12 – Return of Serve.
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Description:
The coach presents an exercise or training activity, focused on players developing their technical abilities.
Goal of the activity
The Technique is a coordinated chain of actions and movements (eyes, mind, feet and hands) that should help us to achieve fluid strokes (Right, Backhand and Service) at the same time that they serve to print maximum strength and speed to the ball, but at the same time with the greatest possible efficiency and control. In this way and with patience, we will enhance the innate abilities of the players, making the necessary adjustments, until our tennis players are able to hit with the necessary strength and speed required by the tennis that is played today.
Planning of the session:
The planning of the session corresponds entirely to the coach, although the player can or should propose actions that improve or enhance the technical capabilities of his shots.
Organization and development:
In all activities focused on development or technical improvement, it is necessary to take into account (from preparation to completion of the stroke) both the movements, supports, back swing and guide path of the racket (different, depending on the situation of game). It is not the same to be hitting from behind the baseline, as inside the game rectangle.
Positions behind the baseline: “Back swing” and long finish.
Positions on the court: “Back swing” and trimmed ending.
Coach’s task:
The coach proposes the activity to work. His function will depend on the methodology to apply.
If you use methods of throwing balls (direct command), your role will be important.
If, on the other hand, he uses wall or rallies, his role will take second place and he will be more a guide, observer or evaluator (reciprocal teaching methods, asking questions, discovering etc …).
Player role:
Find the technical answer to the situation.
Practical examples
Return “1st Part”:
“The return”:
1 – Grip. The first parameter of the Return of serve is the grip. The grip depends on personal preferences and a set of other factors. Some of the factors that determine which grip to use are: returning 1st or 2nd serve; and whether the player returning has a one-handed or two-handed backhand. Also what is the tactical action that the player that returns wants to use.
2 – Court position and body posture. The second parameter is the posture of the body of the player returning. The positioning on the court to return depends on personal preferences of each player and also includes parameters like speed/spin of the serve and the tactical intention of the player returning.
3 – Ready position. The third parameter of return of serve is the ready position. The player has to get into an athletic position, with the feet positioned wider than the shoulders, in order to have good balance and stay lower from the ground to react explosively when the serve comes.
4 – Split Step. The fourth parameter is the moment of the Split Step. The split Step is performed when the opponent impacts the ball on serve; this way the player returning has time to get into position to execute the return.
5 – Diagonal step and shoulder turn. The fifth parameter for returning serve is that after the Split Step the player has to make a Diagonal step (forward and against the ball) and at the same time turn shoulders.
6 – Backswing. The sixth parameter is the “Back swing” which will be much shorter than a regular stroke preparation when returning. Some players return closer from the service line and make their back swing shorter; other players (for example Rafa Nadal) return farther from the service line and do not change their back swing/stroke preparation.
Return “2nd Part”:
7 – Impact or Contact Point. The seventh parameter of return of serve is the Impact. The contact point will depend on the “Grip” the player uses, the trajectory of the swing and type of return. n most cases the impact happens when the ball is on the rise, the player makes sure that the ball is in the middle of the strings and generates forward force with the weight of the body (extending the loading stands). High level tennis involves serves of +200km/h; which gives players very little time to center the ball on the strings and by pushing it forward with the stands use the speed of the player serving.
8 – Follow Through. The eighth parameter of the return of serve is the Follow Through. If the objective of the return is depth, the dominating hand will have to be extended fully after the impact with the ball. In the case that the player serving is trying to reach the net after the serve – the follow through of the return will be in retention.
9 – The Termination. The ninth parameter of the return of serve is the Termination. The finalization of the stroke is the result of the trajectory of the return following the desired objective. In case of the objective being depth – the termination will be behind the shoulder; in case of the player serving coming to the net after the serve – the termination will be between ear and shoulder.
Offensive return after second service:
The offensive return on the opponent’s second service: this return is literally a put-away shot.In reality it is 1/4 of the court (service square where the player serving has to place the ball) against Full court (space that the player returning can use).
“Working on the Offensive Return of the opponent’s 2nd serve”:
1 – One player only serves 2nd services and the other player has to execute offensive/attacking returns.
2 – Same exercise but now both players play out the point to its completion.
3 – Others.
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