Basic Return (2nd Shot) | Coach Explains How to Win by Returning Deep and Taking the Kitchen

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2026年6月22日

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Basic Return (2nd Shot) | Coach Explains How to Win by Returning Deep and Taking the Kitchen

"Serving returns are easy, right? Just hit them back!" — I wish I could tell my past self how wrong I was. In reality, the return (2nd shot) is where beginners and intermediate players can make significant progress and find their "winning shot."

Hi, I'm Yoshi Coach. I've played tennis for 15 years and discovered pickleball in 2026. While returns may seem unassuming, I've found that their quality dramatically shifts the momentum of a match. In this article, I'll explain "why to return deep" and "where to return" in a way that's easy for even beginners to understand. For information on serving itself, please refer to our Complete Guide to Serving.

First, Understand the "Two-Bounce Rule"

Pickleball has a "two-bounce rule" (or "double bounce rule") which states that both the serve and the return must bounce once before being hit.

Serve → Opponent must return after one bounce
Return → Serving team must hit their 3rd shot after one bounce

This rule gives the returning team a significant advantage. This is because the serving team must hit their 3rd shot after a bounce, preventing them from rushing the net immediately. For a comprehensive overview of the rules, see our Complete Guide to Pickleball Rules.

The Golden Rule of Returns: Always Return "Deep"

The most important thing when returning is to hit the ball deep into the court (near the baseline). There are two main reasons for this:

Pushes your opponent back: An opponent forced to hit a deep ball will be hitting their 3rd shot from near the baseline, making it difficult for them to rush the net.
Buys you time to move forward: The deeper the return and the slower the bounce, the more time you (and your partner) have to advance to the kitchen line (non-volley zone line).

Pickleball is a game where the "team that controls the net has the advantage." A deep return is like an admission ticket to securing that advantageous position.

💡 Yoshi Coach's Tip One of the most common mistakes beginners make is hitting a "short return." This makes it easy for the opponent to rush the net, often reversing the advantage. Aim for within 1-2 meters of the baseline. Don't be afraid of hitting out; prioritize depth when practicing.

After Hitting the Return, "Move Forward"

Diagram illustrating the movement of advancing to the kitchen line after hitting a return

After hitting a deep return, immediately move forward. Your goal is the kitchen line. This is the "front line of offense and defense."

Hit a deep return to slow down the bounce → Advance during this time.
Align with your partner to form a single horizontal line (for doubles positioning, see Doubles Formations and Positioning).
Don't rush in; stop and get ready for your opponent's 3rd shot.

Return → Advance → Position at the kitchen. When this sequence becomes smooth, you'll gain a significant advantage in controlling the rally.

Understanding Shot Placement

While depth is the top priority, once you get comfortable, also consider shot placement.

Generally aim for the center or your opponent's backhand side: This makes it harder for them to hit a powerful shot and is safer.
Hitting opposite your opponent's movement is a more advanced technique. For now, prioritize "deep and consistent."

I believe that being able to consistently return deep every time is far more valuable than trying to hit fancy shots.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Mistake	Fix
Shallow return	Prioritize depth over fear of hitting out. Use a higher trajectory over the net to give yourself more margin for error.
Not advancing after hitting	Make "hit and move forward" your mantra. Practice returns and advancing as a set.
Making mistakes due to tension	Returns don't require power. Focus on control and follow through smoothly.

Summary

The serve and return are subject to the two-bounce rule, meaning they must bounce once before being hit.
The golden rule of returns is to hit deep (to push your opponent back and give yourself time to move forward).
After hitting, advance to the kitchen line and align horizontally with your partner.
For shot placement, prioritize consistency by aiming for the center/backhand side. Fancy shots can wait.

When your returns become consistent, the entire rally will become much easier. Next, you can move on to mastering the 3rd shot drop with our Complete Guide to the 3rd Shot Drop and the 5 basics of kitchen play with Mastering Dinking: 5 Basics. If you're having trouble finding practice partners or courts, feel free to contact me on LINE.