Serve technique: keeping the racket head high

What this lesson covers

The serve requires a contact point at or below bellybutton height. Beginners often drop the racket too low during the swing, resulting in a low-to-high motion that sends the ball upward. This trajectory gives opponents more time to react and prevents the server from pressuring them with a low ball.

To transition to an advanced serve, the racket head must remain above waist height throughout the swing. A simple drill involves placing a waist-high object, such as a basket, next to the serving position. If the racket hits the basket during the forward motion, the swing path is too low. Keeping the racket above this level ensures a flatter, more aggressive trajectory that makes it easier to follow up with a volley or smash.