tennis serve, tennis serve Rules, strokes and types of service: flat, topspin, slice - teenflixsports

Serve in tennis Rules, strokes and types of service: flat, topspin, slice

The serve in tennis is one of the most complex technical fundamentals, which makes this sport one of the most complicated. However, it is also one of the most practiced and followed. Tennis is a very intense sport that also requires great technique to be able to master all facets of the game. It also takes a lot of physical and mental strength, as well as many hours of training. Physically, it promotes mobility and flexibility, strengthens the muscles and bones. It is also beneficial for cardiovascular health since, being an aerobic exercise, it improves the cardiac and respiratory environment. A good execution of the serve in tennis It will allow you to destabilize the opponent and take the initiative of the point. Therefore, it is important to train regularly to improve the technique in the service .

If you are a tennis lover and want to perfect your movements to win matches, it is essential that you know some tips on how to serve in tennis and how to improve it. In this article you will also learn what are the types of services that exist ( flat , topspin and slice ), as well as the basic rules and the most important tennis strokes .

Types of tennis strokes

In this section, we are going to review the serve in tennis and some of the most outstanding strokes . You must familiarize yourself with them if you want to become a complete and versatile tennis player in all facets of the game. We can find both more basic tennis strokes and other more complicated movements. The important thing, however, is knowing how to respond in the best possible way and perfecting the technique of the gesture.

The main tennis strokes that both professionals and adults, youth or children can perform to perfect their technique are the following: backhand, spike and service or serve in tennis . Later, we will focus on the types of serves ( flat , topspin or slice ) and the most basic rules of this sport.

backhand in tennis

The backhand is one of the tennis shots that usually gives players the most problems. Knowing how to hit a good backhand is crucial to improve and be able to take your game to the next level. According to the rules of the International Tennis Federation , there are two ways to perform this stroke technically: one or two hands. This is the first decision to be made . The two-handed backhand is the most used, since it is one of the tennis strokes safer and powerful. The biggest advantage over the one-handed backhand is that it offers greater stability and better control of movements. In addition, it is much easier to assimilate and perfect. Despite this differentiation, the technique of a basic backhand stroke is made up of four steps: waiting position, preparation, stroke and finishing.

First of all, we prepare to receive the ball and make the hit. We have to have our feet apart, knees slightly bent and the body forward. Next, we take the racket with the right hand in the fist and hold it by supporting it in the left hand. Second, we begin to bring the tennis racket back. At the same time, we bring the left leg back while turning the shoulders towards the side of the blow. Third, we move the body forward. With outstretched arm, we hit the ball while it is still rising, after bouncing. In this case, the weight of the body must be transferred to the front and the hand that is not holding the tennis racket to the back, in order to maintain balance. Finally, once the movement is finished, the body must return to the waiting position.

shot in tennis

It is one of the tennis shots  with the most public acceptance since it is very colorful. It is a shot mechanic very similar to the serve in tennis . According to the rules , what is intended is to achieve a powerful blow that hits the ground and is as far away from the opponent's return possibilities. Unlike the serve in tennis , it is an attack shot that is done without a previous dribble and from any area of ​​the court: bottom, half court or near the net. Normally, it is used to finish the point or as a response to a lob, which is usually a defensive hit from the opponent. As dictated by the rules, the spike in tennis also has four phases into which the stroke is divided: waiting position, preparation and shoulder turn, impact and finishing.

First, the waiting position is performed with the feet in front of the net and knees semi-flexed. The racket must be held with the dominant hand by the fist and the non-dominant by the neck of the racket. Second, we step forward with our left foot, turn our shoulders, and raise our left hand toward the ball to reference the shot. Next, we perform the impact above the head. The arm has to be stretched towards the ball, and the weight of the body on the left leg and forward. At the moment of impact, the racket remains in a position of force, that is, blocked. Next, the left arm begins the downward trajectory towards the stomach area. Finally, we finish the movement with the weight of the body on the front leg, raising the heel of the back foot.

serve in tennis

The serve in tennis is one of the most important shots since it allows us to take the initiative during the point. However, it requires the realization of many technical aspects, such as a good ball launch or good coordination in the hit. According to the rules of the serve in tennis , this is done from the baseline. The service is only considered good if it crosses into the opponent's service box without touching the net. However, at each point you have two service opportunities . If we step on the bottom line or cross it before hitting, the serve in tennis is considered bad.

