How to return 100+ MPH serves (footwork, grip, tips…) | Tennis Return Of Serve - Part 2

Use these tips and tricks to return a good (and fast) first serve, and increase your chances of winning more matches!
Get your FREE LESSON: mytennishq.com/free-ebook-gro...
Learn the secrets to hitting forehands and backhands like the pros!
First video of the series:
This is how I drive servers crazy… |Improve Your Tennis Return Of Serve:
• This is how I drive se...
NEWSLETTER: mytennishq.com/newsletter/
====
Want to help the channel? Here are some links!
Tennis Warehouse: www.tennis-warehouse.com/?fro...
Tennis Warehouse Europe: www.tenniswarehouse-europe.co...
Tennis Warehouse Australia: www.tennisonly.com.au/?from=t...
Amazon: www.amazon.com/ref=as_li_ss_t...
GEAU Sports: geausport.com/?ref=mytennishq
SWINGVISION: swing.tennis/r/mytennishq
15% SPIKEBALL DISCOUNT: bit.ly/3atjNDq
MERCH
- mytennishq.myshopify.com
PATREON
www.patreon.com/mytennishq?fa...
===

[@LunarEclipsism1]

I really like that Nick still got plenty of aces in and you didn't need to fudge the drill to make it seem like you can crush ANY serve on the return. Felt more similar to match play that way and I really appreciated it.

[@MyTennisHQ]

Thank you! Yes, that way it feels more authentic!

[@LunarEclipsism1]

@@MyTennisHQ welcome! Loving this series, looking forward to the next one on second serves!

[@marcwente8943]

also big shout out to Nick! he's got an awesome serve! very few misses (if any?) and spot on precision! "ace me! 2nd serve me! hit my forehand! short serve me!" one day I'll get there hahaha :)

[@SwagDawg]

@@MyTennisHQ 100% agree, so refreshing

[@joseenryquenarvadez76]

You give out the most concise and comprehensive instructions among the tennis channels on YT. Great balance between technicality and court awareness. Exactly the kind of coach needed by a player who's gotten into the game pretty late but still wants to accomplish something. Keep it up!

[@MyTennisHQ]

I'm glad you like Jose! If you would like to learn more, subscribe to our newsletter, soon we will be having more lessons like these delivered by email as well!

[@tannerbrinton9808]

@@MyTennisHQ You are really the only tennis channel above a 4.5, 5.0 level. As someone trying to reach a high level, I really appreciate your channel

[@BB_Ye]

Great video mate. Youre covering something that gets often missed even at advanced levels. Returning serve is always a learning process mid game and making micro-adjustments. I like that you don't beat yourself up over missed points/aces etc, we probably do it too much as a culture at high levels. Definitely getting take aways from here

[@naiadbaksh3996]

Amazing videos! Production has stepped up a notch which is an excellent sign of growth

[@CharlesTang-sp5en]

Hi Karue, I think your tennis lessons are the most helpful! somehow it all makes sense to me! It’s way more detailed! And it goes straight to the point! I wish you good luck in your professional endeavors, and I am following you every step of the way! I live in Sydney Australia, I have a court in my complex! It will be my absolute honor to have you here playing a match or two if you ever come down under one day!

[@JnRGaming]

Karu you consistently put up the best content on KZbin for tennis. thank you so much for this tutorial It really put things into perspective. keep it up!

[@TheJWall]

This video series is already helping me so much, thanks dude!

[@webtennis24]

Your lessons cannot be more genuine: you are a coach and a player who walks the talk. Showing the technical and tactical aspects of the return as they are is truly what people need. Great lessons, Karue! 👍 😊

[@robertocfaguiar]

Very good teaching here. I love the fact that Nick served for real and the guy was not worry about showing that he good get it easy, like real game situation. Another one was when he got back and Nick open the angle. Many player try to go as far as they can from the base line and it just does not work. Finally as he said, don´t just block, make the swing.

[@enricopascucci4802]

Great video, with clear and concise tips.

[@robertrose3947]

I'm a 61 year old 3.5 player, who often plays against a 30's something 5.0 player in doubles and he always kills me on his serves, but after watching this video, the night before our 4 set match, i went from returning his serves less than 5% of the time to close to 70% with one sold winner when we were playing Austrian .Also, in general, I have been so discouraged with my return of serve; so inconsistent, even with players of lesser caliber. I have never watched a video that totally improved my game literally over night before. I realize that it will take a lot more practice and exposure to many different servers, to make it into a weapon, but wow what an improvement. I can't thank you enough!!! Totally awesome video.

