How to Return a Pickleball Serve: Strategies and Drills

Set the tone for the rally with a strong, strategic return.

Why the Return Matters

Watch this video on return strategy

The return of serve is more than just sending the ball back—it’s your first opportunity to take control of the rally. A well-placed return can neutralize a powerful serve and set your team up for a strong defensive position. Mastering the return is key to advancing your game.

When I teach players about Stage Two, I emphasize that the return isn’t just reactive; it’s a chance to strategically set the stage for the point. A deep, controlled return pushes the serving team back and buys you time to get to the no-volley zone, putting you in a stronger position to control the rally.

One critical element to understand is that the return doesn’t have to be overpowering. In fact, trying to hit the ball too hard can often work against you, leaving you stranded in mid court and unable to reach the no-volley zone in time. We call this out hitting your next position. Instead, focus on a consistent, well-placed return that gives you the upper hand.

Key Objectives of Stage Two: The Return

• Consistency: Like the serve, getting the return in play is the top priority.
• Depth: A deeper return pushes your opponents back, giving your team more time to prepare.
• Positioning: The return gives you time to join your partner at the non-volley zone (kitchen line).
• Pressure: A deep and strategic return can put the serving team on the back foot, forcing errors or less effective third shots.

One advanced tip is to aim for the weaker player on the serving team or target their backhand. For beginners, focusing on depth and consistency is enough, but as you progress, choosing who to return to can make a big difference in disrupting the opposing team’s strategy.

How to Execute a Winning Return

1. Stay Ready:
   • Position yourself slightly behind the baseline, balanced and prepared.
   • Watch the server closely to anticipate their shot.
2. Hit Deep and Create Pressure:
   • Aim to place the ball near the baseline to keep the serving team back. This gives your team time to establish positioning and forces the opponents to play defensively.
   • Avoid short returns, which allow your opponents to rush the net and take control.
3. Target the Middle or Weaker Player:
   • For beginners, targeting the middle of the court forces your opponents to communicate and reduces the chance of hitting out.
   • As you advance, identify which player struggles with their third shot or is less aggressive, and return to them.
4. Get to the No-Volley Zone:
   • After executing your return, your immediate goal is to move forward and join your partner at the kitchen line. This is the strongest position on the court and increases your ability to control the rally.
   • Use a slower, loftier return if necessary to buy yourself more time to get into position.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Overhitting: Trying to hit the return too hard often leads to errors. Instead, focus on control and aim not to out-hit your next position. Hard, low returns can leave you stuck in the transition zone (midcourt) and vulnerable to attacks.
2. Short Returns: Keep the ball deep to maintain the upper hand and avoid giving the serving team an advantage.
3. Forgetting to Move Forward: After hitting the return, always prioritize advancing to the kitchen line. Staying back puts your team at a disadvantage.

Drills to Improve Your Return

Looking to take your skills to the next level? Our Precision Training Sessions focus on perfecting techniques like the return, giving you the tools to consistently outplay your opponents. Check out our schedule and join us for hands-on coaching!

Watch this video on return drills here

Here are some simple but effective ways to practice your return:

1. Cone Drill Progression: Start by setting up cones at the halfway point of the court and practice hitting your returns past them. As you improve, move the cones closer to the baseline to focus on precision and depth.
2. Return & Move Drill: Hit the return and immediately move toward the kitchen line. Focus on timing your shot and movement to reach the no-volley zone before the ball is played again.
3. Two-Person Return Drill: Have the server hit a straight serve to you (for practice purposes only) and practice returning deep. After hitting the return, the server catches the ball after the bounce while you stop where you are. This drill highlights whether you’re effectively moving to the kitchen line or getting stuck in midcourt.
4. Target Forehand or Backhand Drill: Work on targeting the forehand or backhand of your opponent. This helps identify weaker areas and creates opportunities to control the rally.

What’s Next?

After learning the return of serve and getting to the no-volley zone, the next stage to start working on will be the third shot in Stage Three. Once you’ve got the return down, then you’ll be ready to change gears and focus on developing a solid third shot.

Coming Soon: Master the Game!

This blog series is part of our larger effort to help you master the five stages of pickleball. Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming eBook, “Mastering the Five Stages of Pickleball,” which will include exclusive drills, tips, and strategies not covered in the blogs. If you’re ready to dive in now, consider joining our Precision Training Sessions to get personalized feedback and hands-on practice. Once the eBook is available, we’ll add a link here to make sure you don’t miss out!