A Quick Tip, But it Requires New Thinking!

 I've written about the YouTube content of Jill Braverman and I like what she has to say and how she says it.  

She had a short video the other day that suggested a new way of thinking in re the service return.

She makes a couple of points, in that a service return error is a real killer as it provides an easy point for the opponents.  No easy points, as she says, is a good mantra to follow.

But the interesting point she make is that the entire goal/use of the service return is to allow you to get to the kitchen line.  It doesn't matter if you hit a great return or a horrible one, use the shot to get up to the kitchen.

She likes to think of the shot itself, as a "flowing event" where she will run through the stroke as she moves all the way up.  

Let me add a couple of thoughts on how to make this easier for us rec players.  One is to start several paces behind the service line - if you are up against the fence, that's fine.  Better too far back than too close to the base line.  

Two, watch the server's swing and paddle like a hawk, they will frequently telegraph what serve they are going to hit and where.  If you start very deep, you are going to have to run up for a short serve.  If you watch for that, then it will not be a problem.  

We've all been told not to run through a shot.  I would agree with that mostly.  Obviously some times you have to, but if you are blocking or not trying to hit a killer shot, and most service returns can be hit with minimal energy, as keeping it in and having time to move forward is more important than winning the point.  So if the shot is not complex, then run or glide through it, hit it in the middle and get up to the kitchen.  

And when you get to the kitchen, get your paddle up and your arms extended away from your body.  Face the ball and get ready for the third shot.

Here is the link to Jill's video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mfZeFD_6PAo