working on returns

[moosryan]

Is there a way that I can work on my returns without a server? I have access to a ball machine...I need some work on them, but when I'm hitting with people they usually don't feel like hitting me serves all day :-) (they wanna play matches). I do take lessons, but there are other parts of my game I'd prefer to work on in my lessons.

Thanks,
moos.

[callitout]

Im the same way. My first serve return is worst part of my game. Ive finally learned after many years to shorten my backswing. But lack of practice makes it less instinctive. When i can I have someone serve from the service line, but obviously that requires another player. Its definately one of the least practice shots by club players.

[FiveO]

Is there a way that I can work on my returns without a server? I have access to a ball machine...I need some work on them, but when I'm hitting with people they usually don't feel like hitting me serves all day :-) (they wanna play matches). I do take lessons, but there are other parts of my game I'd prefer to work on in my lessons.

Thanks,
moos.

Find someone. Anyone to hit serves to you. Even if that person is a lesser player you can have him stand closer in, somewhere between the service line and baseline to cut down on your reaction time. Make a deal. "You serve to me and when I hit my bucket of balls you can practice your returns."

As far as lesson plans go, keep in mind that the return of serves are the second most important strokes in the game, just after the serve itself. You won't get to use the other elements of the game your learning half of the time if you can't return. Unfortunately it IS the least worked on part of the game. It also happens to be one of the biggest level separators.

[moosryan]

yea the drill partner thing is tough because i'm 15...i'm the only one who wants to drill :-(

[andysmojo]

Can someone post the key elements involved in serve returns?

[PM_]

Even if that person is a lesser player you can have him stand closer in, somewhere between the service line and baseline to cut down on your reaction time.

I don't think these would be pleasureable terms for the server. How is he supposed to improve his own serve?

[FiveO]

I don't think these would be pleasureable terms for the server. How is he supposed to improve his own serve?

Perfect? No. It's a drill. However it IS good for the server in the sense that he can work on his motion (rhythm, loose arm, accelleration, etc.) without the distraction of netted/missed serves.

It can be explained to the server that it is, in fact, the same drill done by the pros (i.e. Brad Gilbert did the same thing with Roddick when he was coaching him). Even under these "conditions" the OP presented its attractive in that the lower level player is getting that "longed for opportunity" to hit with a higher level player and he/she might even be grateful for the chance. As a kid, I know I was.

The reward is that the server gets the benefit of working on HIS/HER returns when the two change up.

Also, I'm not suggesting an entire practice session be devoted to it. 10-15 minutes for each player is 10-15 minutes more than practically every non-pro devotes to the return in the first place.

[Bungalo Bill]

I don't think these would be pleasureable terms for the server. How is he supposed to improve his own serve?

A partner or friend standing at the service line hitting "serves" can work on his serve. Plus, the drill is not for the server - it is a return of serve drill! The person serving switches with his partner and then he gets to practice his returns.

The server can work on fluidity of motion and looseness. This is a damn good drill.

[Baseline Basher]

Or, you can be like Baseline Basher and be blessed with an incredible return anyways.

Or play against crappy servers, whatever...:P

[Geezer Guy]

You said you have access to a ball machine. You can set up the machine at the corner of the court, aimed cross-court, and practice service returns against the machine. It may help if the machine is actually several feet behind the baseline. I have done this several times, and it DOES help.

It will be hard to time, because lots of the timing of the return-of-serve involves watching the server toss the ball, looking at the location of the ball as it hits the racquet to determine where the ball is likely to go, listening to the sound of the racquet as it hits the ball to pick up spin, etc. You won't get any of THAT, but you CAN work on the mechanics of the service return.