[@bganjavian]

Great content , much appreciated

[@christopherpollak7448]

Really good stuff. Quick question. Could you offer some tips on returning a 100+ serve directly at your body. I've always found the body serve by far the most difficult to return. Thank You.

[@MyTennisHQ]

Play dodgeball. You need to create the space and get away from the ball laterally. Also give yourself a bit more space from the baseline

[@JamesDavisakaRemguy]

Me too! I play wheelchair so it’s a little more difficult (I’m lying, it’s A LOT more difficult) to get out of the way of a bullet serve to the body! I’m left holding the racket vertically in front of me like a lollipop. Not very graceful, or effective. The best solution I’ve found so far is to hit a slice backhand standing square to the ball and chopping down with an open racket face - and praying I get the damn thing DEEP ENOUGH so I don’t totally EAT the next shot! Open to any ideas you may have. Thanks - JD, Montreal

[@JamesDavisakaRemguy]

P. S. I eat A LOT of bullet serves to the body!

[@renatomatsumoto3805]

Ta mto firmeza essa serie de vídeos. Valeu demais!! \o/

[@nd7434]

love your vids, this is something i need help on !.

[@akaTelo]

Awesome tips, thanks. I got the first step down by also having the same panda vibration dampener! Now just have to implement the rest of the lessons haha

[@isanti01]

Great Guide!

[@deepseadiver8191]

Great, great video! No BS!

[@swooshchoppa4702]

Can't wait for the third part!

[@Esprits4s]

Great video! Thank you.

[@MyTennisHQ]

You are welcome!

[@briarbrooke]

I love your videos. I would like to see your thoughts on any differences returning serves in doubles.

[@svlagonda7417]

Excellent video

[@nicolas5960]

Love your videos.

[@brunobfischer]

These are awesome tips. Great video. Thumbs up!

[@MyTennisHQ]

thank you

[@evanwong4260]

like this one, waiting for videos for serve!!!!

[@alfandosavant4639]

Wow, a tennis video on youtube with half of the content is actually practicing it! Great video 👍🏽😄

[@K4R3N]

Need this video yesterday

[@MyTennisHQ]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@arepaconmaple]

Love all your videos Sell, i just bought a Yonex VCORE PRO 97 too so im glad to see you using the same stick as me. I always have issues returning big serves and this videos were really interesting coming from somebody with so much experience. Cheers !

[@Rick-ou6wy]

he might be using the 97D

[@arepaconmaple]

@@Rick-ou6wy yes he is probably playing with a heavier stick than me. I bought the 97(310g) and I is a beautiful racquet to play with

[@augustblood6810]

Thanks a lot for the advice and encouragement!

[@alyasahdayaan1063]

I like your videos. Hope you could make a series on how to deal with a left handed opponent. Thank you.

[@pablorosario5232]

I really like this channel. this is how everyone should teach Tennis, no bullshit and direct to the point, unlike other channels that makes tennis more complicated and so frustrating to learn.

[@MyTennisHQ]

That's my goal here, to simplify tennis! Thanks for your feedback!

[@caioscofield]

the grip tip was simple but blew my mind. probably gonna improve my time to react a ton!!

[@caioscofield]

just tested it against a person that is a powerful server and it dramatically increased my reaction time, confidence and returns!

[@sdfswords]

Great discussion. By 4.5 -5.0, there are plenty of guys who crush first serves and move the ball around. Unless you already know their pattern of play, you'll have to figure out the code each time.

[@listonshaw454]

Hey Kuru, great video! And great to see you on TV at the San Diego open in Marcos Giron's support stand during his match!!

[@MyTennisHQ]

Hey, thanks!

[@imtiajyafi1215]

​@@MyTennisHQ please give beginner backhand link

[@mrarrowhead12345]

Hi Karue, huge fan of the channel. I think you produce some of the best material for college players like myself. Could you make a video discussing a training regime. For instance, weight room, footwork, and cardio workouts to improve our game? Thanks.

[@MyTennisHQ]

Thank you!! Appreciate it!. And yes I will work on that

[@83Leoo]

Thanks a lot for the great videos. Can I know which strings do you use and at which tension?

