The return of serve is one of the most undervalued shots in Pickleball. It doesn’t carry the flash of a third-shot drop, the satisfaction of a clean volley, or the power of a speed-up. But what it does carry is enormous strategic weight. If your return of serve is weak, inconsistent, or misdirected, you’re giving away the first tempo advantage of the rally—and making it harder for your team to take control of the net. If you’re serious about improving your win percentage, this is the shot you need to rethink.

Why the Return Matters

Most players focus on just getting the return in play. And while consistency is essential, the purpose of the return is much more specific: to buy you and your partner time to get to the non-volley zone and prepare to defend. That means your return must be deep, controlled, and intentionally placed. Anything short of that opens the door for the serving team to take initiative with a quick third-shot attack.

What to Focus On When Returning the Serve

Depth: Depth is the number one priority. A deep return pushes the server back and delays their approach to the kitchen. This buys your team seconds—which, in Pickleball, is all it takes to reset the rally on your terms. A shallow return does the opposite. It invites an aggressive third shot, often from midcourt, which puts your team on the defensive immediately.

Placement: But depth alone isn’t enough. Placement is just as critical. A deep return to the backhand side of the server is usually the highest-percentage option. Most players have weaker backhands, and it forces an awkward third shot, especially if the return also has a bit of spin or arc. But there are variations to explore, depending on the skill level and positioning of your opponents.

Returning to the middle splits the difference between players and can confuse teams about whose ball it is. Returning down the line can trap a poacher or force a tough angle. But these advanced options only work if your return is consistent. Without that foundation, you're just gambling. Great returners use a default pattern—deep to the backhand—and layer in surprises to keep opponents guessing.

How to Hit a Good Return

What many players miss is how important footwork is in producing a quality return. A lazy or rushed step results in a jammed, short ball. The key is preparing early. Read the serve, take a small split step, and move through the return with balance and intent. Ideally, you want to be moving forward into the shot to generate natural depth and control.

Spin is another tool you can use, especially at higher levels. A return with heavy topspin can push the server even deeper, while a slice return can skid low and make it hard to drive. But don’t add spin until you’ve mastered depth and placement. Spin is an enhancement, not a substitute for control.

Now consider how your return affects your transition to the net. If you return and linger at the baseline, you’re defeating the purpose of the shot. Your return must allow you to advance. This is why a floaty but deep return can be more effective than a fast, shallow one—it gives you more time to move in. Your partner should be advancing with you, so you can establish the NVZ as a team and be ready for the third shot. Tracking how often your team controls the net after the return is a simple but powerful stat. If your net control rate is low, your returns are likely failing their purpose.

Drills to Train Your Return

To train returns effectively, use a two-ball drill: one player serves, and the returner must hit deep with placement—then immediately move forward into position. The second ball comes fast, simulating a third shot. This builds return quality and transition readiness. Another good drill is the “target cone” drill: place cones deep in the corners and aim to land 10 returns in a row inside the target area. This sharpens both your control and confidence.

If you’re struggling to get depth, try exaggerating your follow-through and keeping your paddle face slightly open through contact. If you’re struggling with direction, focus on aligning your shoulders and hips toward the intended target. And if your return is solid but your transition is weak, work on syncing your return timing with your first two steps forward.

The return of serve should never be an afterthought. It sets the entire tone of the rally. If you're just floating it back without intent, you're wasting an opportunity. But if you hit a well-placed, well-paced return and use it to move forward with purpose, you’re controlling the court before your opponent has even taken their second shot.