Beginnerreturn

Return deep, then run to the kitchen

A short return is a gift to your opponents: it pins you at the baseline while they own the net. Hit the ball deep, then sprint to the kitchen line while it's still traveling; those 1-2 seconds of flight time are your free pass forward.

Watch: Let's level up your pickleball return of serve!
8 min
Watch “Let's level up your pickleball return of serve!” Pickleball Kitchen · captions

Key takeaways

  • Depth is your only objective on the return: land it in the back third of the court every time.
  • Hit crosscourt: it gives you the longest diagonal, the highest net clearance, and the most margin for error.
  • Start moving toward the kitchen the moment your paddle makes contact, not after you watch it land.
  • If you're uncertain, hit higher over the net; a safe deep return beats an aggressive short one.
  • Use a neutral continental grip so you can handle spin and pace without scrambling.

Drill to try

Have a partner serve 10 balls. Count returns that land past the midpoint between the kitchen line and the baseline AND with your feet already moving. Goal: 7 of 10 deep with immediate movement.

Next lesson →