Technique · 5 min read · Sep 28, 2026
Returning big serves: shorten, block, recover
Against 180 km/h serves, a full swing loses. Use the pro's compact return instead.
Stand a metre further back than usual and start your split step early.
Turn your shoulders first. Use your opponent's pace and keep the backswing no bigger than your body.
Aim deep through the middle. A deep middle return takes away the server's angles and buys you time.
Once you're consistently getting the ball back, start moving your stance forward step by step.
Try these drills
