Serve technique: slice versus side spin

What this lesson covers

Effective serves require a combination of slice and side spin to force the ball to hug the side glass while staying low. Many players drop the ball too far in front of the body, which forces the racket to brush around the side of the ball. This creates horizontal movement and side spin but keeps the bounce high, making the ball easy for advanced opponents to return. To generate effective slice, the contact point must shift closer to the side of the body.

By dropping the ball near the front toes rather than far in front, the racket can move through the ball from underneath. This motion creates bite and keeps the ball low after the bounce. To direct the serve toward the glass, adjust the racket face angle while maintaining the slicing motion through the contact zone. Visualizing a second ball in front of the actual contact point helps ensure the racket follows through the shot. Practicing with a basket requires the same patience and visualization used during a match to ensure the technique carries over to competitive play.