Performing a correct technique has a greater influence. This makes it necessary to be clear about the main serve movements in tennis . First of all, using a suitable grip is essential. The most recommended is the continental one, in which we have to place our hand as if we were using a hammer. This grip allows different types of service or blows to be made , among which the plane , topspin or slice stand out .

If we want to make a good serve, throwing the ball well is also essential. It is advisable to throw it from shoulder height. When hitting it, the body must be well aligned to have greater control. At the same time, the racket has to point to the area of ​​the field to which we want to direct the serve, and the arm must be fully stretched. Next, the rest of the body has to accompany the movement of the arm to achieve maximum depth and power. This is what is known as the rhythm of the serve in tennis .

Types of serve in tennis

The serve in tennis is the most important stroke, since it is the one that will start the point. Technique, strength and posture are key elements in its realization. A good execution will allow you to destabilize the opponent and take the initiative of the point. On the other hand, not having a good serve in tennis can cause you to give up all the advantage to your opponent, allowing him to create a difficult situation for you. There are three types of serve : flat , topspin , and slice .

Flat serve in tennis

The flat serve is one of the most common tennis shots . It is the fastest, most aggressive and most powerful of the three. With its execution, the aim is to achieve the greatest speed and power on the ball. The difficulty lies in precision. For this reason, it is not recommended as a second serve in tennis . However, if successful, usually takes the initiative of the game. So that you can do it correctly, we tell you the most important steps in its execution as dictated by the rules of the serve in tennis :

• Get into position: on the one hand, the right foot has to be parallel to the bottom line. On the other hand, the left foot must face the opposite net post to the side where the ball will make its first bounce.
• Hold the ball and racket correctly: the ball must be held with the fingertips of the hand. Regarding the racket, you must grasp the end of the handle to provide greater force to the serve in tennis . The way to do it is by forming a V with your index finger and thumb.
• Throw the ball and bring the racket behind you: the ball throw has to be high. In order for the weight of the body to give more impetus to the ball, the racket will always be placed behind the back.
• Hit the ball in the center of the racket.
• Finish the serve in tennis by bringing the racket down to achieve greater power in the service hit .
• Do not cross the end line of the court before making contact with the ball. This would be missing.
• Practice this serve in tennis  daily to improve your technique and serve with which you can master the point.

Topspin in tennis

Another of the most outstanding strokes of the serve in tennis is the topspin serve . It is a serve with effect, so its return is very complicated. Unlike the flat service , the margin of error is small in this case. However, he does not have the same strength or speed. For this reason, it is considered the slowest tennis serve of all. However, it is also the most secure. In this way, it is widely used by competitive players as a second service , since it provides a large margin of safety.

Although, as we have commented, it is one of the  slowest tennis shots , if it is done correctly it can become a very dangerous tennis serve for the opponent. That happens thanks to the large component of spin that is transferred to the ball. To execute it correctly, you must follow the following tips and rules of the tennis serve :

• Preparation: although it is not very different from the flat serve, it should be noted that the legs and back flex more.
• Hitting: you have to hit the ball behind our head.
• Accompaniment: it is very important because the arm does not seek to go forward, but rather has to move out from the body.
  

Cut serve in tennis

The cut serve is one of the tennis strokes that is often used to take the opponent off the court and be able to conquer the net. It is perfect for applying the serve and volley tactical model. In addition, its great advantage is that it opens the angle more and the ball takes the "cut" effect, which causes it to come out with a low bounce. This effect of the ball makes the opponent uncomfortable when trying to return it.

It is important to remember that this type of serve in tennis is a good resource as first and second serves . In addition, the cut shot to the center is usually very uncomfortable for slow-footed opponents. A low ball requires a quick movement response while deciding whether to hit a forehand or a backhand. That way, if your opponent is slow, this resource can earn you a lot of points. According to the rules of the serve in tennis , the keys to doing this movement well are the following:

• Preparation: it is quite similar to the flat serve.
• Hitting: you have to look for the ball in front and to the right of your body. When contacting her, you must hit her with the head of the racket, using the force of the wrist.
• Accompaniment: consists of following the movement of the arm forward and looking for the left of the body. Also, you have to throw your body forward.

