Question: Where should I aim defensive returns?
Answer: If the server stays back, the safest return is deep, fairly high, and somewhat crosscourt.
If the server is coming in, your return can't be entirely defensive, because you have to pass or lob the server or give him a difficult volley. Against some servers, hitting a fairly high lob is effective because they'll either try to hit it before it bounces, which is difficult, or their bounced overhead won't be strong. For many returners, though, a high lob is harder to execute than a low return toward the server's feet. Topspin will best get the ball to dip low to the server's feet, but hitting a low topspin on a strong serve can be difficult. The easiest low return to execute with a one-handed backhand is usually a slice. With a two-handed backhand or a forehand, a semi-flat return is usually easiest on a hard serve.
