A good return of serve is the key to gaining control of the pickleball court. Although pickleball is fun and easy to learn, this game definitely requires some strategy if you want to win. These pickleball return of serve strategies can help players avoid simple mistakes at critical points in the match.

Prioritize Backhands

Typically, pickleball players return the ball with a forehand hit. Forehand hits are preferable because many players feel it gives them the ability to return balls with maximum speed and control.

Thanks to this commonality, aiming for an opponent’s backhand is a great way to knock them out of their comfort zone. In pickleball, any opportunity to catch your opponent off guard is one worth taking—and aiming at their backhand is an easy way to do exactly that.

Hit Deep

A good return of serve isn’t just about catching the opposing team off guard; a good return should give the player enough time to reach the kitchen. When pickleball players control the kitchen, they can control the game. One of the best ways to challenge your opponent while providing yourself time to reach the kitchen is hitting the ball deep.

The opposing team is trying to control the kitchen, just like you, so pushing them away from that area is key. Luckily, a deep hit will force the other team to retreat from the kitchen to reach the ball.

Aim High

Another great way to give your team more time to reach the kitchen is by hitting the ball higher and more delicately. That high arc and soft impact mean the ball will take longer to reach the other team than a quicker, harder return will. While the other team scrambles to anticipate the ball’s landing, your team can get back to the kitchen and control the match once again.

Using these pickleball return of serve strategies can help players quickly turn the tide of a match. However, to use these strategies to their full potential, you have to play on a suitable court. As long as you have access to a tennis court and portable pickleball nets, you have the perfect venue for your next game.