TIPS FROM A PRO: JOSH HATORI

Q: How can I improve my return of serve?

JOSH: Of course there are the obvious ones that you constantly hear. “Return deep” or “have forward

momentum”. While these two aspects in my opinion should always be a constant, I want to dive into the variables that we often overlook.

What is the “overall goal” of the service return?

In my opinion, the service return is a shot that sets your team up to make an offensive play on the fourth ball.

Let’s break this down, shall we?

If I return a serve and I’m unable to move up to the kitchen line with my partner, this creates a gap in our team’s coverage. The opponents now have a larger area to execute a drop shot without being threatened, or can also hit a drive into the open court without a player able to block it. This “gap” in coverage now puts our team in a defensive play on the fourth ball more often than not.

In order to consistently solve this issue so we can have more of an offensive fourth shot, we need to shift our focus back to the second shot; the service return. We need to understand that we control the time we have to effectively move up toward the kitchen line.

The variables which control the time are; depth, height and pace. We take our own time away when we hit a return that is short, fast, and low. While inversely we increase our time by hitting a shot that is deep, high and slower. This is our ball flight trajectory.

Now let’s consider two more factors that will help you decide what trajectory of a ball flight we should be using.

First factor is how much distance do I need to travel to get my feet set at the kitchen line and prepared to hit an offensive fourth ball. A deep serve will often have you making contact with the ball a few feet behind the baseline. Knowing I have to travel 15-20 feet, I would opt for a higher, deeper, & slower return to buy myself the most amount of time to move.

On the other hand, if I get a short serve and I may only have 5-10 feet of distance to travel to get to the kitchen line, I may opt for a faster and lower trajectory return since I may not need the extra time.

Second factor in deciding the right trajectory to play is knowing our personal athletic capabilities. We have to be honest with ourselves and understand how long it would take each individual to move a certain distance. If you need more time, utilize the three aspects to buy you the time you need; depth, height & pace. Too often at the amateur level I see players hitting a fast and flat return that looks pretty, only to be late to hit the fourth shot and lose the point due to an error.

We must remember the overall goal of the return----which is to be able to make a good offensive play on the fourth ball.

Now, I’m not saying we need to start lobbing returns, however we need to find the right balance in our ball flight trajectory so we can be in position ready to execute a great fourth shot. Our “return of serve team” has an advantage by being able to approach the net first. So make that the priority!

RETURN OF SERVE DRILL

Here’s what to do:

• Have a partner serve to you in three different locations.

• Return the serve and move up towards the kitchen.

• Have your partner drive the third shot back at you.

• Look at where your feet are when you make contact with the ball for the fourth shot.

Ideally, you should strive to be in a split step at the kitchen line while feeling like you’re waiting for them to hit it to you. Being here before they hit the 3rd shot drive will help to calm the body, set your eyes on the ball and help your brain decide where is the best place to hit the fourth shot. Being late to the fourth ball causes us to play more of a reactionary defensive fourth shot rather than a methodical offensive shot.