What is the most important element of a service return? Getting the ball back over the net. It is that easy – and part of the simple gems of tennis knowledge that Rod Laver puts forth in his updated and re-released autobiography THE EDUCATION OF A TENNIS PLAYER.
Written with Hall of Fame journalist and historian Bud Collins, THE EDUCATION OF A TENNIS PLAYER is Laver’s first-hand account of his famous 1969 Grand Slam season, capped off by his win over fellow Australian Tony Roche in the final of the U.S. Open. Laver also writes about his childhood and early days in tennis, his 1962 Grand Slam and offers tips on how players of all levels can improve their game. He also shares some of the strategies that helped him to unparalleled success on the tennis court.
Originally published in 1971, THE EDUCATION OF A TENNIS PLAYER ($19.95, www.NewChapterMedia.com) was updated by Laver and Collins with new content including his recovery from a near-fatal stroke in 1998 and helping Australia once again win the Davis Cup in 1973. The memoir features descriptions of Laver’s most suspenseful matches and memorable portraits of his biggest rivals Ken Rosewall, Lew Hoad, Tony Roche and Pancho Gonzalez.
Laver’s full tip on improving your service return is excerpted below…
Make up your mind on this: you’re going to get that serve back over the net. Consistent returning puts pressure on the server. Usually you’ll just block the first serve, since your opponent will probably have some pace on the ball.
Move in for the second serve and give that a good swat. Most people play too far back to return serve. You want to try to take the ball on the rise, and maybe you’ll find yourself standing inside the baseline to do this. Try it.
Pancho Segura, one of the cleverest guys to play the game, used to move up to take the second serve, like most players, but frequently he would delay that move until his opponent was into the service motion. “Maybe my move will distract him and he’ll double fault,” was Pancho’s reasoning.
Prepare.
May I repeat: prepare. Get that racket back as soon as you know whether the ball’s coming to your forehand or backhand. Too many players are late in preparing to make the stroke and getting the racket back. Remind yourself to prepare as your opponent makes his service toss.
Even a broken-down-looking return gives the server a problem. Once you’ve put the ball over the net you’ve got an even chance of winning the point. Try to keep the ball low, especially against an opponent who follows his serve to the net. Use a lob occasionally against a net rusher. It will startle him.
Don’t overhit. Nothing picks up your opponent more than ripping returns of serve—that slap harmlessly into the net.
Get that return over the net. Any way. Or go stand in the corner.