I get a few questions from intermediate players asking about return of serves, particularly against big servers.I feel that at the intermediate to advanced level (NTRP 4.0-4.5 level), most servers can only sustain 100+ mph big serves, only if they feel very comfortable that you will not be able to return well. The more irritated you look when missing the returns, the faster (and more daring) these big servers tend to go.
The key is to decide what type of return you want to do BEFORE the opponent serves and you have to do this return, regardless of serve type or direction.
For example, for right-handers, say you decided that that you're going to do a forehand return. Stand more to your left to make the server go down the T on the Ad court or out wide on the Deuce court. If you want to return with a backhand, stand more to the right.
It's amazing how many double faults you can get, just by making opponents think before serving - i.e. by changing your return position on every opponent's serve - more left, more right, further forward, further back, more central, etc.
Another thing is to attack that 2nd-serve. Don't be shy to stand way in the baseline to return a 2nd-serve. And when you do get a short 2nd-serve, don't be shy to rip it down the line or cross-court for a winner. I have even stood on the service line to return 2nd-serves.
Think Serena or Venus Williams returns and you'll get the idea.
Other players who have wonderful return of serves are Agassi, Djokovic, (Andy) Murray, Nalbandian, etc.
Trust me - at the intermediate-advanced level, this form of subtle intimidation will earn you your fair share of double-faults. Your opponent will be scared to blast 1st-serves because they will know that if they come up with a weaker 2nd-serve, you'll be all over it.
I'm a shorter player who doesn't have the height or build to blast 100+ mph serves. That's why I've learnt that good returns are as key as good serves, if not better. Good luck!!
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