Serve placement: sidewall, middle and body

What this lesson covers

The serve aims to keep the net position by preventing the opponent from hitting a lob. Serving to the sidewall requires precision to avoid the area where the ball bounces off the glass easily. Aiming for the back half of the first glass forces the opponent to step back and makes it difficult to use the glass for a return. A half-volley return from this deep position rarely results in a lob.

When serving to the middle, the ball must stay within the central area to prevent the opponent from having time to set up. A slow, sliced serve that dies near the back glass is more effective than a faster ball that bounces out. Positioning oneself one meter from the center line improves the angle for both middle and corner serves.

Serving to the body targets the opponent's forehand or backhand pocket near the white line. This restricts the space available for the opponent to get underneath the ball and play a lob. This tactic is particularly effective against players who are comfortable with standard sidewall or middle serves.