Technique · Intermediate

How to Hit a Deep Return of Serve in Pickleball

By STRYKX Coaching 6 min read Reviewed Jul 2026

Player hitting a deep return of serve in pickleball

The short answer

A deep return of serve lands within a few feet of the baseline, forcing the serving team to hit their third shot from as far back as possible. Use a full, smooth swing with good follow-through, and prioritise depth and consistency over pace or placement.

Key takeaways

A deep return pins the serving team at the baseline, delaying their move to the net.
Depth matters more than speed or sharp angles on the return.
A full follow-through, aimed high over the net, is the simplest way to add depth.
Give yourself time to recover to a ready position after the return.

Why return depth decides the point

The serving team is already at a disadvantage — stuck at the baseline while you control the net. A shallow return gives that disadvantage back by letting them hit an easy third shot drop or drive from close range. A deep return keeps them pinned, forcing a longer, harder shot.

This is one of the simplest, highest-leverage adjustments a recreational player can make: hitting returns three feet deeper wins more points than almost any other single change.

How to hit a deep return

Use a full swing with a complete follow-through, rather than a short, guided punch. Aim the ball higher over the net than feels natural — most short returns come from aiming too flat, not from lack of power.

Contact the ball out in front of your body and transfer your weight forward through the shot. A rushed, off-balance return rarely carries enough depth.

Player following through on a deep pickleball return of serve — A full follow-through and a higher net clearance are the simplest fixes for a short return.

Positioning and recovery

Stand a step or two behind the baseline to give yourself more time to react to the serve, especially against a player who serves with pace or slice. After the return, recover quickly to a balanced, ready position — you'll need it for the serving team's third shot.

Good return positioning pairs directly with reading spin — see adding topspin and slice to understand how a sliced serve will behave differently off the bounce than a flat one.

Common return mistakes

Going for placement over depth. A sharply angled but shallow return is far easier to attack than a plain, deep one down the middle.

Guiding the ball instead of swinging through it. A tentative, guided stroke often falls short. Commit to a full, smooth swing.

Standing too close to the baseline. This reduces your reaction time against a fast or well-placed serve.

Gear that helps

Stability on
every return

The STRYKX Pro 4.0's reinforced edge-shield strengthens the bond between face and core, keeping off-centre returns stable and on target under pressure.

Shop the Pro 4.0

Frequently asked questions

Why is return of serve depth so important in pickleball?

A deep return forces the serving team to hit their third shot from further back, reducing their options and buying your team more time to prepare. It's one of the highest-leverage technical skills in the game.

How do I hit my return deeper?

Use a full swing with a complete follow-through and aim higher over the net than feels natural. Most short returns come from too flat a trajectory, not a lack of power.

Where should I stand to return serve?

Standing a step or two behind the baseline gives you more time to react, especially against a serve with pace or slice, without sacrificing your ability to hit deep.

Should I prioritise depth or placement on my return?

Depth, in almost every case. A deep return down the middle is harder to attack than a shallow one placed at an angle.