service return w/ a one-handed ts bh

[mr_spaz104]

lately, when returning a serve that goes to my backhand, i seem to only be able to slice it back. however, if the return isn't deep enough, it's smacked right back, putting me on the defensive at the very start of the point.

does anyone have any tips or tactics so i can use a one-handed topspin bh to return a serve? (the serves i return i usually pretty fast, around 110 mph. i can return moderate serves w/ a topspin backhand, but it's just these fast ones that i seem to only be able to return by slicing it back.)

thanks in advanced

[jBayjoey]

Shortening your takeback would be the first solution I can think of. Rather than making it elaborate, bring your racquet straight back and perhaps block (maybe a better choice of word?) it back, using your opponent's serving pace.

Another alternative would be just to improve your slice backhand, as it is a very viable option for return of serve, to basically negate any pace.

[iTxMe]

yea, i have the same problem...slicing is effective when playinig single. I hate my backhand return in double though, i can't slice it fast enough to pass the volleyer.

[BillyBee]

Well, first of all, you have to be a pretty good player to return a 110 mph serve with a topspin backhand! I can't imagine anyone less than a really strong 4.5 attempting it.

But if you are at least at that level, then my best advice is to keep your hand below the ball and swing up with authority, making sure you finish your stroke. It's the greatest feeling when you hit this shot, by the way!

[lucky leprechaun]

I'm the opposite, I find it very difficult to slice back a hard serve I have to topspin it back. My preference is to slice back a high spin serve because I can really knife it and can cause a lot of errors right off. But I can't do it when the serve is hard. If I do slice it its a floater with not much on it. But if I'm expecting a heater to my backhand and I'm ready for it I can rip back a pretty good shot with topspin with not much backswing.

[chess9]

Here's what I do in doubles. I hit hard slice backhand returns deep, then mix in a few dinks at an angle, plus a few slice lobs over the netman. The netman may get a few of the lobs, but he then knows he has to cover the alley. Also, to further enjoin poaching, I will hit some hard forehand returns right down the alley at the netman. (I'm playing forehand side usually.)

Most of the better players chip back their backhand on return of serve. The biggest error made on return of serve is possibly overhitting-trying to do to much with it. Get the ball back and over the net. If you can't block it back deep with a slice, then you might consider lowering the string tension on your racquet and/or working on your deltoids/forearms. It must be a firm block/slice.

-Robert

[bluegrasser]

Here's what I do in doubles. I hit hard slice backhand returns deep, then mix in a few dinks at an angle, plus a few slice lobs over the netman. The netman may get a few of the lobs, but he then knows he has to cover the alley. Also, to further enjoin poaching, I will hit some hard forehand returns right down the alley at the netman. (I'm playing forehand side usually.)

Most of the better players chip back their backhand on return of serve. The biggest error made on return of serve is possibly overhitting-trying to do to much with it. Get the ball back and over the net. If you can't block it back deep with a slice, then you might consider lowering the string tension on your racquet and/or working on your deltoids/forearms. It must be a firm block/slice.

-Robert

I agree, just watch Federer, most of his returns against first serves are slice with a very short back swing, even Agassi's flat return winners are almost a block with a good follow through.

[Caswell]

Here's what I do in doubles. I hit hard slice backhand returns deep, then mix in a few dinks at an angle, plus a few slice lobs over the netman. The netman may get a few of the lobs, but he then knows he has to cover the alley. Also, to further enjoin poaching, I will hit some hard forehand returns right down the alley at the netman. (I'm playing forehand side usually.)

What do you recommend for return of serve from the ad court?

I get thrown on the backhand side in doubles more often than not, which would be fine if my current problem wasn't my backhand return of serve. I want to play the percentage shot and go crosscourt, but producing a good angle off that wing that would prevent an easy poach is tough for me at the moment.

[akj27]

I also have trouble returning serves that go to my bh, where should you position yourself in the court, and how

[jackson vile]

You just have to practice it and you will be messing up for a while, also for the slice it sounds like you are not underspining it enough.

When I slice a serve I put it deep into the open court and if it stays low enough I go to the net, other wise I just set up.

Usually the serve return is not to score points but rather to put the ball in play so that you can get back and into position to play the point.

[papa]

What I would suggest would be to turned a little more to your backhand side as you get ready to receive. Assuming your RH in the duece court for instance, get your left leg back about six - eight inches (from your normal position) as you prepare to receive. By doing this you'll have a better opportunity to get turned for your backhand.