How to return a serve in pickleball, with drills
How to hit a deep return of serve and get to the net, why the return matters, and three drills, from beginner to 4.0+.
For players rated 2.5+
When to use it
The return is the one shot in pickleball where you have the advantage: you get to move to the net while the serving team must wait at the baseline for it to bounce.
A deep, slow return gives you time to reach the kitchen line and keeps the serving team pinned back. Depth matters more than pace.
1.Deep return targets
With a partner2.5–3.0Builds a return that lands in the back third of the court.
- Your partner serves; you return.
- Put a towel 5 feet inside the baseline. Count returns that land past it.
- Use a long, lifting follow-through so the ball goes high and deep.
Reps: 3 rounds of 10, then switch
2.Return and run
With a partner3.5Trains getting to the kitchen line before the third shot arrives.
- Return deep and move straight to the kitchen line.
- Your partner hits a third shot (drop or drive) when the ball comes back.
- You win the rep if you are set at the line, split-stepped, when they hit.
Reps: 10 returns, then switch
3.Return to the weak side
Four players4.0+Trains placing the return to the opponent who hits the weaker third shot.
- Play points, but before each return pick a target: the backhand or the middle.
- The returning team scores an extra point if the third shot is attackable.
- Rotate positions every game.
Reps: Games to 11
Watch it
Common mistakes
- Hitting the return hard and short. It comes back faster and gives you less time.
- Staying back after the return. Move in immediately.
- Standing too close to the baseline and getting jammed by a deep serve.
- Going for the lines. Aim for the middle third of the depth and width.
What to work on at your level
| 2.5–3.0 | Get the return in and walk to the kitchen line. |
|---|---|
| 3.5 | Return deep every time and be set at the line before the third shot. |
| 4.0+ | Add placement (backhand or middle) and vary height to rush the third shot. |
Paddles that help
Deep, controlled returns come easier with a stable control paddle that doesn't send mis-hits long.
Best Pickleball Paddles for ControlCommon questions
- Do you have to let the serve bounce?
- Yes. The return must be hit after a bounce, and so must the serving team's next shot (the two-bounce rule).
- Why should the return be deep?
- A deep return keeps the serving team on the baseline and gives you time to reach the net, which is where most points are won.
- Should I use spin on the return?
- A little slice or topspin helps control depth, but get depth first.
Work on next
Find the paddle that fits your game
Answer a few questions about how you play and we rank all 812 paddles for you.