Win the Point Early: How to Master the Deep Return of Serve

In pickleball, the battle for the net is everything. As the receiving team, the Return of Serve (the second shot) is your golden ticket to winning that battle. A weak, short return gives the serving team an easy third shot drop and a free pass to the net.

A deep, controlled return, however, forces the serving team to hit a difficult, defensive third shot, giving you the time you need to sprint forward and take an early advantage.

Here is your 3-step guide to mastering the deep, aggressive return of serve.

 

Step 1: Start Deep and Read the Serve

Your positioning and preparation determine the success of your return.

• Optimal Starting Position: Start well behind the baseline—often 3 to 4 feet back is ideal. This gives you extra time to react to the deep serve. Never crowd the baseline, as this will result in too many easy errors.  However, if the opponents consistently serve short, you may need to adjust your position on the court.

• The Ready Position: Adopt a wide, low, athletic stance with your paddle held out in front of you. Since you are anticipating a serve that will often have a high bounce, keep your center of gravity low.

• Read the Serve: As soon as the server makes contact, identify whether the serve is coming to your forehand or backhand. Get your paddle back early! A quick setup is vital for a controlled shot.

 

Step 2: Power from the Body, Control from the Hands

The goal is to generate depth without excessive power that leads to errors. The best deep returns are firm and controlled.

• Weight Transfer is Key: Unlike a defensive reset, the deep return is an aggressive shot. As you swing, transfer your body weight from your back foot to your front foot (stepping toward the net). This body-driven momentum is what gives the ball depth without requiring you to muscle the ball with your arm.

• Keep the Paddle Face Square: Use your Hammer Grip (Continental) or a slight variation. Keep the paddle face as square (perpendicular to the net) as possible. If the paddle face is too open, the ball will sail long; if it's too closed, it will hit the net.

• The Target: Your aim is the area between the opponent's baseline and the short service line—the last 3 feet of the opponent's court. Force them as far back as possible.

 

Step 3: The Sprint-Forward Follow-Through

This is the most critical and often overlooked part of the deep return: your follow-through must lead immediately into your transition to the net.

• The Finish: On your forehand, follow through in a long arc that finishes high over your opposite shoulder. On your backhand, follow through toward the net.

• The Commitment: The moment the ball leaves your paddle, COMMIT to running forward! Don't watch the result of your return. The success of the deep return is measured by the time it gives you to reach the Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) line.

• Stop Short of the Kitchen: Sprint until you are just behind the NVZ line. This is your safe zone. You are now perfectly positioned to hit your next shot (the 4th shot of the rally), whether it’s a volley or a dink. Remember, in pickleball, if your foot touches the Kitchen line when you hit the ball, the point is over.  So, be aware of where you stop when you come to the net.
  

 

Winning Tip: The Deep Return is Your Set-Up

Think of the deep return as your most effective passing shot. It forces the serving team to play defense with a difficult third shot or an attempt to try and power a groundstroke through you. By forcing them to remain deep in the court, you get to the net first, turning their defense into your immediate offense.

Ready to start putting this technique into practice? A paddle with the right blend of power for deep shots and control for precision will help you execute this game-changing return.

[Shop FLiK Pickleball Paddles Now to Command the Court!] (Link to your product page)

 

~Joann Nicodemus, COO FLiK Pickleball

I write for beginners, with easy and practical explanations about rules and skills.  Pickleball can be overwhelming for those new to the game.  I hope to take away the confusion and ease the intimidation, with practical guides and tips for practicing and drilling.  

We all have to start somewhere.  I want to provide information for those just starting out - whether you come from another racquet sport or just want to be active and have fun.  Pickleball is made to be social and fun. Improving strokes and learning skills enables you to join open plays and not be intimidated.  

Take your time.  Enjoy the journey!