Tip of the Day: Use the return to neutralize, challenge and attack the server—and maintain your position

The return of serve is more than just a reaction to the serve. It should be first strategic move in the point to, at the very least, maintain your position.

There are three ways to effectively use a return: neutralize, challenge and attack, and a combination of the three is ideal.

Read: Tip of the Day: Master the Return of Serve

Aim for a bigger target, high over the net, and force the server into a starting rally to null their first attack.

Neutralizing the serve is the last line of defense for a returner. While you should always enter the return position with a plan, the executed serve may be too good to challenge or attack, leaving one of two options: defend or neutralize.

Being forced to defend on the first shot of the point is the last thing you want, and should only happen if the server is doing their job a little too well. Neutralizing the point with a heavy, deep return should be the goal when facing a particularly troubling serve. Aim for a bigger target, high over the net, and force the server into a starting rally to null their first attack.

Challenging the serve is what the returner should look for most often during the match. Aim to make the server uncomfortable with the first shot they see coming back over the net—using the server’s force against them.

Still thinking in terms of big targets and ample height over the net—without trying to end the point—the returner should looking to move the server into an uncomfortable position, so that the next shot back in play is easier to control.

An attack is more viable against second serves, of course. The goal shouldn’t be a return winner, a rare result (although that kind of play earns a pat on the back when successful). Instead, attacking the serve should be viewed as an opportunity to flip the script.

Only in real time can a judgment be made on how aggressive the return should be. Even the worst-case scenario defensive return can result in a winning point, even if it's not ideal.

Varying these three approaches throughout a match is key to takeing the advantage as the returner—and creating chaos for the server.