HOW I TEACH THE RETURN OF SERVE To Advanced Players By Paul Dale | The 3AM Method Players spend hours perfecting groundstrokes, but here's the truth: At the top level, the Return of Serve wins more matches than perfect forehands. When both players hold serve efficiently, the return becomes your only chance to create the crucial break. It's the key that unlocks tight matches. I Want You to Get Inside Their Head Consistency beats power every time on return. Put yourself in the server's shoes: They're landing first serves, feeling confident, but you keep getting balls back and forcing rallies. Now what? Do they change tactics or stick with their plan? Either way, you've created doubt and influenced their decision-making. Mission accomplished. When I Tell Players to Take the Ball Early vs. Late I teach players that returning serve isn't just about reacting to a ball; there is also a tactical timing (early or late) choice you should be making. Take it Earl...
