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The server's partner is a weak volleyer. Do you return to them?
A weak net partner is a target down the line, when the serve gives you a driveable ball. Otherwise lob and wait.
The server volleys well, but their partner at the net is clearly the weaker player. Should the return go to the partner?
A weak net partner is a target down the line, when the serve gives you a driveable ball. Otherwise lob and wait.
Why
The return usually goes cross-court, away from the server's partner, because that partner is at the net and ready. But when the partner is the weaker volleyer, the equation changes: a firm return down the line, at their feet, asks them to play the volley they like least, and the server cannot help. It is not every return. The serve has to be short or high enough to drive, and a lob is still right on a good serve, but a returner who finds the weak volleyer two or three times a set pulls the whole serving pair out of shape, because the partner starts hiding and the server starts covering.
What this means at your level
Beginner
Notice which of the serving pair misses more volleys. When you get a serve you can hit firmly, hit it at that player's feet.
Intermediate
Down the line at the feet needs to be low. A return that sits up at a weak volleyer is still a put-away for them.
Advanced
The weak volleyer will start standing deeper. Then the chiquita down the line, or the lob over the server, opens up. Keep taking what they give.
Common questions
The server volleys well, but their partner at the net is clearly the weaker player. Should the return go to the partner?
Yes: down the line at their feet, when the serve allows. A weak net partner is a target down the line, when the serve gives you a driveable ball. Otherwise lob and wait. The return usually goes cross-court, away from the server's partner, because that partner is at the net and ready. But when the partner is the weaker volleyer, the equation changes: a firm return down the line, at their feet, asks them to play the volley they like least, and the server cannot help. It is not every return. The serve has to be short or high enough to drive, and a lob is still right on a good serve, but a returner who finds the weak volleyer two or three times a set pulls the whole serving pair out of shape, because the partner starts hiding and the server starts covering.
Why not no: the return always goes cross-court, over the server?
Cross-court is the default, not a law. A weak volleyer down the line is an invitation.
What should a beginner do here?
Notice which of the serving pair misses more volleys. When you get a serve you can hit firmly, hit it at that player's feet.
How does this change for an advanced player?
The weak volleyer will start standing deeper. Then the chiquita down the line, or the lob over the server, opens up. Keep taking what they give.
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.