What type of serve is typically the hardest to return?

The jump serve is often considered the hardest type of serve to return due to several key factors. First, it incorporates a jump, allowing the server to hit the ball at a higher point, which can create a sharper angle and increase the difficulty of the ball's trajectory. The added height also gives the server more leverage, which can result in a faster ball speed.

Additionally, jump serves can be hit with a variety of spins and velocities, making it challenging for the receiver to predict the ball's path and timing. The unpredictability of spins and the potential for a high-speed delivery often catch opponents off guard, leading to more errors in reception.

Conversely, while underhand, floating, and sidearm serves can also be effective, they generally don't carry the same level of power, speed, and disruptive movement that jump serves can provide. This makes the jump serve a preferred technique for players aiming to maximize their serving effectiveness and put pressure on the opposing team's reception.