Tip of the week: Serve for placement

Once you can serve with enough accuracy to place your serve to one half of the service box you've put yourself ahead of the hoards of players that can't. And they're not all beginners either. Many seasoned players have developed bad habits that allow them to only serve consistently to one area of the service box. They may have become very proficient with this particular serve, consistently spinning it or hitting it with power. But if there is no variation that’s a big problem. It may look impressive at first sight, but after facing the same serve repeatedly the returner will soon build confidence and their shots may get increasingly aggressive.

The key is to be unpredictable with your serve and for that you need to have some control over the placement. A slightly weaker serve that is well placed can be far more effective in making your opponent uncomfortable than a strong serve that they are totally prepared for. And if your stock serve happens to be directed to your opponent’s strength, like their big forehand, then watch out!

So when you practice your serve hit towards different target areas. Then when it’s game time keep your opponent guessing when they're returning and you'll be well on your way to consistently holding serve like the pros. See you on the court!