The point often turns on a shot that barely gets noticed: the ball after the serve and return. Get that reply right and you can take control without trying to hit a winner; get it wrong and even a strong serve can leave you scrambling. A good singles “second-ball” plan is less about one magic shot than knowing which ball the phrase refers to, where your opponent is, and what you want the next shot to be.
What “second ball” means in singles
There is no single formal definition of “second ball strategy.” If you count the serve as the first shot, the return is the second ball. Coaches also commonly discuss the serve plus one: the server’s first shot after the return. That is technically the third shot of the point, but it is often the shot people have in mind when they talk about setting up a point with the serve.
For the returner, the second ball is a chance to make a solid, purposeful return and prevent the server from attacking. For the server, the next shot is a chance to use the serve’s angle or depth to open the court. In either case, the goal is to create a manageable advantage—not to force a winner from a neutral or defensive position.
A simple plan for the return
Start with the serve you are facing. Against a fast first serve, prioritize a compact swing and a deep target through the middle. You have little time, and a firm return toward the center reduces the server’s angles. Against a slower second serve, step in if you can do so without losing balance. Aim deep through the middle or toward the server’s weaker side rather than going for the sideline immediately.
Use your return to shape the next exchange. A deep crosscourt return gives you more court to work with and usually more net clearance than a sharp line drive. If the server is pulled wide after serving, a return back behind them can be effective—but only when you are balanced and can see the opening. If you are stretched, a high, deep reply is often the smarter choice.
Choose a target that fits the situation
- Fast serve: Block or redirect with a short swing; aim deep through the middle.
- Short second serve: Step forward, take the ball early, and attack a large target.
- Wide serve that pulls you off court: Lift the ball crosscourt or deep through the middle to buy recovery time.
- Opponent serving and staying back: Use depth and placement first; change direction only when you are set.
Think of a return as the start of a pattern. For instance, a deep crosscourt return can invite a shorter reply to your forehand. If the server’s return position is weak, you may be able to move forward behind a controlled approach shot. The return itself does not need to finish the point.
Build a reliable serve-plus-one pattern
As the server, decide where the serve should take your opponent before you decide what to do with the next shot. A wide serve can pull the returner off court; a serve into the body can jam them and produce a shorter, less comfortable reply. Then look at the return rather than blindly hitting to a preselected corner.
For example, serve wide from the deuce court and expect a crosscourt return. If it comes back short, move forward and attack into the open court. If it comes back deep, stay balanced and play a heavy ball with margin. The pattern is a plan, not a promise: a good opponent may return in an unexpected direction.
When you serve to the T, the returner has less room to angle the ball. Be ready for a reply through the middle and use your next shot to move them rather than forcing a sharp winner. On a second serve, make the serve reliable enough to start the point, but do not assume the next shot will be easy. A cautious second serve can invite an aggressive return, so recover promptly and prepare for a solid first reply.
Read the reply before choosing the shot
- Short and central: Step in and direct the ball to a clear, large target; consider approaching if you can keep the ball low or deep.
- Deep and central: Use height and depth to reset the rally instead of forcing a low-percentage attack.
- Wide and short: Move forward under control. A safe crosscourt shot may be better than trying to hit a winner from the sideline.
- Deep and wide: Prioritize balance and recovery. A high crosscourt ball can help you get back into the point.
Gear that supports the plan
Equipment cannot supply good decisions, but the right setup can make a deep return, a controlled first attack, and a quick recovery easier to repeat. These options suit different playing styles; none is a requirement for a sound second-ball plan.
| Item | Best fit | Advantages | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yonex EZONE 100 | Players who want a forgiving all-court racquet | A generous hitting area and accessible depth can help on pressured returns and serve-plus-one shots. | Its lively response may take adjustment if you prefer a very controlled, low-powered frame. |
| Wilson Blade 98 16×19 v9 | Confident hitters who value placement and feel | Offers a more controlled response for directing the ball and changing direction when balanced. | The smaller head and less free power can make defensive returns more demanding. |
| Babolat Pure Aero 100 | Players who use topspin and heavy crosscourt patterns | Spin-friendly response can help produce a deep, high-bouncing ball that pushes an opponent back. | It may feel too lively for players who prefer a flatter trajectory or have trouble controlling launch. |
| Head Speed MP 2024 | Players seeking a versatile, middle-ground frame | Balances access to pace with control for both returning and building a point. | It is not specialized: players wanting maximum forgiveness or a very precise control frame may prefer another option. |
| ASICS GEL-RESOLUTION 9 | Baseline players who need stable court movement | A supportive tennis shoe designed for hard-court movement can help with braking, recovery, and setting up balanced contact. | It may feel substantial or restrictive to players who prefer a lighter, more flexible shoe; fit varies by foot. |
String choice matters too. A durable polyester string such as Solinco Hyper-G can suit experienced players who generate their own racquet-head speed and want a controlled, spin-friendly response. The trade-off is a firmer feel, and polyester is not automatically the best choice for a player with arm discomfort or a short, slow swing. Consider a softer multifilament or hybrid setup if comfort is a priority, and ask a qualified stringer to help match tension and string type to your game.
Practice the pattern, not just the shot
A useful drill starts with a serve and a live return. The server calls the target—wide, body, or T—then plays the next ball based on the actual return. The returner’s job is to make a purposeful second ball, not simply get it in. Play the point out after those first exchanges so both players learn when to attack and when to recover.
For return practice, have a partner alternate fast serves and slower second serves. On fast balls, work on a compact block to a deep middle target; on softer serves, step in and aim deep to a chosen side. Keep score for returns that land in a useful area, not only for outright winners. This rewards a repeatable decision under pressure.
Match conditions should change the plan. On a quick court, a deep return can rush the server, while on a slower surface you may need height and spin to push them back. At a tight score, choose a target you can execute reliably. A well-placed ball that starts the rally on your terms is often more valuable than a spectacular miss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the second ball the return or the shot after the return?
If counting the serve as ball one, the return is ball two. The server’s shot after the return is commonly called the serve-plus-one, though it is the third shot of the point. Players and coaches may use “second ball” more loosely, so clarify which shot they mean.
Where should I aim my return?
When rushed, aim deep through the middle. It reduces the opponent’s angles and gives you time to recover. If you are balanced and the court is open, use a more specific target such as deep crosscourt or behind the server.
Should I attack every short second serve?
No. Step in when you can make contact in balance and still control your direction. If the serve pulls you wide or jumps above your comfortable contact point, use a safe, deep return instead of forcing an aggressive shot.
Do I need a particular racquet for this strategy?
No. A racquet that lets you control depth and swing confidently is more important than a specific model. Test suitable options if possible, and consider comfort, string setup, and your own level before buying.
Final Thoughts
Good second-ball tennis begins with a clear distinction: the returner uses the return to neutralize or apply pressure, while the server uses the reply to build on the serve. In both roles, read the ball, choose a target that matches your balance, and prepare for the shot after it. A disciplined pattern will win more points over time than trying to end every exchange at once.
