Improve Your Return: Tips By World #1 Federico Staksrud

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In pickleball, the double bounce rule gives returners a built-in advantage. The serving team must let your return bounce, which means you have a perfect opportunity to set the tone for the rally.

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Pros have shared serving tips to minimize that edge, but when you are returning, choosing where and how you place the ball can make all the difference. A smart return can put you or your team on offense immediately.

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Why Depth Beats Speed

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Many players think a hard, low return is best, but that’s not always the case. Because the serving team must wait for the bounce, your priority should be pushing them back. A deep return:

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• Gives you more time to get to the kitchen line.
  
  
• Forces opponents to hit their third shot from farther back.
  
  
• Reduces their ability to hit sharp angles.
  
  

In short: depth over speed.

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Staksrud’s Pro Perspective

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Here’s how World #1 Federico Staksrud approaches his returns:

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“For the return, I focus on depth and pace, usually targeting the middle to limit angles and set up my next shot.”

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By aiming deep to the middle, you:

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• Force opponents into awkward positioning.
  
  
• Take away the sidelines and angles.
  
  
• Give your partner time to move forward with you.

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How to Hit Deep, Effective Returns

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Hitting deep consistently takes more than just swinging harder. Here are a few tips:

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1. Loosen Your Grip:  A softer grip helps control depth without overhitting.
   
   
2. Aim Higher Over the Net: More clearance ensures the ball lands deep instead of into the net.
   
   
3. Use Your Legs: Bend and push through the shot for added lift and control.
   
   
4. Target the Middle: Limits angles and forces confusion between opponents.
   
   
5. Follow Your Shot In: Use the extra time you’ve created to get to the kitchen line.
   
   

The Takeaway

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Depth + smart placement = control of the rally.

By focusing on deep returns to the middle, you limit your opponents’ options and set up your team for success. As former collegiate pickleball player David Bieger.said after beating Tyson McGuffin at the PPA Event, “make them beat you, don’t give them freebies.”

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Curious how Bieber took down McGuffin? Read this article to find out.

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