Serving Tips for the Intermediate Tennis Player

Any players that have been enjoying and practicing tennis on a consistent basis for a minimum of two years are likely to be considered intermediate players. By this point, the serve has become a much more important component of the player's game as well as a renewed source of frustration. The simple fact of the matter is that as a player improves, the serve still requires constant vigilance and work. With respect to the serve, a tennis player never gets a day off. With the intermediate player just getting the serve in on a consistent basis is no longer good enough. As the rest of the player's game has improved so must the serve; thus, raising the bar for what is a good serve is critical for continued growth and success. The following are some useful tips any intermediate player can utilize to improve their serve.

Consistency is still key to an effective serve. Keeping that in mind, the intermediate player should now look to be hitting 50% in on first serves and 70% in on second serves. The easiest way to do this is hit 10 first serves and count how many go land in the correct service square. Repeat the procedure for second serves. Getting plenty of serves in not only builds your own confidence but it also breaks down the opponent's confidence. It is very discouraging as a returner knowing that you will not be getting many free points via the double fault.

The next component that the intermediate tennis player needs to start focusing on is accuracy or being able to hit the ball where you want within the confines of the service square. Initially splitting the service box vertically in half is sufficient when developing service accuracy. Keep the percentages the same that were used to develop your standard of consistency, simply apply them first to the forehand side of the service square and secondly to the backhand side.

Another handy tip for the intermediate server is build confidence in your second serve ability. Most players hope to get a second serve in or dink it over for fear of making a mistake. When a player is afraid of mistakes and tries to place balls in, this is when mistakes and errors occur the most. A great way to develop confidence in your second serve is to play a few practice sets where you only get one serve per point. Finally, the best tip of all for the intermediate server is now is the time to start learning how to impart topspin on your serve. Topspin allows the player to clear the net by a greater margin and the spin is designed to pull the ball down into the court. Both good things to help foster confidence in one's serve.

In conclusion, the intermediate player needs to be more specific about the goals their serve should accomplish and secondly get to the court and practice. Remember, perfect practice makes perfect and there is no try; there is only do!