In pickleball, having a strong return game is crucial to success. One of the biggest challenges in returning a serve is dealing with a hard serve – a serve that is hit with a lot of speed and spin. A hard serve can be difficult to read, and it can be tough to generate the power and precision needed to return it effectively.
In this article, I will share how to understand and anticipate a hard serve, how to use proper grip and stance, timing and footwork, and contact point and power to return it effectively.
I will also offer a few practice drills to help improve your return game. So if you’re looking to up your return game, continue reading.
Understanding the hard serve
A hard serve in pickleball is a serve that is hit with a lot of speed and spin. It can be difficult to read and anticipate, especially for players who are new to the game or who are not used to facing hard serves. Here are a few tips for understanding and anticipating a hard serve:
Pay attention to the server’s body position and arm movement
As the server prepares to hit the ball, pay attention to their body position and arm movement. This can give you clues about the speed and spin of the serve.
Watch the ball as it leaves the server’s hand
As the server hits the ball, watch the ball as it leaves their hand. This can give you an idea of the trajectory and spin of the serve.
Anticipate the serve’s trajectory
Based on the server’s body position, arm movement, and the trajectory of the ball as it leaves their hand, try to anticipate the serve’s trajectory. This will help you position yourself properly to return the serve.
By paying attention to these cues and anticipating the serve’s trajectory, you can better prepare for and return a hard serve. Remember to stay focused and keep an eye on the ball at all times – a little extra attention can make a big difference in your return game.
Proper grip and stance
Having a proper grip and stance is crucial for returning a hard serve effectively. Here are a few tips for a proper grip and stance:
Grip the paddle correctly
To grip the paddle correctly for returning a hard serve, place your dominant hand on the handle of the paddle and wrap your fingers around it. Your non-dominant hand should be positioned on the top of the paddle, with your fingers spread out. This grip will give you the control and power you need to return a hard serve.
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart
When returning a hard serve, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight evenly distributed. This will give you a solid foundation and help you move quickly to the ball.
Align your body properly
When returning a hard serve, align your body properly by facing the net and keeping your shoulders and hips squared towards the server. This will help you generate power and control when hitting the return.
By using a proper grip and stance, you’ll be better able to generate the power and control you need to return a hard serve effectively. Remember to keep your grip and stance consistent – it will take time and practice to find what works best for you.
Timing and footwork
Timing and footwork are key elements of returning a hard serve in pickleball. Here are a few tips for improving your timing and footwork:
Position your feet properly
When returning a hard serve, position your feet properly to set yourself up for a strong return. This may mean moving to the side or back to give yourself more time to react to the serve, or moving forward to cut off the serve and put pressure on the server.
Take a small step toward the ball
As the serve comes towards you, take a small step towards the ball. This will help you get into a position to hit the return.
Hit the ball at the highest point
To generate the most power and control on your return, try to hit the ball at the highest point. This will give you more time to react to the serve and allow you to hit a stronger return.
Practice your footwork
To improve your timing and footwork, practice returning serves from different angles and distances. This will help you develop the quickness and agility you need to return a hard serve effectively.
By improving your timing and footwork, you’ll be better able to react to a hard serve and hit a strong return. Remember to practice consistently to improve these skills – it will take time and practice to become comfortable and confident in your footwork.
Contact point and power
The contact point and power of your return are important factors in effectively returning a hard serve in pickleball. Here are a few tips for improving your contact point and power:
Position the paddle properly
To generate power on your return, position the paddle properly by holding it close to your body and keeping your arm extended. This will give you more leverage and help you generate power on your return.
Contact the ball at the sweet spot
To generate the most power and control on your return, try to contact the ball at the sweet spot of the paddle. This is the center of the paddle’s surface and is the most effective spot for generating power.
Follow through with your swing
As you swing to hit the return, follow through with your swing to generate additional power. This will help you hit a strong and accurate return.
Practice your power
To improve your contact point and power, practice hitting returns with different levels of power. This will help you develop the ability to hit a variety of returns, including hard and soft returns.
By improving your contact point and power, you’ll be better able to hit a strong and accurate return on a hard serve. Remember to practice consistently to improve these skills – it will take time and practice to develop the power and control you need to return a hard serve effectively.
Practice drills
To improve your return game and become more comfortable and confident returning a hard serve, it’s important to practice consistently. Here are a few practice drills you can try:
Return serves from different angles and distances
Practice returning serves from different angles and distances to improve your footwork and timing. This will help you become more comfortable and confident returning a hard serve from any position on the court.
Return serves with different levels of power
Practice returning serves different levels of power, including hard and soft returns. This will help you develop the ability to hit a variety of returns, depending on the situation.
Return serves with different levels of spin
Practice returning serves with different levels of spin, including topspin, backspin, and no spin. This will help you develop the skills you need to return a wide range of serves effectively.
By practicing these drills consistently, you’ll improve your return game and become more comfortable and confident returning a hard serve. Remember to stay focused and keep an eye on the ball at all times – a little extra practice can make a big difference in your return game.
Conclusion
In conclusion, returning a hard serve in pickleball can be a challenge, but with the right skills and techniques, it’s a challenge that you can overcome. By understanding and anticipating the serve, using a proper grip and stance, improving your timing and footwork, and focusing on the contact point and power, you can become a strong and effective returner.
By practicing consistently and using the drills outlined in this article, you can continue to improve your return game and become more comfortable and confident returning a hard serve.