Coaching Tip - February 2010

Learn to hit a Slice Serve to take the advantage!

    The Slice Serve can be used on the first or second serve (particularly in women's tennis).

  • Beginners through to Intermediate level players
  • Learn to develop consistency while getting used to the Continental or Hammer grip.
    This grip is essential when learning other serving variations.

  • Intermediate to Advanced players
  • The slice serve is effective in moving your opponent out wide on the forehand court opening up the court for your next shot.
    In addition the slice can be used to serve into the body to force a weak return from your opponent.

    See my coaching tip for December 2009 for details on the basic or flat Serve.
    The coaching tips below are for a right handed player so apply the reverse if you are a left handed player.

    Preparation
  • The player's stance should be the same as for the basic or flat serve.

  • Loading position
  • The ball toss should be in front and slightly to the racquet side (right for a right hander) of the body.
  • The shoulders are turned with the racquet arm/shoulder going back while the ball arm moves slightly to the side (right for a right hander) so as to allow shoulder rotation during the serving action.

  • Contact point
  • The contact point is slightly to the right for the slice serve.
  • Contact the ball with a sideways motion from the right to left (for a right hander) across the ball. This will give the sideways spin or slice on your serve

  • Follow through
  • Allow your upper body to follow the path of the ball in the direction of the serve to ensure accuracy and sideways movement.

  • REMEMBER: PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

    Take it step by step
    If you have trouble with the Continental grip change gradually but practice often so that you able to serve with this grip.

    Aim for big targets
    Initially learn to hit the serve into the correct service box then practice so that you can improve the accuracy so that you can aim for the forehand or backhand side of each service box.

    Don't swing slowly
    You need a loose grip with a smooth controlled swing acceleration through the contact point to develop your serving rhythm.
    With a slow swing you are not playing safe but losing control, accuracy and spin.

    Contact Steve if you have any comments or coaching tips to offer.
    steve.james@stevejamestennis.com