Serve technique: slice and contact point

What this lesson covers

The serve requires holding the racket at the very end of the grip to maintain control. Players often choke up on the handle, which leads to flat contact and a ball that sits up for the opponents. To generate slice, the racket face must remain open throughout the swing. Think of the movement like a snowplow, brushing down the back of the ball rather than chopping through it.

Positioning the body with toes aligned toward the target creates a natural path for the swing. The ball should be dropped in front of the lead foot to ensure the body weight moves forward automatically. A small hinge in the wrist helps keep the racket face open, allowing the ball to be contacted higher. Avoid trying to force the body weight forward, as the forward momentum happens naturally when the contact point is correctly placed in front of the body. Consistency in the preparation phase leads to a more reliable serve. This lesson is for players who struggle with a flat serve that gives opponents an easy attacking opportunity.