--- title: "Art 572: Return Against the Underhand Serve — Closing and Finishing" description: "A guide to returning the underhand serve, covering positioning, technique, and how to effectively close the net and finish the point against this unexpected tactic." locale: en pillar: 6 article_id: 572 vault_sources: [] tags: ["return-advanced","underhand-serve","closing","finishing","tactics"] status: published
ART-572: Return Against the Underhand Serve — Closing and Finishing
Executive Summary
The underhand serve is an increasingly common tactic, particularly against players who stand deep to return. This article covers how to effectively return the underhand serve, close the net, and finish the point.
Understanding the Underhand Serve
Why Servers Use the Underhand Serve
- The returner stands deep, creating space for a short ball
- The underhand serve forces the returner to sprint forward
- It disrupts the returner's rhythm and timing
- It can be used as a surprise weapon
Types of Underhand Serves
- Backspin underhand: Stays low after the bounce
- Topspin underhand: Kicks up after the bounce
- Flat underhand: Travels through the air with minimal spin
Positioning Against the Underhand Serve
Recognizing the Underhand Serve
- Watch for the server's toss (held low, not above the head)
- Look for the server's body position (facing more forward)
- Be ready to sprint forward quickly
Moving Forward
- Take a quick first step toward the ball
- Use crossover steps for maximum speed
- Get to the ball as quickly as possible
Returning the Underhand Serve
The Drive Return
- Use a full swing to drive the ball
- Step into the return with the drive step
- Target the open court or the server's weaker side
The Drop Return
- Use a soft touch to drop the ball over the net
- Effective when the server stays back
- Forces the server to run forward
The Lob Return
- Lob the ball over the server's head
- Effective when the server rushes the net
- Buys time to recover your position
Closing the Net After Returning
When to Close
- After a deep return that forces a weak reply
- After a return that pulls the server off the court
- When you have hit an aggressive return that puts the server on the defensive
How to Close
- Move forward quickly after the return
- Split step as the server hits their shot
- Be ready to volley or hit an overhead
Diagnostic & Training Matrix
| Observation | Failure | Result | Corrective Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Late on underhand serves | Not moving forward quickly | Mishits and errors | Forward movement drills; sprint practice |
| Hitting into the net on underhand returns | Hitting down on low ball | Errors into net | Low-to-high swing drills; open racket face |
| Over-swinging on underhand returns | Trying too hard | Unforced errors | Controlled return drills; placement practice |
| Cannot close the net after returning | No closing habit | Missed finishing opportunities | Closing drills; approach shot practice |
Practical Application: "The Underhand Return Drill"
Have a partner hit underhand serves while you practice sprinting forward to reach the ball, using a controlled swing to drive the ball deep, closing the net after the return, and finishing the point with a volley or overhead. This drill develops the specific skills needed for returning underhand serves and finishing the point.