[@joshw7129]

Old coach of mine said to return up the middle. Part of it is people coming out of their serve motions are in a vulnerable state, what do you think of that? Also aiming up the middle can help with timing, if you catch the return early aiming up the middle you can hit a good cross court ball, if you catch it late you hit a ball DTL What are your thoughts? Great content as always

[@thecasualmuslim]

Great video, played a really tall and massive server the other day (former davis cup), and I thought backing up would do the trick, however as you said in the video if they can hit there spots you're screwed. And that i was... WIll definitely try stepping in next time especially on the second serves which kick up lick crazy.. Also, what racket and string are you using? It looks identical to my setup, Im using the new vcore pro 330h, with weiss cannon ultra cable. Anyways, great video and thanks alot!

[@usefulinformation5692]

Another good video! Can I ask you what string do you use and what tension?

[@ecaldwell888]

Never have I thought about being prepared for the average height of my opponent's serve. It seems so obvious after you say it, though.

[@enriquemorin5569]

thanks

[@noname-JS]

Great body for a tennis player. Eyes down on ball and swing through each shot

[@micah2237]

damn, thank you for putting this out. this is the weakest part of my game, and i needed a good tutorial

[@peterbedford2610]

He has got a nice and consistent serve!

[@MyTennisHQ]

thanks!

[@Fernwald84]

I understand the importance of the open stance in returning, but what to do if you use a 1HBH? Also, what about slicing the return off the backhand side, Karue?

[@socrs]

I don’t know if it’s ‘correct’, but what helped me the most is… Charge in on the return of serve as if I’m approaching the net right as the ball is approaching. Tends to keep the ball down and with a shorter swing, momentum gives me a better hit. VS just going left or right

[@miguelbarahona6636]

Superb video!. Thanks. What grip do you recommend for us one handers? I my case I´ve used always continental. If the serve is fast I only block/slice it on forehand and backhand. And I don´t have to receive such big serves like Nick´s, haha.

[@LunarEclipsism1]

I have a 1-H backhand and I still return with a grip similar to the one Karue describes. Dominant hand in a forehand grip, off hand up on the throat as if I'm preparing for a backhand. If the ball is coming to my forehand side I simply release my offhand and I'm ready to hit because my main hand is already in a forehand grip. If it's coming to my backhand I initiate the turn with my offhand, which is already stabilizing the racket while I switch the grip on my main hand. I find this much more stable than waiting with a continental grip or backhand grip on my main hand, because I can be more aggressive on my FH with less to think about, and the grip switch on my backhand is already instinctual during the turn.

[@jeanb.3493]

Great videos, thanks. Ime, a lot of players struggle with the upper body rotation and uncoiling into the return of serve. For my part, this is due to not being able to read the correct side fast enough, and the associated feeling of being stuck. As you point out in the first video, anticipating or favoring on side over the other, is a good strategy (just trying it out after your video). For my part it seems to work, as the anticipation let's me focus on a longer sequence of movement to execute (than just split stepping): f.inst. split step, load right leg, turn upper body right, uncoil and move into the shot. It seems to me this works, as most of us (recreational players) do not have the necessary upper body rotation speed to have a "neutral" approach to the ROS, as this inevitably leads to being stuck. Is this the main "solution" to being stuck or do you have other keys?

[@MyTennisHQ]

Well a lot comes down to reaction speeds and recognizing the direction of the ball quickly. The same happens on groundstrokes if the ball is being hit too fast. At the end of the day you need lots of repetition. Pay a lot of attention to the ball as your opponent is hitting it so you can identify the direction of the ball fast

[@ilips6588]

What about anticipating and choosing a side right after your opponent throws the ball depending on his grip position?

[@hsy2448]

NO ITS THE ONLY THING I HAVE PLEASE I BEG

[@MyTennisHQ]

😂😂😂

[@watcher687]

Great video Karue. Thank you. No matter how hard I try I start my split step just while the ball is being hit which is only a touch better than not split stepping! Any cues as to when exactly you should start the split step ie the hop/jump part so that you land just after ball is hit?

[@MyTennisHQ]

Hop right as your opponent is about to hit the ball. Land as the ball is leaving his racket

[@santipechieu]

Could you do a video explaining a bit better what cues can you use to read a bit the serve? At a certain level ball toss is pretty similar for slices and flat serves. I was intrigued by the shoulder rotation tip but I don't know what to look for

[@MyTennisHQ]

Will do!

