TOP TIP: Review you return

Over time, I have noticed that many players adopt the same return position on every point—standing on the baseline and close to the inner tram line. While this feels comfortable, it gives the server predictable targets and more tactical options.

By adjusting your return position, you can force the server to rethink where they place the ball and, in doing so, gain a small but important advantage. For instance, if you know your opponent struggles to serve down the tee on the deuce side, you can shift your position to invite that serve while closing off the area they prefer to use.

Similarly, moving inside the baseline on a first serve increases the pressure on you, but it also places psychological pressure on the server. This can lead them to overhit, resulting in more faults. If you can draw them into hitting a second serve, you then gain time and control, giving you a better opportunity to attack the return.

Try experimenting with these adjustments and see how they affect your results.