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Tennis · Level 4: Intermediate · Sub-level 4.3

Return of Serve Tactics

4 tests · 40 facts · updated 12 October 2026 · markdown

Where to stand to return, the block, chip and drive returns, return targets and depth, and reading the serve.

Each test below is ten questions on Insporta. The list under a test is what the questions check: one fact per question, with the source it was written from. Read it before the test, or come back from a wrong answer.

Test 1Return positionsTake a test

  1. Extra distance gives time to react to a fast serve.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  2. A slower serve can be taken earlier.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  3. Position changes with the serve's speed and spin.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  4. A central spot covers wide and T serves.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  5. Timing the hop with the server's contact lets the receiver move at once.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  6. A small hop prepares the first step.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  7. Standing close gives little time.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  8. The further forward, the less time the receiver has.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  9. A receiver reads, hops, pushes and hits.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · applied

  10. A bigger serve calls for more distance.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · applied

Test 2Return typesTake a test

  1. A block uses the pace already on the ball.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  2. A chip is a short slice that skids.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  3. A drive uses a big swing to attack the serve.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  4. A short swing helps against pace.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  5. A low ball at the feet is hard to volley.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  6. A loopy return resets a difficult exchange.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  7. The returner chips low and moves forward.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  8. A block has the shortest swing and a drive the longest.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  9. A block is compact: read, short swing, contact, recover.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · applied

  10. A block uses the shortest swing.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · applied

Test 3Return targets and depthTake a test

  1. A deep central ball keeps the server from attacking.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  2. The middle has the most room and the least angle.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  3. A deep return pushes the server back.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  4. A weaker wing under pressure may miss.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  5. A short ball invites an attack.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  6. A ball at the feet is awkward to play.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · applied

  7. A returner takes the initiative on a weak serve.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  8. More central targets have more margin.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  9. Depth keeps the server on the back foot.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  10. A deep central target is safe and hard to attack.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · applied

Test 4Reading the serveTake a test

  1. The toss often shows the intended serve.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  2. A stance can hint at direction.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  3. Habits repeat, so patterns help the returner.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  4. Early movement saves time.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  5. A wrong guess leaves the returner out of position.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  6. The ball's first moments show its type.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  7. A routine clears the last point.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  8. A returner reads the toss, the swing, the ball and then the bounce.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall

  9. A returner reads, chooses, aims and swings.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · applied

  10. A wide serve drags the receiver towards the sideline.

    Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · applied

Sources

ITF coach-education materials, ITF Coaching & Sport Science Review, federation curricula, general coaching references; original questions authored, nothing reproduced. Numbered ITF rules belong to the Rules category.

  • General coaching reference (serve and return tactics)40