Neutral Deep Return Target Drill / Direction & Depth Target Practice

Before you start

• Set up generic depth targets on the court to aim your returns towards.
• Find a hitting partner or friend who can serve consistently to practice against.

Movement sequence

1. Anticipate the incoming serve and execute a split-step as the server impacts the ball.
2. Take the racket back and set up for a neutral return without feeling overly rushed.
3. Hit the ball high and heavy towards your designated depth target to neutralize the server and start the rally.

Key points

• Aim for a heavy, deep return that lands near your depth targets.
• Ensure the ball has enough height and weight (high and heavy) to neutralize the opponent's advantage.

Common mistakes

For right-handed players on the ad side, favoring the forehand by running around the backhand, which pulls you further outside of the court. Failing to embrace and favor moving to the inside of the court on body serves to your backhand.

Practice notes

The hardest part is finding a partner with the perfect serve to practice neutralizing; the easy part is setting up generic depth targets. Learn to love your backhand and favor moving to the inside of the court rather than running around it.