Deep Cross-Court Return Buys Time to Advance
The Situation
You are returning serve and want to advance to the net safely.
What To Do
Hit your return deep cross-court — not fast, just deep. Then use the ball travel time to move forward with your partner.
Why It Works
The deep cross-court return is the primary tool for buying transition time: it forces the server to play from deep while giving you and your partner the maximum time to advance. A short return or a return at pace gives opponents an easy put-away before you reach the net.
Court Positioning
Deep cross-court return landing near back corner. Both returners advancing to net during ball travel time.
Court View
Bird's-eye view — attacking net position
Skill Level
Serve to the Body to Jam the Returner
You are serving and want a reliable, high-percentage target that makes the return difficult.
Return Low at the Net Player's Feet
You are returning serve and the server's partner stands at the net ready to intercept.
Both Returners Advance After the Return
You have returned serve and your partner is already at the net. You are standing on the baseline.