The return of the 1st serve is one of the most difficult shots in tennis, but if developed properly, it can be a significant advantage in your game relative to the competition. Below are a few tips based on my expertise to develop this shot.
Stance And Split-Step
Getting into a solid athletic stance is key on the return of serve to be ready to move explosively to meet the incoming serve and to absorb power and send the ball back with equal force.
From the athletic stance, as the server tosses the ball, I split step (as you see in the picture below) to prepare my body to react quickly to move in either direction to get my racquet on the incoming ball.
Compact Swing
Since time is short to hit the return given the speed of the incoming serve, the emphasis is on a compact swing, which is initiated with the shoulder turn. See how I turn my shoulder and pivot my weight as I prepare for the backhand return (picture below).
Tip: try not to shuffle your feet — just turn the shoulder and pivot.
Contact Point And Weight-Transfer
A compact backswing will enable you to make contact in front of your body to redirect the ball with power and towards your desired direction (see picture below of my point of contact).
Tip: my front or right foot will hit the ground as I strike through the ball. Practice this timing of your weight transfer and notice how you gain power efficiently.
Follow-Through
Once I have made contact, I finish my swing with a good follow-through (in this case above my right shoulder as I’m hitting a backhand return) and firm step forward (see picture below).
Stroke Demonstration
Front Angle:
Back Angle:
Summary
In summary, start with a solid athletic stance and dynamic split step to prepare for an explosive burst to the incoming ball. Also, develop a compact swing and optimal contact point for successful execution of the shot.
All the best,
Harsh
