Return of Serve Meaning in Tennis

The return of serve is the shot made by the receiver to put the server’s ball back into play. This is often considered the second most important shot in tennis after the serve itself. A good return neutralizes the server’s speed and starts the point on equal footing. If a player can return consistently, they put constant pressure on the server to be perfect. Returns can be aggressive drives, soft chips, or deep lobs depending on the incoming ball’s speed. Mastery of this shot requires incredibly fast reflexes and a very short, compact swing. For example, a player might hit a sharp cross-court return of serve to force the server into a difficult running shot. This immediately takes the advantage away from the person who started the point. Great returners like to stand close to the baseline to take time away from their opponents. It is a vital skill for anyone looking to break serve and win more matches.