Return position: back and in

Setup

1. Two cones on the returner's side: one about a metre behind the baseline, one a step inside it.
2. Server serves diagonally into the returner's box, deuce side first.

How it runs

1. On first serves the returner starts at the back cone and blocks or chips the return deep through the middle.
2. On second serves the returner moves up to the front cone and drives the return deep crosscourt.
3. Play the point out after each return.
4. 10 points per side, then swap roles; the returner scores 1 bonus point for each deep return.

Coaching points

• Split-step as the server hits, every serve.
• Against a first serve: short backswing, use the server's pace.
• Against a second serve: take it early, on the rise, and step forward through the ball.
• Recover to the centre straight after the return.

Common mistakes

• Standing in the same spot for every serve.
• Taking a big backswing against a fast first serve.
• Moving in but waiting for the second serve to drop.