Stop Missing Returns: Fix Your Split Step, Footwork & Timing

Are you giving away too many points on the return of serve? Your ready position, split-step timing and first move can decide the quality of your return before you swing.

In this video, CoachLife coaches break down common return mistakes and show how to fix them. Learn why a high racket position can leave you late against a big serve, how an oversized split step can slow your movement, and why reaching with your arms makes the return less secure. You’ll also see how to use a compact swing, turn your shoulders, stay balanced on wide serves and put pressure on second serves.

This lesson is part of CoachLife’s Return of Serve Step-by-Step Playlist: over 30 coaching videos organised into 19 categories. It brings together carefully selected instruction from different coaches, so you can compare their approaches to the same part of the return and build the shot step by step.

The playlist covers grips, ready position, contact, footwork and split-step timing; where to stand and how to read the serve; returning wide, slice and body serves; attacking second serves; choosing targets; and drills to practise what you’ve learned. It also includes a section on developing the return in players under 10.

Learn from coaches including Justin Sherring, who coaches Jack Draper; Carlos Santos Bosque, a developmental coach of Carlos Alcaraz; Michal Kaznowski, a developmental coach of Iga Świątek; and Michael Joyce, who coached Maria Sharapova, Jessica Pegula and Sofia Kenin.

Explore the complete Return of Serve playlist:
https://www.coachlife.com/programs/return-of-serve/playlists/return-of-serve-playlist

Start your 7-day free trial and build a return you can trust in matches.

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