Left hander - Returning in Doubles

Grenville Pereira Asked 13 years ago

Hi Alois & Jeff

In a doubles match , I have an opponent who mixes up his serves which I have trouble returning.
  The opponent is right handed and has a sort of a tomahawk action.
  The different varietes of serves which I see comming is

• a) heavy topspin and this has quite a bit of side spin as well
• b) there is a variation in this topspin which is slower and is a short serve
• c) there is a heavy backspin serve
• d) there is also a variation on this backspin which is very much slower serve. 

I am able to differntiate between the topspin and backspin but I have trouble reading the variations in speed of both the back spin and top spin serve . For the topspin I cover and block it and push the backspin. However many a time I hit the slower versions of both the topspin and backspin into the net.

Being a Left Handed player and returning from the right side I am using backhand to return where I feel I am able to topspin better with forehand.

Can you please guide me on the position I should use while returning and also any clues on how to best read variations in spin and speed based on how the ball moves and to have more consistent service returns. (Also sometimes I have an idea on the speed but it is too late , I have already moved into the shot and its too late to change )

Thanks
Regards
Grenville

Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago

Hi Grenville,

It is the most difficult part of the game. 

To work on the fast serve return, I have found that standing back a little is the best way.  It is easier to move forward rater than backwards. 

If you want to use your forehand a little more to return serve, just move a little to your right and it will open the table up a little more with your forehand.  This is important as a left hander otherwise you will get caught on your backhand side.  Being a left hander in doubles you have a  real advantage in returning serves.