Stroke Mechanics for Serves and Returns Flashcards

To add topspin to a volley serve while staying legal, the player should:

Answer: Swing low to high with the paddle face slightly closed and brush up the back of the ball

A low-to-high brushing swing creates topspin while the upward arc and below-waist contact keep the serve legal.

Right after hitting a return of serve, what should the returner usually do?

Answer: Move forward toward the non-volley zone line

The returning team gains an advantage by getting to the kitchen line while the serving team must let the return bounce.

A student's returns keep landing in the net. What is the most likely mechanical cause?

Answer: Paddle face too closed or contact too far in front and low

A closed face or a downward contact point drives the ball into the net, so open the face slightly and lift through the ball.

When returning serve, when should the returner make a split step?

Answer: As the server makes contact with the ball

Split-stepping as the server hits the ball gets the returner balanced and ready to move in any direction.

Which serve target usually gives a beginner server the highest-percentage result?

Answer: Aiming deep toward the middle of the service court with margin

A deep serve aimed at the middle of the service court with margin keeps the returner back and limits faults.

On a backhand return, which cue best helps a student keep the paddle stable?

Answer: Keep a firm wrist and turn the shoulders, leading with the paddle-side shoulder

A firm wrist and shoulder turn make the backhand return come from the body instead of an unstable wrist.

An instructor sees a student's serve foot touching the baseline at contact. Why is this a problem?

Answer: It is a foot fault because a foot touches the baseline or the court at contact

At contact at least one foot must be behind the baseline and neither foot may touch the baseline or the court inside it.