Tennis Glossary

Receiver in Tennis: What is it?

Learn about the receiver in tennis, their responsibilities, the skills required for effective receiving, and the strategic aspects of this role.
Receiver in Tennis What is it

Receiver in tennis is the player who returns the serve. In every game, players alternate between serving and receiving, making the role of the receiver as crucial as that of the server.

The Role of the Receiver

The receiver must be ready to respond to a variety of serves – from powerful aces to strategic spin serves. Their task is to effectively return the serve to start the rally.

Skills Required for Effective Receiving

An effective receiver must possess good anticipation, quick footwork, and the ability to adapt to different types of serves. They need to be able to quickly transition from receiving to engaging in a rally.

Receiver’s Strategy

Receivers often have strategies based on the server’s patterns and tendencies. They position themselves to counter the serve and aim to return it in a way that puts the server at a disadvantage.

The Receiver’s Advantage

While the server initially controls the point, a skilled receiver can quickly turn the tables. Being a strong receiver is vital for breaking serves and gaining momentum in a match.