IPTPA Stroke Mechanics for Serves and Returns 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: To add topspin to a volley serve while staying legal, the player should:
- Swing low to high with the paddle face slightly closed and brush up the back of the ball (Correct answer)
- Chop down sharply on the ball
- Contact the ball above the waist with an open face
- Spin the ball with the fingers before releasing it
Correct 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.
Question 2: Right after hitting a return of serve, what should the returner usually do?
- Stay at the baseline and wait for the third shot
- Move forward toward the non-volley zone line (Correct answer)
- Step back to cover a lob
- Move to the center line behind the partner
Correct 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.
Question 3: A student's returns keep landing in the net. What is the most likely mechanical cause?
- Paddle face too open at contact
- Swing path too low to high
- Paddle face too closed or contact too far in front and low (Correct answer)
- Taking a split step before the bounce
Correct 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.
Question 4: When returning serve, when should the returner make a split step?
- After the ball bounces on their side
- As the server makes contact with the ball (Correct answer)
- After hitting the return
- Never; the returner should stay still
Correct 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.
Question 5: Which serve target usually gives a beginner server the highest-percentage result?
- Aiming at the sideline to get an ace
- Aiming deep toward the middle of the service court with margin (Correct answer)
- Aiming just past the non-volley zone line
- Aiming at the corner where the baseline meets the sideline
Correct 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.
Question 6: On a backhand return, which cue best helps a student keep the paddle stable?
- Let the wrist flick at contact
- Keep a firm wrist and turn the shoulders, leading with the paddle-side shoulder (Correct answer)
- Hit with the elbow pointing straight at the net
- Open the stance completely toward the net
Correct 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.
Question 7: An instructor sees a student's serve foot touching the baseline at contact. Why is this a problem?
- It is legal but lowers power
- It is a foot fault because a foot touches the baseline or the court at contact (Correct answer)
- It only matters on second serves
- It is legal because the other foot is behind the line
Correct 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.
