Guys

I did extensive testing on this particular topic last year and introduced my findings to the players at Lilleshall last time. As a result, we saw a lot of changes in players stance and hand/racket position – all having a massive positive effect on their return of serve.

The difficulty I have here is describing what we did, the results we got, as you need to see rather than read – however I'll give you a few pointers.

First of all we looked at the players stance. What was evident with all players was that they did not load their legs well enough to spring into action either going forward for the low serve or backwards for the flick. So the first thing we did was get the legs ready for action.

Second. I spent a lot of time looking at the position of the front foot. Most players have the foot pointing slightly inwards, not quite at 45% to the net, but certainly at an angle. If you look at what your feet must do to either spring forward or push off, this was clearly not helping the explosive movement one way or another.

What I changed was simple. Point your non-racket foot directly at the server. Let's be logical for one moment in case you are questioning my reasoning here. If your foot is pointing to the right of the server and you move forward, either your foot has to adjust position, or you run the risk of going over on your ankle. If you are standing on the balls of your feet, you are also pushing across your shoe/grip and not along/down it – could be important.

By pointing your non-racket foot at your opponent, you are allowing yourself more time to move directly towards the shuttle – i.e. you are moving in a straight line. The shortest distance between you and the shuttle is therefore the shortest distance.

What about flicks? Well, your left foot is placed so that you can push off directly towards the flicked target area, and therefore this tends to be faster, especially with legs primed. Try it.

Hand position is also important. What I discovered is that most players hands are too high. If they are, this means the racket head cannot work at it's optimum position. Most players flatten the racket head which restricts the return choice and quality that can be played.

I tested lowering the hands so that the racket head worked around net height. By doing this I discovered that the hands were easily fast enough for drives and flicks, but the best results were in the return of serve. Players were still able to play push/drive/block from the return with significantly greater accuracy, and this opened up a far greater range of shots including brush returns, drives at the servers partner (incredibly effective).

OK, I've done my best to answer a difficult question without video. Sorry, but I haven't the time to film right now. If you're still struggling, then if I get the chance, i will record an answer at Lilleshall – although with 26 players coming along I doubt I will have the time.

As always, let me know your thoughts. Rob, you have the advantage as you can always have a private session with me seeing as you live around 30 minutes from me.

Paul

Phil

With your height, you should be able to take one chasse and a jump, especially if you have loaded your legs correctly in your stance.

Paul

Phil

Well done! I knew it would work. After all, I spent 3 months testing this with good players and they all noticed a huge difference in response.

If you remember way back when you first approached me for help with your movement, i suggested the first movement backwards was the kicking your bum out to stop your head leading.

If you get your stance correct, this movement is unneccessary as the hips are already in place for moving forwards or backwards in balance.

Paul