These 2nd shot errors need careful consideration
They often happen in pairs at crucial times - why?
Do you see these errors in singles?
Errors into the net, out the side or out of the back, no rally happens
2E’s – service return errors in singles
Returning serve is an art and a special situation in a match
Especially in singles, it could be argued that it’s difficult (but still possible) for the server to create an opportunity for the opponent to make an error in the return.
Yet in singles in most levels of play, we see returns going into the net, out the side or back.
Where is this ‘stress’ coming from and how can it be managed?
Certainly, in doubles, the serve can place stress on the receiver as it’s tight to the net and the space to return into is very small compared to a singles match.
However, in singles is it ‘easier;’ to play a safe return?
A recent conversation with a coach of HP junior players highlighted the fact that they felt their players made too many ‘simple’ errors when returning service.
Often game-changing errors
(when the score is at a crucial stage)
sometimes appearing in mini-groups – 2 return errors in a row
We had a converstion
The main points from our discussion – whats your view?
- How do we educate players on the importance and art of returning serves in a singles match?
- Why do we often see return of service errors in small clusters at crucial stages of a match?
- What could players be thinking about when preparing to receive serve?
- What aspects need to be included in practice to help players improve their performance when returning serve, tips and strategies.
- Are coaches addressing this skill and if so how?
- Are 2E’s recognised by coaches and in coach education environments?
Which of the points above immediately prickles your coaching mind?
I've summarised our thoughts into this post
6 Ways to improve the singles return of serve situation
Do you want a conversation?
I’d like to hear from you if you have a viewpoint on anything that you’ve read
We don’t need to agree, but explore viewpoints.
It would be great to hear from you, send me an email : contact@badmintonandy.com
This is part of a series of conversation starters.
Although not in detail, the posts are written to get you thinking and talking with others.
