Mastering Three Essential Serve Variations

Key Points

• Purpose of the Same Side Finish Serve: Designed to zip away from the opponent, pushing them wide and potentially exposing more open court space.
• Situations to Use It: Ideal for disrupting opponents who are “unwinding the stack” in doubles or for targeting wide shots in singles, especially against players with limited lateral speed.
• Grip and Technique: Use a semi-western grip to wrap around the ball, creating more spin and curve, similar to the “buggy whip” style. Emphasize a loose arm and follow-through with the body, allowing power to transfer from the legs up through the kinetic chain.
• Strategic Benefits: Forces the opponent into an uncomfortable return position, creating potential openings to exploit. Effective against opponents with weaker backhands, as it draws them out, exposing the opposite side of the court.
• Mixing Serve Types: Varying serve placements keeps opponents guessing, preventing them from anticipating and positioning for one type of return. Keeps opponents mentally occupied and less reactive, as they must cover both forehand and backhand return positions.
• Purpose of the Slice Serve: Designed to move the ball away from the opponent, pushing them off the court and opening up space for the next shot. Especially effective from the odd side of the court, where the ball curves away, creating awkward returns for the opponent.
• Ideal Situations to Use It: In singles, it sets up the forehand for a cross-court shot, capitalizing on the opponent’s wide position. In doubles, it's effective against opponents who are unwinding the stack or are slow getting to the kitchen, creating opportunities to drive or drop the ball.
• Grip and Technique: Transition from an eastern grip to a continental grip (hammer grip) as you swing to allow for better control and spin. Keep the paddle closer to your body and use a shorter, more rounded swing to get around the outside of the ball, generating slice.
• Setting Up the Shot: Begin in the same position as your normal serve, disguising the slice serve to keep the opponent guessing. Shift to the continental grip as you move through the swing, ensuring the paddle wraps around the left side of the ball for maximum spin.
• Strategic Benefits: Forces a mid-court return, making it easier to capitalize with a forehand drive or a drop shot. Keeps the opponent off balance by pushing them wide, often exposing the open court for a follow-up shot.
• Demonstration Example: Serve with a continental grip, aiming to create a short return from the opponent. Use the open court for the next shot, either driving it down the line in singles or attacking a slow-moving opponent in doubles.
• Purpose of the Lob Serve: Aims to push the opponent deep into the baseline, making it difficult for them to create their own power. Effective against players who are quick to move forward or those who rely on pace from the server.
• Benefits of the Lob Serve: Forces the opponent to stay back and take a longer time before coming into the kitchen. Often results in shorter or weaker returns, giving you an opportunity to drive or drop the next shot. Creates discomfort and forces opponents to adjust, especially if they are not used to returning high, lofted serves.
• Technique: Set up like a normal serve to keep it disguised and unpredictable. Use a slightly softer swing, focusing on getting under the ball and hitting up to create loft and depth. Avoid hitting with too much power to prevent the ball from going long.
• Strategy and Situational Use: Effective against players who are fast and dynamic, preventing them from sprinting into the kitchen. Works well in doubles, especially if opponents are trying to unwind the stack or transition quickly. Creates hesitation and disrupts the rhythm of opponents who rely on quick reactions and aggressive returns.
• Common Mistakes: Overhitting the lob serve, causing it to go long. Telegraphing the lob serve by changing your setup or grip, making it obvious to the opponent. Not using enough height and depth, resulting in an easy return.
• Expected Returns: When executed correctly, the lob serve should lead to mid-court or weaker returns, giving you an opportunity to drive or drop the ball effectively. Opponents may struggle with timing, leading to errors or weak returns, especially if they aren’t used to the high trajectory of the lob serve.