The backhand service return - know when to abbreviate the drive!

One of the most common traps that club players fall into on the backhand service return, is not recognizing when to abbreviate the drive. Attempting to squeeze a full-blown take-back and follow-through in the split second you have when returning a hard serve, is asking for trouble.

Of course the block and chip are good options but here we are talking about the cut-down version of either a one or two-handed drive.

The Shot

When hitting an abbreviated return, there are no set rules as to how far you should take the racket back and how far you should follow-through. The pros have numerous variations on the theme in their repetoire, utilising the amount of abbreviation that they deem necessary at that moment. It might mean a totally shortened version or only a slighty shorter shot. What is important, is that ideally the ball will be met in front of you with a firm grip and the weight going forwards.

Ultimately by selecting a more achievable option you are keeping the shot’s framework in good shape. Select a full drive when you shouldn’t and you’re likely to be tied in knots with a really late contact.

The modern composite rackets of today make the abbreviated shot much easier than the old wooden rackets did. The new rackets don’t need much encouragement to generate power.

Drill

As coach I used to do a simple drill to encourage shot shortening.

Firstly I would get my pupil to stand in the service return position. I would then serve into the correct service box from a forward position around my service line. I would make sure that the serves were pretty hard and towards the body of the returner/pupil. It’s amazing how quickly they would start to abbreviate the shot to avoid being handcuffed by the ball.

We all have our good days!

We’ve all been there - those days when we are seeing the ball so well it looks as big as a football. On those special days you may find that you don’t need to abbreviate quite as much. Nevertheless, unless you are Andre Agassi, some form of shortening will be required when your opponent cranks down a serve at you.

There is a two-handed and a one-handed example in the film below. Notice how the normally exagerated backhand swing of Richard Gasquet, is nicely compact and tidy - also see how Alejandro Falla moves forwards to ensure that his weight is transferring into the shot.

John Key

backhand service return, service return, tennis return of serve, the backhand