Serving Tips for the Advanced Tennis Player

Once a tennis player reaches the 4.0 and above level, the serve not only becomes a critical part of their game but a weapon as well. At this level, the player needs to have confidence that not only will their serve not hurt them but get them some free points as well. The four major components to a truly effective serve at this level are consistency, accuracy, spin, and power. This article will discuss each of these points as well as providing some helpful tips to master each one.

Consistency is the most important attribute a tennis player can have. Being able to hit any and all shots in on a regular and reliable basis is critical to this game, especially with respect to the serve. By this level, players should be hitting first serves in at approximately 60%. The percentage for good second serves is 90%. A helpful tip to keep in mind is find a power level that you can hit comfortably and maintain these percentages. Which player is more effective, the player that can hit the ball 140mph but only make 3 of 10 in or the player that hits 90mph and makes 7 out of 10 in? Remember the ball has to be in to win.

Accuracy is the second most important attribute of a truly effective serve. A useful tip in developing accuracy on the serve is to now divide the service box into three distinct zones. By using plastic cones or something similar, the player can make two lines extending from the net to the service line to divide the service box into a forehand zone, a center/body zone, and a backhand zone. Practice hitting first servers into each of the three zones, playing close attention to your percentages discussed in the consistency section. Then practice hitting second serves into all three zones, again following your consistency percentages.

The next factor to consider is spin. Adding different spins to the serve will add variety to any player's serve and add an extra dimension as well. There are different types of spin that can be imparted on the serve; generally a slice or topspin is used. It is very important that a player seek the advice and guidance of their local teaching professional when learning to add spin to their service game. One tip that can be used by players to learn topspin is to try serving over the fence. Take a few balls and stand next to the fence that surrounds a tennis court. Be sure to stand back roughly the distance from the baseline to the net. Also be sure to be careful when practicing this. It is very possible and likely that you will serve a ball into one of the fence poles and it will ricochet back at you! Another tip for hitting spin is to take your time and really watch how your serve spins and bounces after you hit it. Knowing how the ball should be bouncing will give you feedback as to whether or not you hit it correctly.

Finally all players, men and women alike, want to hit the ball hard. Remember though that as you add power you also increase the chance of making a mistake. Power should always be the last thing a player adds to any of their shots. Also remember flat serves will travel faster than balls with spin on them. A good way to practice hitting flat serves hard is to serve by standing at the service line. Practice hitting the serve hard and remember that it still must go into the correct service box. Gradually move back towards the baseline all the while hitting hard flat serves. Keep your first serve percentages from the consistency section in mind. Again, it doesn't matter how hard you can hit if the ball never lands in play.

In conclusion, advance players need to have confidence in their serves, both first and second. Practice is key to developing consistency, accuracy, spin, and power on the serve. At this level, the serve is no longer just to start a point and a player should no longer be happy just to get the serve in. Make you serve, both first and second, a weapon and enjoy the fruits of you labor in the way of tons of free points and victories.