How the Serve Stances Relate to Tactics

Key Points

• Closed Stance for Power: Using a closed stance with a long follow-through increases the swing path and power of the serve, forcing opponents into more defensive returns.
• Open Stance for Spin: Open stance generates more topspin, resulting in shorter, lower returns from opponents, ideal for setting up a third-shot drop.
• Serve Strategy and Shot Setup: A powerful, flat serve can create a "floaty" return for a drive opportunity, while a spinnier serve often leads to a shorter, controlled return, ideal for advancing to the kitchen.
• Choosing Your Serve Style: Adapt your serve style based on personal preference, opponent weaknesses (pace or spin), and court conditions, mixing powerful flat serves and spin serves for variety.
• Serve Variations: Incorporate slice, lob, and spin serves into your game to disrupt opponents’ timing and keep them guessing.