Winning starts with the serve. This guide covers essential serving and returning techniques that will help you control the point from the first shot and gain the upper hand in rallies.
Serving Fundamentals
Service Box Position
- One foot in service box
- At least one foot on ground
- Stable base for swing
- Ready to move after serve
The Service Action
- Toss ball above head height
- Contact ball at peak
- Hit toward front wall
- Aim for back quarter
Service Types
Basic Service
- Straight drive serve
- Most reliable
- Low risk
- Start with this
Power Serve
- Hit with full swing
- Higher pace
- More risky
- For surprise
Lob Serve
- High trajectory
- Drops in back corner
- Forces opponent back
- Good variation
Return of Serve
Ready Position
- Stand in back quarter
- Watch server closely
- Split step on serve
- Track the ball
Return Techniques
- Drive return: Straight shot back
- Lob return: High return
- Drop return: To front corner
Conclusion
Master your serve and return to control matches. Focus on consistency first, then add variations. Practice serves with a purpose and develop multiple return options.