Serve placement and technique for depth

What this lesson covers

The serve aims for the junction of the side and back glass on the cross-court side. This target provides an extra meter of court length compared to hitting the front of the side wall, allowing for more power and depth. When the ball hits the side glass first, the receiver can use the rebound comfortably. If the ball misses that panel and travels deeper, the receiver is forced into a difficult volley or must retreat, making the return significantly harder to control.

Technically, the serve is a sliced forehand. The player shifts weight onto the right foot, keeping the left foot light. The ball should drop to shoulder height, allowing for contact near the waist. A smooth, continuous motion is preferred over stopping the racket. The toss location dictates the direction: tossing further forward directs the ball toward the middle, while delaying the impact allows for a sharper angle toward the side wall. Players using a standard forehand grip should brush the ball from outside to inside to create lateral movement, while those with a backhand grip find it easier to serve toward the middle by tossing the ball further in front.