Returning to a first serve can be one of the most challenging shots in tennis, as you need to track the rapidly approaching ball and react almost instantly. Although the server has control over the shot, there are some visual cues you can use to turn your return to your advantage.

The Four Main Phases of the Serve

The main phases of the serve are four: the preparation, the ball toss, the contact, and the follow-through. The images I’m sharing give you an idea of how your opponent should appear during each phase. Note that the shoulder-over-shoulder rotation before contact gives your opponent ultimate control over the ball’s placement, while the last two phases of the serve suggest where the ball will be hit and directed.

1. GRIP

Your opponent’s grip significantly influences what they can do with their serve in terms of spin and speed. Less experienced opponents often use a grip (like the eastern forehand grip) that limits their possibilities, giving you a better chance to anticipate the type of serve you’re about to receive.

2. POSITION ON THE COURT

The position on the court from which your opponent serves (e.g., near the center of the baseline) often gives you an indication of the service direction. This also offers you an opportunity to anticipate the serve and put yourself in a position to gain an advantage in the point’s development.

3. BALL TOSS

Your opponent’s ball toss often suggests how they are capable of serving. The ball’s position at the moment of contact with the racket is crucial in determining the direction, spin, and speed of the serve. Consequently, less experienced opponents often toss the ball in a position (to the right or behind) that allows them only one or two types of serves, giving you a clear advantage when returning a first serve.

Key Points to Remember:

  • Watch the Grip: Is the racket perpendicular to the ground (continental grip) or at an angle (eastern forehand grip)?

  • Observe the Opponent’s Position: How close are they to the center of the baseline?

  • Evaluate the Ball Toss: The wider the ball toss, the more limited your opponent’s shot will be in terms of direction, speed, and spin.

Using these visual cues effectively can give you the edge needed to neutralize your opponent’s first serve and take control of the rally.