Serena Williams may have the best return of serve in tennis history. She returns with accuracy and power with both her forehand and backhand, and usually does so from right on the baseline or inside of it—even on first serves. The key to the shot is how it starts: with her stance.
1
Williams prepares to return by turning not only her shoulders and hips, but her left leg. This creates a semi-open stance. Her torso turns with her chin tucked over the shoulder. This stance is easy to get into and provides a lot of torque. It’s the foundation for instant power.
2
Williams rotates both arms backward at the end of her backswing. This tilts the racquet head down. As a result, the racquet rises sharply into the contact point and creates topspin. She’ll have a backhand windshield-wiper finish.
3
The service return is often described as compact, but that mostly applies to the stance and backswing. Williams gets remarkable extension on her return swings. When her hands reach eye level, the racquet is almost a full arm’s length in front of her body and pointing toward the opponent.