The serve has to bounce. The return has to bounce. After that, everything is a volley. That simple sequence makes the return of serve one of the most important shots in pickleball, and it is the shot most beginners rush.
Most players try to hit a big return. Do not. The best return is deep, high, and easy. Here is why, and how to hit it.
Your job is to get to the kitchen line
The server has to stay back after serving because of the two-bounce rule. You do not have that restriction. The second the ball leaves your paddle, move forward and take your position at the kitchen line. A deep return buys you the time to get there before the ball comes back.
Aim deep, not hard
Hit your return toward the back third of the court, ideally with enough height to clear the net by a few feet. A deep return pushes the server back and takes away easy angles for their third shot. A short return lets the server step in and attack.
Let the ball's pace do the work
The serve is coming to you with speed, so you do not need to add much. Use a short, compact swing and block the ball back more than you swing at it. Keep your wrist firm and your paddle face slightly open so the ball floats deep.
Aim for the middle of the court
Middle returns are safer. There is more court to land in, the net is lower in the middle, and a middle ball is harder for the server to attack at a sharp angle. Deep and middle is a boring, winning combination.
Three return mistakes to drop
- Hitting too hard. Power on the return usually means it flies long or sits up for the attack.
- Standing still after the hit. If you admire your return, the server's third shot will find you flat-footed.
- Going for the corners. Tight targets miss. The return is not the shot to get fancy with.
Drill it before your next game: have a partner serve ten balls. Your only goals are to land each return past the far service line and to be at the kitchen line before your partner hits the third shot. Count how many times you make it. Five minutes of this will change how your rallies start.
Keep your head in the rally
Every rally has a score, and losing track of it costs you points. Rally Tally is a mechanical score keeper that sticks on the end of your paddle handle, so the score is always on hand. $15 each or 2 for $20 with free shipping at rallytallypickleball.com.