return positionfirst servesecond serve
There Is No Single Correct Baseline Position for the Return
One or two steps can make a major difference depending on the opponent's pace, spin, and direction and on your reaction time.
Start with this check
Stand too close and you run out of time; stand too far back and you become vulnerable to angles and short serves.
Try these steps in order
- During the first two games, observe the bounce and direction of the opponent's first and second serves.
- Use one position to gain reaction time against a fast first serve and another to apply forward pressure against a second serve.
- After changing position, compare return depth and the proportion of shanks.
Bottom line
A good return position is not defined by a line; it balances comfortable contact against pressure on the opponent.
Reviewed sources
Technical evidence is shown separately from community topic signals.
Technical evidence
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