Tennis Serve

A tennis serve is perhaps the most difficult stroke of the game. Nevertheless, it does not mean that one cannot perfect it –it just means that there are various traps and ways of not doing it right. On top of that, there are several types of tennis serve that a player must learn by heart and know when and how to use.

The First Serve

This tennis serve can be a player’s greatest weapon, which makes it an opponent’s worst nightmare. The “first serve” can be pounded into the court, which can typically become “un-returnable”. A player does not need to workout or be very strong to make an effective first serve.

The “service motion” is not only arm strength, but also uses the legs, stomach muscles, and shoulder rotation for speed in the serve. Players that can’t make big first serves can choose to mix-up four types of tennis serves, and “placement” alternatives to keep their opponent guessing on what’s coming next.

The Second Serve

This tennis serve requires more attention compared to first serves. In the same way that a first serve can be a player’s best friend, one’s second serve can become their worst enemy. Lots of players have second serves that are effortlessly attackable, which means the opponent can hit it to where they prefer the ball to land on the court, or even come into net finish for an easy point. Thus, second serves must have an excellent spin, and must not land “too shallow” in the “service box”.

Four Types Of Serve

These four tennis serves can be learned and used to one’s advantage. A number of these serves can be efficient in playing against particular opponents. Mixing up these four serves during a match can cause problems for the opponents, as they won’t be able to find “rhythm” in returning the serve.

Flat Serve

The speed of the flat serve gives the opponent a small amount of time to prepare and react for the “return”. It also helps easy points that can also help in conserving one’s energy. The flat serve is also easy to do.

Slice Serve

The slice serve allows a ball to bounce low, and into or away from an opponent’s body. The spin can be used to pull the opponent off court or jam them. The percentage of this serve going in is “high”. It’s also simple to learn.

Kick Serve

The kick serve allows the ball to bounce high, and into or away from an opponent’s body. The ball also bounces in an opposite direction once it hits the ground. This kind of serve is also hard to attack, and gives “serve-and-volley” players the time they need to get to the net. On the other hand, those who haven’t played much against kick serves will probably be thrown off.

Topspin Serve

This type of serve allows the ball to bounce high, and is hard to attack. The “topspin serve” also gives great consistency, provides a “serve-and-volley” player the time they need to get to the net, and can easily be learnt.

The Service Toss

Insignificant as it may seem, the service toss plays a big role in the tennis serve. For a player to hit a great serve, they must have excellent consistent toss. Several players have “toss problems”, while some don’t. Those having trouble with inconsistent toss must practice more, and learn to make their tosses something that’s totally automatic with “no-thought” needed.

Tennis serves are important strokes that a player can have control over. The way a player learns and masters these shots can greatly help them in winning their game. It is always important to practice the serve before and after matches, so they benefit you and not your opponent.