In pickleball, many new players view the return of serve as a routine task. While hitting the ball in bounds is a great start, picking strategic targets for your return of serve elevates your game and sets you up for a winning rally.
A thoughtful return sets your team up for control, takes away your opponents' best options, and gives you time to reach the kitchen line.
Why a weak return of serve hurts your team
Before learning how to improve your return, it helps to understand why certain returns put your team at a disadvantage.
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Avoid short returns: A short return invites the server (and their teammate) forward and gives them control of the court. It gives them the option to attack your partner or hit sharp angles that force errors.
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Avoid lazy crosscourt returns: Giving your opponent a wide crosscourt shot gives them easy angles to work with. Unless intentional, a soft crosscourt return leaves wide open gaps for the opposing team to exploit.
Your goal on every return is to hit deep, keep the serving team pinned to the baseline, and buy enough time for you to comfortably transition to the non-volley zone line.
The best return of serve doubles strategies
The highest-percentage strategy in doubles is targeting the player directly across from you. Aim your return down the line, especially toward their backhand side.
When you hit a deep, effective return down the line, it opens up a high-level team strategy:
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Squeezing the middle: When your partner sees your return traveling deep down the line, they should slide over to cover the middle of the court.
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Forcing tough decisions: When the opponent sees a defender shifting into the middle, it creates pressure. They are forced to attempt a risky down-the-line winner or try a difficult crosscourt shot while on the move.
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Easy attack opportunities: The middle squeeze sets your partner up to attack weak third-shot drops or drives, ending the point early in your favor.
Note on partner positioning: This aggressive squeeze works best when your partner's forehand is in the middle of the court. If shifting over requires your partner to take the shot with their backhand, hold standard court position rather than stacking or poaching.
How to adjust return strategies against different opponents
No single strategy fits every match. Adapt your return targets based on court matchups:
Adjusting for strong backhands
If an opponent shows off a lethal backhand, do not keep feeding it. Instead, shift your return toward the center of the court. Hitting deep to the middle targets their body, forces them to choose a forehand, and deprives them of wide angles.
Returning in mixed doubles or against dominant players
A common mistake in mixed doubles or when facing a dominant player is avoiding them on the return. However, it is often smart to return directly to the stronger player.
If you return to the weaker player, the stronger player can easily crash the middle of the court to attack your third ball. Hitting deep to the stronger player keeps them pinned at the baseline, taking away their mobility and giving your team more time to set up defenses.
Simple rules for a better return game
To keep your strategy simple, focus on two primary goals every time you step up to return:
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Hit deep down the line to the backhand: Make this your primary target when playing standard court positions.
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Buy time: High, deep returns give you the precious seconds you need to join your partner at the kitchen line.
By making deliberate choices with your returns, you immediately put pressure on the serving team and take charge of the point.
