PARTNER OF THE SERVICE RETURNER

There are two basic positions for the partner of the player returning serve. Which one you chose depends on your personal safety. The two positions are just inside the service line and just inside the baseline. The first is generally referred to as playing “up”, while the second is playing “back”. Both are usually midway between the sideline (opposite from where the serve must go) and the middle line of the court.

If the server is coming to net and your partner cannot keep his return low, you should be playing “back”. Likewise if the server’s partner is successfully poaching on a regular basis.

Clearly, if your opponents are nailing volleys at or past you, play back. If your partner is having no problem in returning crosscourt and low and is keeping the netman from poaching (with lobs and passing shots), you should play up.

When you play up, you should “cross” when your partner hits a return that a net rusher must play on the bounce. When you cross, move toward the center net strap so you can hit a winning volley. If the server stays back and your partner hits his return to the server, move toward the server to a point midway between the net and the service line.

Always remember that when you pay up, your goal is to dominate the net and confuse your opponents. When you play back, your goal is to move to the up position as soon as you can. If your partner lobs the return and your opponents are not setting up to hit an overhead, move

If you are playing up, you should call the service line since you have the best view of thatline. The receiver should call the center and side lines. In conclusion, always cheer up your partner and never criticize him. If he wants you to stand in a strange position, try it. The player returning the serve should be in charge.