORE!!
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[@thomasmedeiros5722]

This is an excellent lesson on the technique and skills necessary to develop a strong return of serve. I was fortunate to have a coach who emphasized skills and psychology of the return. So many players have a defensive attitude on the return. However they are missing an opportunity to turn things around on the server. On the mental side you have to play to the score in serve points and games. When you have a opportunity to break like 30-40 at 3-4 use that to get into the servers head. Keep track of what and how they serve. Don’t be afraid to move around and shift your position. Take advantage on the second serve. Definitely practice your returns. My coach would hit Serves while standing behind the service box to shorten the distance and response time. We would play tie breakers. This worked for me and although I never developed a big first serve ( I am 5’5” 140 lbs) my return game was definitely a weapon. When I became a coach return of serve and play to the score are at the top of my practice, skill, drill list.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

AGREE with all you say.

[@AkatsukiShadow]

Hell yeah dude Andre Agassi style.

[@nathanmiller6051]

Recently watched a new TH-cam tennis channel, said to be the next big thing and red hot channel! I was surprised by how many top (big time) online tennis instructors were leaving comments on the videos, everyone knows these guys, but the channel is a clown show, I didn't think it was funny or anything, I thought, I need to wash my brain 🧠 haha! Thanks Coach Meike for this real tennis lesson 🙏 appreciate! Excellent! an education 🎾👍

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

You're welcome :-)

[@socrs]

Good tips… I don’t know if it’s correct but I use a ‘hack’ to reduce ROS errors by a lot. 1. Stop swinging. Just think of the return as more of a block almost a volley while still moving thru the ball to get some depth. 2. For those with radical forehand grips like a full western for return of serves, switch to an eastern on forehand ROS to allow the block/volley like stroke.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Yes, that is a fantastic option

[@marktace1]

Bit different as it was doubles but we were playing against a young guy who hit all kick serves and we were not handling it well for a whole set. My partner realized he wasn’t coming in behind his serve and suggested we step back instead of trying to take it early. Suddenly it was easy. My partner was a pretty good doubles player who just won a silver ball (with a better partner than me.)

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

That’s awesome

[@cesarfernandezlopez5063]

YOU ARE SO GOOD MEIKE!! 7:55 SHE CAN FLY ❤

[@aca99da]

Return of serve is my worst shot so this is a very helpful video! 😂

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Glad you find it helpful!

[@silvrblk7253]

Does the return of serve differ between doubles and singles? I love your channel. Easy to understand and very helpful.

[@garethonthetube]

Definitely, you need to avoid the net player!

[@vbull1515]

My biggest problem on the return of serve is when someone has a pitty Pat second serve. I find myself slicing it a lot, so I don’t over hit the thing. What is the best approach to these very soft and short second serves?