The return of serve goes:

• Low down your alley putting you in the defensive. Response: Send it back to the receiver down the line. Your partner can advance to the net on your shot, gaining an offensive position. If you hit it crosscourt, you leave the center open.

• High down your alley. Putting you in the offensive. Response: Send it back between the two opponents or at the feet of the closest player to you. Once you hit this shot, immediately cover the center of the court in case they get it back.

• Down the center allowing you to attack it. Response: This is a "poach." Go after it to win the point. Usually down the "lane," (imaginary point half-way between the two opponents). This is a very offensive position.

• High over your head where you cannot hit it. Response: Cross over and get behind the service line. This will allow you not to get "killed" if you partner throws up a weak return.

• Crosscourt and you cannot poach it. Response: Slide back toward the service line and protect the "center" of the court. If your partner makes a weak return you will be glad you are there. If your partner makes an offensive return you can easily go back to the attack position nearer the net.

• Down the center, but it places you in the defense, (a very aggressive shot from the receiver). Do not poach here, you are in the defense. Do not poach to the center when you are in the defense. Allow your partner to protect you in this situation.

• High over your head, but you can cover it. Response: this is an offensive shot. Attack the short player, (closest player to you) or go down the lane.

Good luck on the courts!