[@lukemeno]

Nice Video, thanks for your tips. Always helpful. Did you switch your racket. See you A lot with the new vcore 97 d I guess ?

[@MyTennisHQ]

No I just use different rackets for fun

[@lukemeno]

@@MyTennisHQ how do you like the 97d compared to the vcore 95

[@rutan4000]

Hi Karue, is there a difference in contact point or follow through for a flat serve that bounces up and a flat serve that skids and stays low? I thought flat serves only stayed low. But after watching this vid and also by some fluke managed to hit a flat one that kicked over my opponents head today, I've come to think that maybe it is possible to serve both types of flat serves. Could you please elaborate on the fundamentals of each of these types of flat serves? Much appreciated.

[@BenPhanStudios]

Love your videos brother, this is super helpful, thank you! Have you swtiched from the VCore 95 to the new Gravity Pro? And if so, why? Thanks man I appreciate the channel!

[@K4R3N]

It's new VcorePro

[@BenPhanStudios]

@@K4R3N sorry, that's what I meant! So you switched to the VCore Pro from the VCore 95?

[@mutton4ever]

@@BenPhanStudios it’s the new vcore pro 97D. You can kind of see it at 10:55

[@MyTennisHQ]

My Vcore 95s were being restringed, that's why I used Vcore Pro this time. I like it, but I won't switch from the 95!

[@BenPhanStudios]

@@MyTennisHQ nice!! I just bought a VCore 95, your review was super helpful. I absolutely love it, like you said it does everything well! Thanks man!

[@foxfroze4308]

Hi karu i have a problem on my serve that i throw the ball once too much inside the court and then too much back on the flat serve and then the ball hits the upper side of the racket and barely gets any power, because of the toss i sometimes have to run threw my technique and sometimes i have time, so i think i should improve my timing and my toss, and things you would advise me to do?

[@bornred2067]

Hey Karue, super helpful, great video, thank you so much for posting! Quick question: is there a way to talk to you privately about lessons for my son? Either you or maybe you can recommend somebody good. I tried emailing on your website a couple of times but got no response. Thanks!

[@MyTennisHQ]

Hi. If you have instagram reach out on the DMs either @mytennishq or @karuesell

[@PHamster]

My brain can't wrap around how to quickly change the grip of the racquet. I've noticed more and more that with those rocket serves I tend to close up the racket when trying to get into a backhand. Any advice on that? :)

[@dockerface]

Karue, how do we hit a OHBH return in terms of open stance? My understanding is that it's kind of semi-open with the right leg coming through right after the shot.

[@kenkrehbiel1931]

I’d also love to better understand the one hand backhand inside out open stance serve return.

[@josephgdb4337]

Not to sure if you mentioned it, but what type of grip are you using/ what is best for service-returns? I struggle on my FH return, so was thinking if its best to change it up (i use a continental grip). Great vids as always, Thanks!

[@MyTennisHQ]

There is no best for service returns. You use the grip you use on the groundstrokes. There shouldn’t be any variation

[@afaircomment]

I don't usually have time to hit my single-handed backhand from fast first serves (there's not time to adjust to my, slightly extreme grip), so I try sliced backhands -- but sliced backhands don't really work with an open stance... any thoughts..?

[@gunmenow]

And also can you also show us SABR return first serve?

[@kenkrehbiel1931]

It felt like this video was primarily aimed at singles play. Are there any things you would say differently if you were speaking to the doubles return? Specifically, I feel like when I return from farther behind the baseline it gives the net player too much time to poach. And I’ve seen a lot of successful 4.5 players stand well inside the baseline and simply chip the return back so they can charge the net right off the return. Thanks for the great content as always!

[@MyTennisHQ]

It is aimed at singles play but all the technical points of it are the same for doubles

[@kenkrehbiel1931]

@@MyTennisHQ Thanks Karue!

[@yakzivz1104]

Karue: how do you track the ball with your eyes?? Are you tracking the ball from the moment that it leaves your opponent's racket to the moment it hits the ground?

[@MyTennisHQ]

I track the ball all the time. From when it leaves my racket to when it comes back. There’s never a time where you shouldn’t be looking at the ball

[@ChrisL326]

Can you do spin serves next? My friend is a lefty and hits slice serves with lots of movement with decent pace. Thanks!

