Final answer:
In tennis, when one player serves, the opponent's shot to hit the ball back is known as a return. The best return is typically achieved by hitting the ball at the racquet's sweet spot, which minimizes force on the hand and reduces vibrations.
Step-by-step explanation:
When one player serves, his or her opponent tries to hit the ball back with a shot called a return. In tennis, executing a successful return is critical as it keeps the rally going and provides an opportunity to gain an advantage over the server. The ideal return is made when the ball is hit at what is often referred to as the racquet's 'sweet spot'. Hitting the sweet spot minimizes the force exerted on the player's hand and reduces vibrations, thereby reducing the risk of tennis elbow. When a tennis player manages to hit the ball at this point, they are likely to have better control over the direction and speed of their shot.