Serving and Returning Like a Pro

To serve like a pro, you need to maximize your serve, as it is the only shot in LiteBall that you can fully control.

The two main objectives when serving are:

• To start the point consistently.
• To force your opponent to make a weak return, making your third shot easier.

To achieve these goals, four key elements must be considered: consistency, depth, power, and spin.

There are two main serving positions: the closed stance and the open stance.

In the closed stance, you are sideways, like on a surfboard.

In the open stance, you face the court and pivot to hit the ball.

Most players prefer the closed stance (feet perpendicular to the net) as it facilitates preparation for the forehand and alignment of the target.

Avoid standing too close to the edges.

This applies to both sides of the court.

During the serve, you cannot stand inside the court. No foot should touch the line or be inside the court.

You also cannot cross the imaginary line extending from the center section or the outer court lines.

You can hit the ball from outside the court and then step onto the court. This is allowed.

The second step of the serve involves the toss, probably the most important part.

The toss is crucial for the consistency of the serve.

The serve must be executed with one hand, releasing the ball without spin or force before hitting it. You cannot manipulate or spin the ball before the serve.

However, adding spin to the ball with the racket during the serve is allowed.

Regardless of your preferred method, the key is to hit the ball in the same spot each time to ensure consistency.

The swing for serving starts with the preparation, where you bring the racket back.

Make a low-to-high motion and hit the ball below the belt.

Advanced players often use a looping motion in a “C” shape for more power.

Start at hip level, drop with the outstretched arm, and accelerate forward.

Keep your arm relaxed to maximize momentum and racket speed at the point of contact.

To generate power, rotate your shoulders and hips simultaneously during the hit (if starting in the closed stance).

By the end of the serve, you should be facing the net. Imagine a golfer’s swing.

Your back foot will lift to help with the rotation.

Transfer the weight from your back leg to your front leg at the moment of contact.

Serve deep, aiming for the upper third of the service box. Do not aim for the baseline to avoid errors. Try to aim for your opponent’s backhand for a more challenging return.

Tip: Take your time when serving.

The main goals of returning are:

• To get the ball back into play consistently.
• To make the third shot for your opponent more difficult.
• To move closer to the net quickly.

Adopt a good stance, with a solid base and your body slightly leaning forward. Position yourself slightly to the right to react to any type of serve.

Tip: Don’t stand too close to the baseline, especially against a powerful serve. After the return, advance to hit, not after.

Keep your wrist slightly firm but not tense. Advanced players often use the “chip and charge” technique, coming underneath the ball with a slice to get more time to move towards the net.

Note: If the ball goes out but hits you, the point goes to the server.

Aim for deep returns. Force and Height (60-80cm) = Depth. In doubles, a good return is towards the middle to:

• Limit errors.
• Confuse opponents.
• Target the weaker opponent.

The score must be announced before serving, not during. 

The ball must cross diagonally, touching any line except the non-volley zone line.

If the serve hits the opponent after crossing the net, the point is yours.