Offensive Forcing Return Drill / Attacking Second Serves & Stepping Inside

Before you start

• Identify moments when you have plenty of time to set up, such as when facing a slower dinked or pushed second serve.
• Set up directional targets down the line or at sharp crosscourt angles.

Movement sequence

1. Recognize the opportunity when you have ample time to set up your shot.
2. Step inside the court and take the ball early with an aggressive, forcing swing.
3. Direct your offensive return either down the line or at an angle crosscourt away from your opponent.

Key points

• Avoid hitting the ball back up the middle to your opponent.
• Commit to hitting either down the line or an angle crosscourt.

Common mistakes

Hitting the offensive return back passively or up the middle into the opponent's strike zone. Failing to step inside and treat the ball like a forcing shot when given extra time on second serves.

Practice notes

Treat your offensive return remarkably similar to any forcing shot in singles. Focus on aggressive placement (down the line or sharp crosscourt angles) to put immediate pressure on the server.