Mastering the Pickleball Return: Control, Accuracy & Strategy

Establish the tone for each and every rally. Make your returns reliable and gain the upper hand.

What Is a Pickleball Return?

The Foundation of a Strong Rally

The most vital shot in pickleball is the return of serve. A return that is hit well and placed perfectly allows not only a smooth transition to the kitchen line but also serves to minimize your opponent’s attacking opportunities. It is almost impossible to return the serve with any control and not have your opponent at an advantage; hence, the return is your opportunity to dictate the point. It is your chance to position yourself for success and a predetermined victory.

How to Perform a Solid Return of Serve

Essential Techniques for an Effective Return
  • Return Deep: Attempt for a deep return to send your opponent back and limit their capacity for aggression.
  • Controlled Swing: Employ a smooth, controlled stroke; don’t overhit or hurry.
  • Footwork & Balance: Maintain stability and good balance by stepping into the shot with proper, steady footwork.
  • Spin & Direction: Mix up returns by incorporating topspin, slice, or crosscourt placements. Incorporate variations in spin and direction.
  • Recovery Position: Move toward the kitchen immediately after hitting the return to maintain an offensive stance.

Common Mistakes

Short Weak Returns

Return shots that land too close to the net give opponents a great chance to strike back.

Overhitting

An excessive amount of force applied to the ball, causing it to travel outside the lines of the court.

Slow Recovery

Remaining too far back after you come back allows your opponent to control the point.

Bad Contact Point

Hitting the ball late or while off-balance reduces accuracy.

Placement that is Predictable

Returning to the same spot each time makes it simple for adversaries to predict your shot.

How to Fix Your Return of Serve

Small Adjustments for Big Improvements
  • Emphasize Depth: Target right inside the baseline. This places your opponent in a defensive stance.
  • Maintain Accuracy: Swing fluidly, not forcefully; this keeps your strikes accurate.
  • Recover Quickly: Immediately upon your return, hurry to the kitchen for your opponent’s next shot.
  • Enhance Point of Contact: Strike the ball in your contact zone to reduce mishits.
  • Mix Up Placement: Alternate deep crosscourt and straight returns to keep your opponent guessing.

Drills to Improve Your Return

Optimize shot placement for greater control
  • Accurate Deep Returns Drill: Position cones or markers close to the baseline and attempt to hit returns that land in the designated target zone.
  • Footwork & Timing Drill: Move to the ball; don’t wait for it to come to you. Be explosive with your footwork. This is a good drill if you have a wall, but you can also use it with a partner if you have one.
  • Targeting Opponents Drill: Aim returns toward the less capable player or their backhand side.
  • Blocking Motion Drill: Absorb pace with a compact backswing and blocking motion.
  • Live Game Return Challenge: Play points where your only target is to hit deep, controlled returns every single time.

Your Pickleball Technique Toolkit

Backhand

The shot on your non-dominant side

dink

A soft shot with a big impact

drills

Repetition with intention

drive

A fast-paced, offensive shot

drop

A soft landing that sets you up for success

flick

A sudden, aggressive shot from a neutral position

Forehand

Your go-to shot for control and power

Lob

High shot to move opponents backward

Overhead

Powerful smash to finish the point

punch volley

A quick, compact volley that redirects pace

Reset

Soft shot to slow play and regain control

Return

Deep shot to push opponents back

roll

A topspin-heavy shot designed to dip quickly and kick high

serve

The first shot that sets the tone

spin

Control the ball’s bounce, flight, and direction

transitioning

The space between defense and offense

Frequently Asked Questions

A return of serve is the shot hit after your opponent’s serve. It sets the tone for the rally and helps you transition to the kitchen line while limiting your opponent’s ability to attack.

The return of serve is crucial because it allows you to control the pace of the rally, position yourself offensively, and reduce your opponent’s chances of dominating the point.

To hit a deep return, use a smooth, controlled swing and aim just inside the baseline. This pushes your opponent back and reduces their ability to play aggressively.

Step into the shot with balanced footwork and maintain a stable stance. Good footwork helps you stay in control and improves shot accuracy.

Incorporate topspin, slice, or crosscourt placement to vary your returns. Mixing spin and direction keeps your opponent guessing and prevents predictability.

Mistakes include short returns, overhitting, slow recovery, poor contact point, and predictable placement, all of which give your opponent an advantage.

Immediately after hitting your return, move toward the kitchen line to establish an offensive position and prepare for the next shot.

Use a fluid swing rather than a forceful one, and strike the ball within your ideal contact zone. This helps maintain control and precision.

Try the Accurate Deep Returns Drill, Footwork & Timing Drill, Targeting Opponents Drill, Blocking Motion Drill, and Live Game Return Challenge to build consistency and control.

Alternate between deep crosscourt and straight returns, and vary spin and pace. Unpredictable placement makes it harder for opponents to anticipate your shots.

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