There’s a moment that happens a lot—especially at the beginner and early intermediate levels. The return of serve is high and floaty, and it buys you time to move up… but it also gives your opponent time to set their feet, choose their shot, and attack.
Most new players don’t even realize there’s another option.
They’ve been told “just get it in” or “aim for depth”—which isn’t wrong. But if you want to level up your game, there’s a better (and more disruptive) return: the low, deep return.
It’s one of the most underused weapons in rec play. And once you understand how it works—and how to actually hit it—you’ll see why high-level players use it again and again.
Let’s break it down.
Why Low Returns Matter (And Why High Ones Can Hurt You)
It’s tempting to loft your return high and deep. It gives you time to move in and looks smooth. But here’s the problem: a high return gives your opponent time, too.
And that’s dangerous.
What a High Return Gives Your Opponent:
- Time to step in and drive the third shot
- More net clearance for a clean drop
- The ability to take the ball early out of the air
- More angles to attack or roll the ball at your feet
A low return, in contrast, forces your opponent to lift the ball, makes drops harder, and takes away the time they need to set up their shot.
The goal: low + deep
- Deep to keep them back
- Low to force an upward contact point
- Fast enough to apply pressure, but not rushed
That’s where the magic is.
What a Proper Low Return Looks Like
Let’s get technical for a moment. A great low return checks all these boxes:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Net Clearance | Clears the net by 6–12 inches |
| Landing Zone | Within 2–3 feet of the baseline, ideally toward the corners |
| Flight Path | Slight arc or flat, not loopy or floating |
| Post-Bounce Behavior | Skids or stays low, making the third shot uncomfortable |
| Contact Point | Made in front of the body with a slightly closed paddle face for drive or brushing motion |
Mechanics: How to Hit a Low Return
This isn’t about swinging harder—it’s about staying balanced, controlled, and intentional. Here’s how to get it right:
1. Stay Low Through Contact
Most players pop up as they hit. Don’t. Staying low helps you drive through the ball and keeps your trajectory flat.
Think: legs loaded, paddle stable, eyes level.
2. Use a Compact, Controlled Swing
Avoid big windups. A tight backswing with a smooth follow-through helps maintain accuracy and keeps the ball from sailing long.
3. Hit Through the Ball
You’re not brushing up like a topspin drive—you’re hitting through the ball. Add a touch of topspin if you’re confident, but keep it clean and direct.
4. Engage Your Core and Hips
Most control comes from rotation, not just your arm. Rotate from your hips for power and consistency.
Hear it from the man himself—Ben Johns breaks down his most effective tips to nail low returns in pickleball:
When to Hit a Low Return
A well-placed low return can disrupt the rhythm of even advanced players. But it’s not always the right move.
✅ Best Times to Use It:
- Against strong third-shot drivers
- When your opponent crowds the baseline after serving
- When you’re confident in your movement and positioning
- When you want to apply early pressure and steal time
❌ Times to Be Cautious:
- If your opponent is fast and likes pace
- When you’re off balance or late to the return
- If your consistency drops under pressure
- On very short serves where deep + low isn’t realistic
Comparison: High vs. Low Return
| Return Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| High & Deep | Gaining time, moving forward | Safe, helps reset positioning | Easy for opponent to attack or volley |
| Low & Deep | Pressuring early, forcing mistakes | Harder to attack, speeds up play in your favor | Requires precision, can result in net errors |
What If You Struggle to Hit It?
You’re not alone—this shot takes practice. If you tend to float returns, try these adjustments:
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Check your grip: An Eastern grip helps with flat drives
- Stiffen your wrist: Too much flick adds height
- Watch your footwork: Get behind the ball and step through it
- Use targets: Practice landing returns in a taped box near the baseline
Drills That Actually Work
Here are a few drills to help you add the low return to your game:
Wall Target Drill
- Tape a line at 34 inches to simulate net height
- Hit returns under that line and aim for depth
- Focus on trajectory and control, not speed
Return & Recover
- Partner serves, you return low and deep
- Immediately move forward to NVZ
- Work on hitting on the move and recovering quickly
Serve + Shadow Rally
- Return against a partner or ball machine
- After returning low and deep, simulate the next shot (e.g., split step, prep for third shot block)
A Low Return Isn’t Fancy—But It Wins
This shot won’t wow the crowd, but it will quietly win you more points.
It throws off your opponent’s timing. It steals their best options. And it sets you up to control the rally right from the start.
So next time you step on court, don’t just aim to “get the return in.”
Aim to keep it low.
Because in pickleball, the best shots aren’t always the hardest—they’re the smartest.
