Develop a service weapon with more than just pace

When you’re serving, adopt the attitude of a baseball pitcher. An effective pitcher has usually mastered one or two pitches, and is able to constantly change the location and speed of each pitch. Most importantly, the pitcher can do so with the same throwing motion so that the batter can’t tell which direction the ball is headed. It’s easy to draw a connection to how this can be valuable in tennis—especially in doubles.

1

Which areas of the court should I look to hit my serves?

Everywhere. Wide, deep, short and right at the returner’s body—all of these serves should be in your toolbox. Changing the location of your serves creates uncertainty for the returner. If you always hit the serve in the same area, the returner will settle into a groove and connect with clean swings.

2

What can I do to improve the effectiveness of my serve if my accuracy isn’t great?

Vary service spins and speeds—both are great ways to add an element of surprise. Though not everyone can change spin on their serves, everyone has a fast and a slow serve. Using a second serve as your first serve can throw off an opponent expecting something faster.

3

Are there any formations that are more conducive to holding serve?

The I-formation (when the net player is crouched down low) and the Australian formation (when the net player stands upright, on the same side as the server) are useful if the returner has a strong crosscourt return. These formations will force the returner to hit down the line. It also places the server on the side with the groundstroke that they are most comfortable hitting.

Learn more from 17-time Grand Slam doubles champion and Hall of Famer Gigi Fernandez at www.doubles.tv.