Did you know that Serena Williams can serve a tennis ball up to 170 kilometers per hour? There’s a reason she’s one of the greatest tennis players in the world. Mastering your serve in tennis is one of the most difficult parts of learning the game. However, once you have it down, you’ll have a big leg up on your opponent.
There are 4 different types of tennis serves that players use. A good player often employs a mixture of these 4 types.
Wondering what each type entails? Continue reading for a breakdown on each.
1. Flat Serve
Flat serves in tennis are fast, hard, and powerful. One way in which you can catch your opponent off guard with an ace is by utilizing a flat serve. Generally hit with a Continental grip, this serve uses minimal spin. This leads to a low bouncing ball and a straightforward shot.
Flat serves are great for starting off a point strong but can be difficult to execute for shorter players.
2. Slice Serve
The slice serve also uses a version of the Continental grip, but in this case, sidespin is applied when serving. This movement causes the ball to move in the direction of the bounce, either opening up the court or crowding your opponent.
The slice serve is great for drawing your opponent out wide. An open court then leaves more opportunity to make your next shot. While slice serves are a more natural feeling serve, the consistency of an appropriate amount of sidespin can be difficult to master.
3. Underhand Serve
Underhanded serves are not commonplace in tennis matches. Underhand serves are typically taught to children who are just starting to play, or are used by players who have injuries that prevent them from using their typical range of motion to serve.
Because of the rarity of this type of serve, it is often used to surprise. It falls much like a drop shot, which can lead to a double bounce, making it difficult for your opponent to reach.
4. Kick Serve
We’ve saved the best tennis serve for last: the kick serve. This signature serve is difficult to master and utilizes heavy topspin. The topspin is what causes the ball to jump or “kick” up off the ground.
Kick serves in tennis allow a player to have more control for placement within the service box. In addition, this serve is hit high above the net which can decrease the chance of an unforced error, making it an excellent second serve choice. The high bounce resulting from a kick serve can be difficult to return, making this serve a consistently good choice.
Game Set Match on Types of Tennis Serves
These different types of tennis serves are used depending on skill level, as well as game circumstances. However, one thing is for certain: the serve is the one true move during the game in which you have complete control. Working on your serve takes practice, but don’t forget to be practice with confidence, and you’ll have your kick serve down in no time.
If you enjoy learning about tennis or sports in general, be sure to check out the wide variety of articles we have in our Sports section.
