- A bad return will put the server in the driver's seat for the rally, and he should be in control of the rally until the receiver manages to make a shot good enough to even things up or even wrest control from the server.
- An average serve return will still give the serve the first chance at controlling the rally, since he should be able to perform the first attack (although not a power attack). Again, the server should be in control until the receiver can play a shot good enough to equalize the rally or take control himself.
- A good serve return should put the rally on even footing, since the server will not be able to attack the serve well enough to take control, but he should be able to prevent the receiver from attacking hard as well.
The rally will continue to be even until either player makes a mistake and allows their opponent to attack, or one player takes a risk and makes an attack from a difficult ball, thus taking control. In this situation, you will generally see pushing rallies until one player hits an attack and takes control, or counterhitting rallies when each player is attacking, but the other player is attacking as well, and neither can attack hard enough to control the point.
- A great service return will put the server on the defensive, allowing the receiver to make the first attack. The receiver will be in control of the rally until the server can make a shot good enough to equalize control or take control himself.
What you should do during the rally will depend on whether
Next: General Rallying Tips
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