If you’re not using the Three T’s of Service Returns in pickleball, you’re leaving points on the table. Too many players miss returns or hand the kitchen line to their opponents without a fight. Want to turn that around? Master these three T’s—Target, Technique, and Timing—and watch your game soar. Let’s break it down.

Before we dive in, a quick shoutout to our sponsor, Thorlo. Their pickleball-specific socks keep you comfy and on the court longer—check them out!

T #1: Target – Pick the Right Spot

Choosing the right target is the easiest way to boost your return consistency. When I’m facing a monster serve—like the ones from my Lobster ball machine—I aim right back at the server. Why? Three reasons:

• Lowest Net Point: Returning straight back goes over the net’s lowest section, reducing the chance of clipping it.
• More Court Space: A straight return gives you 44 feet side-to-side, but a diagonal corner-to-corner shot stretches to about 48 feet (yes, I did the math—think Pythagoras, not pi squared!). That’s a 10% bigger margin for error.
• Catch ‘Em Creeping: Ever notice how some players (even pros!) serve big then sneak forward too soon? A deep return to the server forces them to backpedal, throwing off their rhythm.

I’ve tested this against heavy hitters like Dekel Bar, who’s got the hardest serve in pro pickleball. Believe me when I say deep and direct works!

T #2: Technique – Keep It Simple

Technique is where returns go from good to great. I’ve got a full (and slightly controversial) video on this, so watch that next. For now, here’s the gist:

• Compact Swing: The server’s giving you power, so don’t overcomplicate it. Use their pace to push the ball deep with a short, controlled swing. Struggling with depth? Add a little arc—it’s safer than a flat miss and still buys you time.
• No Spins: Forget topspin or slice on returns. I could spin the heck out of it with my ProXR Zane Navratil Signature paddle, but I don’t. A flat shot keeps it accurate and predictable. Save the spin for serves or drives.

Your goal? Depth over everything. A high, deep return—even if it pops up—gives you time to react, while a short one lets your opponent pounce.

T #3: Timing – Race to the Kitchen

The first three shots—serve, return, third—are a sprint to the kitchen line. The server wants to pin you back; your job is to get forward and make their third shot tough. Here’s how timing ties it all together:

• Step In: Don’t plant behind the baseline. Start a few feet back, and as the serve comes, step in and move through the shot. This transfers your weight into the ball for power and carries your momentum toward the kitchen.
• Ditch the Stop-and-Hit Myth: Coaches who say “stop and hit” are wrong—sorry, it’s fake news! Moving through the shot is faster and more natural. (I’ve got a whole video debunking this—check it out.)

This approach cuts your kitchen commute and sets you up to dominate the point.

Drill It Out

To lock in the Three T’s, I ran a drill with my Lobster machine:

• Settings: Balls fed every 10 seconds, 50 mph with a touch of topspin—mimicking a big serve.
• Goal: Return straight back, sniping the Lobster with a compact, flat swing while stepping in.

First shot? Nailed it. A few misses later, I was walking off winners. It’s not about perfection—it’s about building the feel. Try it next time you’re on the court.

Put It All Together

Next match, think Target, Technique, Timing:

• Target: Deep to the server for max margin and disruption.
• Technique: Compact, spin-free swing with a touch of arc if needed.
• Timing: Step in and flow toward the kitchen.

Master these, and you’ll win more points—guaranteed. Want personalized feedback? Submit your match film to my pickleball coaching site. We’ll break it down for you.

Oh, and shoutout to my guy Luke, the Pickleball Pigeon, who said I “cooked that Lobster.” Let’s get those returns dialed in!

Watch on YouTube: Return Pickleball Serves Like a Pro by Using the 3 T's! Target, Technique, and Timing!