The return of serve is the easiest shot in pickleball to get right, and one of the most important. Because of the two-bounce rule, the serving team has to stay back and let your return bounce, while you get a free run to the kitchen line. A deep return makes that head start count. Here's how to hit it, where to aim and how to get to the net behind it.
The short answer
Hit your return high, slow and deep, into the back third of the court, then follow it to the kitchen line.
- Start a step behind the baseline, so the serve comes to you
- Step into the ball as you hit it, then keep walking forward
- Aim deep, to the middle or the server's backhand; depth beats pace
- Be at the kitchen line, paddle up, before the third shot arrives
Why depth matters more than pace
Under the two-bounce rule, the serve and the return both have to bounce before anyone can volley. So the serving team is stuck back at the baseline for their third shot, while you and your partner are free to move up. A deep return pushes them even further back, and a long third shot from the baseline is much harder than one from mid-court.
It keeps the server back
A ball near the baseline means the third shot comes from deep, which makes a good drop or drive much harder.
It buys you time
A high, slow return spends longer in the air, which is exactly the time you need to get to the kitchen line.
It takes away their options
From deep, it's harder to drive at your feet or hit a sharp angle. Most third shots get easier to handle.
It's low risk
You don't need pace or the lines. Deep and in the middle is a great return, every time.
How to return deep, step by step
The return is about rhythm, not power. Get the timing of your feet right and depth comes almost for free.
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1
Start a step behind the baseline
Stand a step or two behind the baseline, knees bent, paddle up, weight slightly forward. It's much easier to move forward into a serve than to back up from one.
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2
Favor your forehand
Most players have a stronger forehand. Stand a little to your backhand side so more serves come to your forehand, and be ready to adjust if the serve comes at your body.
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3
Short backswing
Take the paddle back early but not far. Your body does most of the work; a big backswing is the main reason returns fly long.
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4
Step and hit together
Time your first step forward so your front foot lands as the paddle meets the ball. Contact with your weight moving forward, paddle out in front of you.
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5
Lift it high and deep
Swing low to high with a slightly open face, aiming for a high arc that lands in the back third of the court. Height is your friend here: it buys you time.
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6
Keep walking to the kitchen line
Don't stop to watch the ball. Keep moving forward after contact and get to the kitchen line, paddle up, before the third shot arrives. If the third shot is already coming, split step and get ready where you are, then reset and keep moving up.
Deep and in, then up to the line.
A deep return to the middle, followed by a fast walk to the kitchen line, wins you more points than any return winner.
Where to aim
- Deep first. Aim for the back third of the court. A return that lands a few feet inside the baseline is far better than one that lands mid-court.
- The middle is safe. A deep return down the middle gives you margin on both sides and can cause confusion over who takes the third shot.
- The server's backhand. Most players are weaker there, and a deep backhand third shot is one of the hardest shots in the game.
- Pick on the weaker player. If one opponent has a shakier third shot, send your return to them, even if they didn't serve.
Where your partner should stand
In doubles, the returner's partner doesn't need to wait at the baseline. The two-bounce rule only stops the receiving team from volleying the serve, and the serve isn't coming to them. So they start at the kitchen line, paddle up, ready for the third shot. That leaves you as the only one who has to get forward, which is one more reason to give yourself time with a high, deep return.
Forehand or backhand?
Your forehand is usually the more reliable return, which is why you stand a little to your backhand side. But servers aim for your backhand too, so it needs to be solid. Keep it simple: a short, firm swing with the paddle face slightly open, lifting the ball high and deep. If one hand feels shaky, try a two-handed backhand. It steadies the paddle face, and a longer handle gives you room for both hands.
Slice, topspin or flat?
Any of them works as long as the ball goes deep. Each one gives the third shot a different problem:
Slice
Backspin keeps the ball low after the bounce and makes it skid, so the server has to dig it up. Many advanced players use a deep backhand slice as their go-to return.
Topspin
Topspin lets you swing a bit harder and still have the ball dip in deep, and the ball kicks up toward the server after the bounce. Best on high serves you can get on top of.
Flat and high
No spin, just a smooth low-to-high swing. It's the easiest to control and the best place to start if you're newer to the game.