After reviewing the three most prominent types of serves ( flat , topspin and slice ), we delve into the technique, step by step, of executing a tennis serve . Since it's one of the most important tennis shots , we'll also give some tips on how to improve it, and go over some of the more prominent rules .

How to serve in tennis?

As we have seen previously, there are three types of serve : flat , topspin , and slice . Each of these tennis shots is performed in a different way. However, in this section we want to show, in detail, the steps to perform a good serve in tennis , whatever the type. Taking the rules into account , we have grouped 9 tips that can be very useful to you.

Steps for a correct tennis serve

• Starting position: depending on the score, the tennis serve is served from the right or left side, behind the baseline. In both cases, you have to play the ball diagonally towards your opponent's service court.
• Foot position: it is the basic requirement for a secure support in the serve. You should place your back foot parallel to the bottom line. Meanwhile, position the striker facing the right post of the net (for right-handers) or the left post (for left-handers).
• Grip: The way you are going to hold the racket is also important. In general, the so-called "continental grip" should be chosen, which consists of holding the racket with the index finger and thumb forming a V.
• Racket position: According to the rules of the tennis serve , it should be pointing towards the box you want to hit the ball into.
• Ball Toss: An accurate toss is essential for the tennis serve . This hit should not be too high or too low. Try to throw the ball so that it goes over your head and allows you to stretch out your racket arm as much as possible.
• Hitting Movement: The moment the ball reaches its highest point in the air is the signal for hitting. To do this, you must raise your hand with the racket, lean your back a little back, bend your legs slightly and hit.

By following these tips, you will be able to make a good serve in tennis . With a lot of practice, this service will improve over time. So, you must train it until you master it, since it is one of the  most important tennis shots . In addition, you will be able to master each of the different types of services that exist: flat , topspin and slice .

How to improve the serve in tennis?

As a perfect technique takes time, you have to practice a lot of the service to get a good command of the racket. It is considered one of the most difficult tennis strokes , since strength, posture and technique must be ideally combined. As the coordination of these three points is not easy, below we will see some tips to improve the serve in tennis .

• The more energy you use, the more difficult it will be to return the ball from the opponent. However, when exerting a higher level of force, you will need to control the placement of the ball in the desired spot.
• You should hold the ball with your fingertips and bring it closer to the hand that is holding the racket. Thus, you will align the serve by shifting the weight forward.
• Before throwing the ball, you have to make it bounce on the ground 2 or 4 times.
• You should throw the tennis ball at the height of the right shoulder to have greater control of the gesture. Upon impact, your body should be well aligned and the racket should point in the direction of the trajectory.
• It is important to alternate short and long serves so that the opponent does not expect the type of service you will perform.
• You must hit the ball at waist level or below, depending on the rules of tennis. On the other hand, you have to have at least one foot in contact with the ground.
• Analyze the rival performing different types of services or tennis shots to study their strengths and weaknesses. To do this, vary the impact, depth and direction of the serve in tennis .
• Finally, take the time you need to get out, without stress or anxiety. In this way, in addition to getting an adequate service, you will avoid acquiring unnecessary vices that are harmful to the game.
  

Serve rules in tennis

According to the rules , the serve in tennis is taken by the same player in each game. Before starting the service , this player stands with both feet behind the end line, and within the imaginary extensions of the center mark and the side line. The rules dictate that if he stepped on the bottom line, it would be considered a "foot fault" and the tennis serve would not be valid. The served ball must always pass over the net and bounce in the service zone opposite to the side where it is located . If he bounces outside of that area or stays on his side of the track, the serve it would not be valid either. On the other hand, the balls that fall on the lines are considered good.

As the tennis serve rules state , a player has two service chances at each point. That is, if he makes an invalid first serve , he has the right to make a second. If the second is not valid either, it is called a "double fault" , and the point goes up to the opponent's marker. The serve in tennis is replayed if the served ball touches the net and then enters the correct box. According to the rules , this is called a "let". If, on the contrary, he touches the net without landing in the correct box, the action is repeated in the case of having a second serve in tennis .If this opportunity has already been exhausted, the server loses the point.

These rules are the ones that must be taken into account to make a good serve in tennis , and to be able to try different types of service , such as the flat , topspin or slice .