No Second Chances

In my last column I suggested that the server is the master of their own fate.

If they place the serve to the right spot, the returner is forced to play with their smaller caliber weapon and is less likely to do serious damage on the initial exchange. 

High level servers understand this concept and develop tools tailored to the task.     

If you have a finely honed second serve that you can drop on a dime, your first serve can be played with more mustard (hoping for a return error) knowing that if you miss, you still have another chance to start the point without putting yourself in harm’s way.

The returner, on the other hand, isn't blessed with the same option of being aggressive on the first chance and then safe on the next try.

Having watched thousands of Club level matches, it’s very clear to me that the return of serve is a sadly neglected facet of most players' games.

Sure you hit forehands and backhands when you practice or take a lesson.

When you are warming up for a match, you most like hit six or eight minutes of ground strokes from the backcourt, and then a few volleys and an overhead or two before you take warm up serves (Take note: In an official league or tournament match, all serves must be taken before the match begins)

 And since hitting back the opponent's serve as they warm up is considered poor Tennis Etiquette and is strongly discouraged, when do you practice your RETURNING SKILL SET?

My guess is never.

Do yourself a favor and recruit a tennis playing friend to just serve balls to you. No rallying, no getting a nice aerobic workout…just hitting returns of serve!!!

Remember, the server always gets a second chance if they squander their first.

Make your return rock solid by setting aside a dedicated module in your practice sessions that sharpen that very specific skill set.

When you are the returner -- THERE ARE NO SECOND CHANCES!