Serving positioning and net movement

What this lesson covers

Effective serving positioning relies on communicating the target to the partner before the serve. When the server hits toward the glass, the net player must cover the line to prevent an easy down-the-line return. If the serve goes to the center, both players shift toward the first post, leaving the difficult wide angle open for the opponent to attempt. Serving to the body forces a backhand return, which limits the opponent's ability to create sharp angles and allows the net player to move toward the middle to intercept with a forehand volley.

Movement must be synchronized, with the server and partner maintaining a distance of one and a half meters while moving toward the net. Second serves require more caution, favoring body or center targets to reduce the opponent's ability to create angles or lob. A low, sliced serve reduces the returner's time, preventing them from comfortably setting up a lob. Mixing serve locations between the glass, center, and body prevents the opponent from finding a rhythm, regardless of the match score.