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What is the default return of serve?
The default return is a deep cross-court lob over the server. It cancels their approach and starts yours.
You are receiving. The server is coming to the net and their partner is already there. What is the return you hit most often?
The default return is a deep cross-court lob over the server. It cancels their approach and starts yours.
Why
Against a serving pair that follows the serve to the net, the return lob is the shot that neutralises the pattern: the server is running forward, the lob goes over them, and they have to stop, turn and hit an overhead from around the service line while the receiving pair moves forward. It has to be deep, a short return lob is a smash, and it usually goes cross-court, where there is the most court and the most time. The drive return is a change of pace for when the server's partner is careless; the chiquita is for advanced returners. The lob is the plan.
What this means at your level
Beginner
Return with a high, deep lob over the server, diagonally. Then walk forward with your partner.
Intermediate
The return lob should land in the last two metres. Practise it: it is the most important shot in your game that nobody practises.
Advanced
Vary the lob's direction. Cross-court over the server is standard; down the line over the partner when they have crept in to poach.
Common questions
You are receiving. The server is coming to the net and their partner is already there. What is the return you hit most often?
A deep cross-court lob over the server. The default return is a deep cross-court lob over the server. It cancels their approach and starts yours. Against a serving pair that follows the serve to the net, the return lob is the shot that neutralises the pattern: the server is running forward, the lob goes over them, and they have to stop, turn and hit an overhead from around the service line while the receiving pair moves forward. It has to be deep, a short return lob is a smash, and it usually goes cross-court, where there is the most court and the most time. The drive return is a change of pace for when the server's partner is careless; the chiquita is for advanced returners. The lob is the plan.
Why not a hard drive at the net player's body?
A drive at a ready net player is a volley for them. It is a change-up, not a default.
What should a beginner do here?
Return with a high, deep lob over the server, diagonally. Then walk forward with your partner.
How does this change for an advanced player?
Vary the lob's direction. Cross-court over the server is standard; down the line over the partner when they have crept in to poach.
Puzzles like this one
Both of them are at the net. What is the highest-percentage ball?
Only the lob moves a net pair backwards. Everything else invites them forward.
intermediateWhat do you do with the return of serve?
The return lob is how the receiving pair steals the net. Aim over the player who is still moving.
advancedThey are camped at the net and you cannot lob. What now?
If you cannot lift it over them, make them lift it for you. The chiquita is a slow ball at their feet.