Problems returning hard flat serves

[Jay27]

Guys, I'm having problems and I'm in need of help. The problem is that I have trouble returning a hard "flat" first serve. If the serve has any curved spin, I feel comfortable. But, when it is hit flat and hard, I have problems. Sometimes, I can return them but more often than not...I either hit it short or overhit, underhit or miss it entirely.

I've been working on split stepping and on the "hop" moving more into the shot. It works beautifully on second serves or spinning first serves (or serves that aren't that hard). But, my timing or anticipation or something is off when it comes to returning that good first serve. I play at the 4.0 level, but trying like mad to get to that next level. So, any advice, tutorials, links, training vids..anything would be greatly appreciated. It's really hurting my play.

When I lose, it's mostly because of my horrible return of serve. My opponents (the ones with wicked serves) and I usually stay on serve until the tie breakers. I do have a pretty consistent game and win many of my matches. I have a good 1hbh and a good forehand. My volleying skills are good, but not great (getting better). I think overall, I'm a solid baseliner and can move pretty well. My serve is probably the best part of my game. Thanks for any help or advice out there!

[LarougeNY]

short backswings are the answer, and when you turn your body take your racket back at the same time, that way you save time and end up reacting faster. Remember, if its a hard serve all you have to do is block it back and it will be a hard shot for the server to return. You dont need to swing at a fast serve, look at the pros-they don't have a long swing, just concentrate on a short backswing and good contact.

[goober]

Yes short back swing and work on anticipation of where the ball is going by the ball toss. You may want to go with continental grip off both sides (if you have a 1 HBH that is). Use the servers pace against him and almost punch the ball back. Hard flat serves are actually easy to return once you get use to them.

[dave333]

try blocking deep to the middle. watch fed or sampras on their return of serves. on forehand, very short swing and they just block back on the backhands.

[grizzly4life]

i couldn't return very many serves from a friend of mine with a huge serve (much, much bigger than anyone else i've played, and i've played lots of 4.5 and 5.0's).

but then i relaxed/loosened my wrist and just block it back for awhile. and it worked really well... let the wrist take the speed of the serve..... short backswing ala other's advice is ok, but don't try to hit it really hard with a short backswing........... after you get used to blocking it back, then you can start thinking about adding more to it.

[Jay27]

Excellent advice. I do appreciate all your help. I guess I just don't see those big serves enough to really get used to them. At the 4.0 level, you see them every once in a while, but more often than not, you're looking at a 85 mph serve that's within reach...you know? I faced a guy the other day that I could seriously outplay when it came to strokes, but his first serve was excellent. It was about a 105 mph serve with good placement. It was very tough for me. When I did get it back, I didn't have much on it...and would often lose the point. When he hit his second serve, I pretty much dominated the point. I did lose the match 6-7,6-7. No Breaks!

I will definitely shorten my backswing on the forehand side and will also try blocking (or slicing the ball with my backhand). It makes great sense to get used to the pace of big servers before jumping in there and taking big cuts. Thanks again!

[NamRanger]

Once you feel you can read his serve, step into the court, and just block it back. Not only will you get the serve back with depth on it, but now you're in a position to dictate play.