How to handle tricky serves
- A hard, deep serve. Shorten your swing even more and use the server's pace. A compact block lifted high still goes deep. Starting a step back gives you the time.
- A spin serve. Watch the server's paddle, not just the ball, so you can read which way it will kick. Let it bounce, give yourself a little extra room and aim for the middle, which gives you the most margin.
- A short or soft serve. Move in early and step into it. You have time, so you can go deep to the backhand corner or add a little more pace.
- A serve that's going long. You have to let every serve bounce anyway, so watch where it lands. If it's out, don't play it: it's a fault and the serve passes to the next server.
Returning in singles
Depth matters just as much in singles, but you're covering the whole court on your own. A deep return down the middle or to the backhand corner still keeps the server back. After the return, move up as far as you comfortably can and get set in the middle of the court, rather than racing all the way to the kitchen line.
5 mistakes that cost you the point
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MistakeReturning short.FixAim for the back third. A short return lets the server step in and attack, and you're still on your way to the net.
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MistakeGoing for too much pace.FixA hard, flat return comes back faster than you can get forward. Lift it higher and slower instead.
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MistakeRunning through the ball.FixCharging forward at contact makes the paddle face wobble. Step and hit together, then keep walking.
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MistakeStopping to watch your shot.FixKeep your feet moving after contact. Every pause leaves you stuck in no man's land for the third shot.
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MistakeStarting on the baseline.FixStand a step back. Then a deep serve comes to you instead of jamming you.
3 drills for deeper returns
Two players and a few cones are all you need:
Drill 1
Back-third target
Lay a towel or a line of cones about 7 feet inside the far baseline. Your partner serves; you return.
Goal8 out of 10 returns land past the line.
Make it harder: your partner serves to your backhand.
Drill 2
Return and run
Return the serve, then sprint to the kitchen line and split step. Your partner hits the third shot as soon as your return bounces.
GoalYou're set at the kitchen line before the third shot crosses the net.
Make it harder: your partner drives every third shot.
Drill 3
Return to a target
Put cones in the middle and in the server's backhand corner. Your partner calls one out as they serve.
GoalHit the called target, deep, 7 out of 10 times.
Make it harder: call the target after the serve bounces.
Does your paddle help?
Technique comes first, but the right paddle makes deep returns easier. Reach and a bit of swing weight mean the paddle does more of the work, so you can keep your swing short. Elongated and longer-handled shapes help most. Core thickness matters too: a thinner core has more pop for easy depth, and a thicker one is softer and easier to control. Not sure which suits you? See how the shapes compare and power vs control paddles.
Frequently asked questions
Why should the return of serve be deep?
The two-bounce rule keeps the serving team back for the third shot. A deep return keeps them as far back as possible and gives you time to get to the kitchen line.
Where should I stand to return serve?
A step or two behind the baseline, a little toward your backhand side. That way, deep serves come to you and more balls come to your forehand.
Should I hit my return hard?
Not usually. A high, deep return gives you more time to get to the net and is much safer. Save harder returns for short or weak serves.
Can the returning team volley the third shot?
Yes. The two-bounce rule only covers the serve and the return. Once those have bounced, either team can volley, which is why getting to the kitchen line behind your return matters.
Where should I aim my return?
Deep, to the middle or to the server's backhand. If one opponent has a weaker third shot, aim for them.
Does the serve have to bounce before I return it?
Yes. Under the two-bounce rule, the receiver must let the serve bounce before hitting it. Volleying the serve is a fault.
Should I hit a slice return?
It's a great option once you can control it. A deep slice stays low and skids, which makes the third shot harder. If you're newer, start with a high, flat return and add slice later.
Where should my partner stand when I return serve?
At the kitchen line. Your partner isn't returning the serve, so they can start at the net and be ready for the third shot.
What paddle is best for returning serve?
One with good reach and enough swing weight that a short swing still goes deep: elongated shapes, or a longer handle if you play two-handed backhands. Your local Royal Ambassador can help you try a few.
Want someone to check your footwork? Ask a Royal Ambassador.
Your local Royal Ambassador is on court every week. Find yours to work on your returns, try the paddles above, book a demo and get a good deal.
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