HOW TO HIT A SERVE IN TENNIS

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The serve is the most important shot of the game of tennis. It starts the point, and
completely depends on the player serving. The opponent has no command over it.
Therefore, it is a perfect way to control the point, dictate the opponent and win points.
This builds momentum that can be carried throughout the match. This tutorial helps one
to understand the basics of the serve and build a solid foundation to add more power and
direction in the serve.

THE GRIP

The grip is integral to a serve as the way one holds the racquet determines the trajectory of the
ball, the spin and direction. There are different types of grips in tennis for different shots. In a
serve, the continental grip or the ‘hammer’ grip is used to hold the racquet for the serve. This
grip provides support for the shoulder and arm to be able to swing the racquet with power and
control. It is a similar grip one would hold for hitting a nail with a hammer.
Imagine the racquet grip to be an octagon and hold the racquet as a hammer following the
position of the fingers for the continental grip as shown in the figure below. The heel of the
hand is therefore at position 1, the fingers curl around in a manner such that the index finger is
now at 2. This prepares one for the stance and motion of the serve.

THE STANCE

The stance is the next steppingstone for a serve. In physical endurance sports such as tennis,
center of gravity along with the explosivity of the lower body (hips, legs) plays a vital role in
determining the effectiveness of strokes. To enable a power-packed serve, the body should have a
low center of gravity and the lower body should be strong to jump and transfer the weight into
the serve.

The stance that enables a player to maximize the explosiveness of the lower body while
maintaining a low center of gravity is when the body is parallel to the net with the left foot
pointed towards the net pole and the right foot parallel to the baseline. It is the opposite for a left-
handed server. The player can now lower his body by bending his knees (similar to compressing
a spring) to finally toss the ball and jump during the swing motion.

THE SERVICE MOTION

With the correct grip and stance in play, the player is ready to understand the swing motion and
execute the serve. The swing motion of the serve can be broken down into the following steps
sequentially:
1. The ready position: Take the racquet back and toss the ball to a height equal to one’s
height with the left hand (vice-versa for left-handed).
2. Hold the racquet as shown in step 1 in the figure below.
3. As soon as the ball toss reaches its maximum height, jump to contact the ball.
4. Accelerate the wrist when one is about to contact the ball. Note: Steps 3 and 4 below.
5. Follow through the motion and finish by landing on the left leg (right leg for left-
handed) with the right arm completing the swing.
Note: Left to Right represents steps 1 through 5.

Scan the QR code for the video technique and more tips!