[@MyTennisHQ]

Will do!

[@K4R3N]

Oh man. I hit against 4.5 lefty and he has nasty kick. On Ad side it's very difficult. No idea where to stand or how to send it back

[@ecaldwell888]

As a lefty, this would help me as well. I struggle returning right handers' serves because all of you serve to my backhand and it's tough to step around even on a body serve because of how it slices.

[@imtiajyafi1215]

Which grip you use as in starting position

[@meltbon]

how is the basic receive for one handed backhand?

[@room1recording]

Finally a KZbin coach who cuts out all the jargon and actually backs up all of his talking on the court. Best one about.

[@MyTennisHQ]

thanks for the praise, Barry!!

[@felipeneves121]

Ótimo vídeo! Está gostando dessa nova Vcore pro? Sei que você costuma usar a Vcore 95, gostaria de saber sua opinião sobre a pro. Como eu ainda não consegui testá-la, talvez uma opinião me ajude a decidir se devo comprar ela ou não. Um abraço!

[@MyTennisHQ]

Essa era a 97D, 320 gramas. Gosto do lineup em geral. Confortável, bom peso, bom feel na bola. Prefiro a 95 pro meu estilo mas essa nova geração da Pro é melhor que a anterior

[@JamesDavisakaRemguy]

That’s easy for YOU to say! Bom gia do Montreal!

[@notreallytate4217]

Anyone got a Pro Staff RF97 what do you string it with?

[@sxm9071]

what are your racquet specs?

[@K4R3N]

Vcore Pro, nice. What string setup?

[@MyTennisHQ]

usually I use the Vcore 95, string Head lynx tour, 58lbs !

[@4justiceagainstevil]

serves up to 100-110mph you can actually stand close to the base line and rob huge time away from the server. You also cause them to want to hit yet faster, reducing their percentage.

[@gunmenow]

How do you read the serve when the opponent is about to serve? Basically can you read the racket head angle to predict the serve?

[@MyTennisHQ]

Ball toss placement, racket head angle, body movements

[@nofx7058]

is it possible to react if he aim for the farthest left corner and you stay in right corner and speed is ~160mph, i think its impossibl, why pros not serve like that all the time

[@saduwj9893]

this is new ezone tour?

[@lawdepotpresident9900]

I like all of this, I personally just block it back because well, serve return is hard lol

[@MyTennisHQ]

I get it, it's not that easy, but once you understand the technique and star to practice, you'll start improving your return!

[@ranz1022]

TennisHQ what string do you use also what pounds?

[@MyTennisHQ]

In this video it was yonex polytour. But my string of choice is head lynx tour at 58lbs

[@stsheep]

is this yonex vcore pro racquet? how is it compared to vcore?

[@MyTennisHQ]

I like it a lot, more comfortable and more feel than the previous version, but I won't switch from the Vcore95!

[@king0vdarkness]

My notes so far: 1. Wide stance and tall split step, move actively after split step - outer leg must push towards where you need to go. 2. Open stance return 3. Short swing but full follow through for acceleration. 4. Racket high and in front At 5:40

[@king0vdarkness]

Last 3 notes: racket position needs to be higher for high bouncing serves and lower for lower serves. Stand where it makes sense, eg further back for big serves. Aim for big targets.

[@SantiagojoseChacon]

Do yo do that same conversarion to yourself during the match?

[@MyTennisHQ]

I do all kinds of conversations with myself when I play jajaj

[@SantiagojoseChacon]

@@MyTennisHQ hehe I asked it beacuse I always thought I was the only one

[@Javi_C]

👍

[@babbo507]

how do you return a 125 mph serve?

[@RicardojdVeiga]

Did you change rackets? Vcore 95 is now a Vcore Pro 97! What's the model? And which one do you like best?

[@goggleboy2464]

Lets go Brandon!

[@tennnis498]

More tweeners please. I know, not on return of serve.

[@michaelreid8737]

Karue, that serve at 3:55 was a fault, not an ace!

[@mutton4ever]

10:46 your strings are all out of place haha

[@MyTennisHQ]

haha that's right!

[@thomasbain9241]

Good tips,shame though, using the Lord's name in vain

[@warrenewing6505]

To take the name of Jesus in vain during the video is offensive to christians... that is not good enough on a tennis video... i was offended and stopped watching.