The return of serve isn’t interesting, but at higher levels, it quietly controls the entire point. A strong return gives you time, positioning, and the ability to dictate what happens next. A poor one does the opposite. It puts you on your heels immediately and can leave your partner, who’s a sitting duck.
The biggest mistake players make is trying to do too much with the return. They go for pace instead of purpose. Depth matters far more than power.
A deep return pushes your opponent back and makes their third shot more difficult, whether they’re trying to drop or drive. A hard return that lands short does the opposite. It gives your opponent an easy ball to attack and a free ride to the kitchen.
Height plays just as important a role as depth.
Many players hit their returns too flat, which speeds up the shot but also forces them to rush their recovery. A higher, more loopy return buys valuable time. It allows you to move forward, get to the kitchen line, and establish a balanced position before your opponent strikes their third shot.
This becomes even more important for players who don’t move as quickly. If getting to the line is a challenge, adding height to your return isn’t a weakness. It’s a smart adjustment that keeps you in the point.
Placement is another piece that often gets overlooked.
Instead of simply getting the ball back, better players are intentional with where they send it. Deep through the middle is a high-percentage target that can create confusion. Hitting to the backhand side applies pressure over time. And occasionally going down the line to the player across from you can catch opponents off guard, especially if they’re expecting a crosscourt return.
I use that often and selectively, because that change in direction can disrupt rhythm and force hesitation.
Consistency is what ties all of this together.
The return of serve is a setup shot, not a finishing shot. Its job is to get you to the kitchen line in control and ready for the next ball. Missed returns or short balls cost far more than players realize, especially as the level of play increases.
This becomes even more critical when stacking.
When you’re stacking, you’re often covering extra ground after the return, which requires more time. If you hit a low, driven return, you’re taking that time away from yourself. A higher, deeper return gives you the window you need to get into position and be set for the third shot. Without that, stacking can quickly become a liability.
There is a place for aggressive returns, but most players overuse them.
A well-timed, firmer return can rush an opponent or force a weaker third shot, but it also comes with risk. The margin for error is smaller, and it often results in shorter balls that give your opponent an opportunity to attack.
Used occasionally, it’s effective. Used constantly, it works against you.
At its core, a great return of serve is simple. It’s deep, controlled, and gives you time to move forward and get set.
It’s not about hitting harder. It’s about setting yourself up to win the point before it really begins.
About the Author: Gina Cilento is a top 10 Senior Pro and multi-APP medalist who splits her time between competing and coaching. She’s the co-founder of The Pickleball Lab, a pod player for the Denver Iconics in the Champions Series Pickleball League, and co-host of Keeping It Real with Gina & Neil. Off the court, Gina shares her passion through her apparel line, The Pick, and her work with Empower Pickleball.
