2 Keys for Senior Pickleball Players to Hit a Killer Return of Serve, Every Time

If you're looking for a single area to focus on that will genuinely improve your game, this is it

If you're over 50 and looking to transform your pickleball game with a single focus, the return of serve might be your answer.

It's not the flashiest shot on the court, and you won't see highlight reels built around it. But according to Better Pickleball Academy, it's the one shot that can genuinely change how your opponents attack you and how you control rallies.

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Why the Return of Serve Matters More Than You Think

The return of serve gets overlooked because it's not glamorous. You won't see Instagram reels of perfect returns the way you see putaway volleys or aggressive third shots.

But here's the thing: you hit a return of serve on every single point your opponent serves.

That frequency alone makes it worth mastering. When you improve this one shot, you're not just getting better at one moment in the rally. You're setting the tone for everything that comes next.

The Two Keys to a Better Return

According to Tony Roig, head coach at Better Pickleball Academy, a solid return of serve comes down to two simple characteristics:

1. Hit it deep. Aim for about 4 feet from the baseline. Short returns give your opponents time to attack you early, which is exactly what you don't want.
2. Hit it high over the net. Stop skimming the net. Aim higher, and you'll naturally get more depth without forcing extra power into the shot.

That's it. Deep and high. Not complicated, but incredibly effective.

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Three Reasons This Changes Everything

A consistently deep return of serve unlocks three major benefits that ripple through your entire game:

Benefit 1: Time to Get to the Kitchen

Your main job after returning serve is to move from the baseline to the non-volley zone before you hit your fourth shot. A deep return gives you the time you need to make that journey, especially as we age and move a bit slower than we did at 25.

Benefit 2: Less Early Pressure

When your return is short, your opponents can attack you immediately. A deep return forces them to hit their third shot from further back, which means less aggressive options and less pressure on you and your partner at the fourth shot.

Benefit 3: Control the Serve Side

Think about it from the server's perspective. Would you rather hit your third shot from way back near the baseline, or from up near the net? A deep return keeps them back, giving you control over where they have to play from.

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The Bigger Picture

This approach to pickleball is about using your brain, not just your athleticism.

Instead of chasing every flashy shot, you focus on the shots that happen most often and matter most to your game.

For players over 50, this mindset is especially valuable. You might not move as fast as younger players, but you can be smarter. A deep, consistent return of serve is the kind of fundamental that lets you compete at a high level without relying on speed or power.

If you're looking for a single area to focus on that will genuinely improve your game, this is it.