Service strategy

Wilson Cheah Asked 12 years ago

Hi Alois,

Being left handed yourself, I'm sure you've thought about this a lot also during matches. What factors do you consider when you decide what kind of spin and position you're going to do for your serve? Also, is there any difference in how you might think about this against people that are left/ right handed? A lot of times I tend to just change up the serves but I don't really know what kind of spin I should be using (almost as if I just pick one randomly out of the hat and just do that).

Thanks.

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Wilson,

Against each opponent I would think about where their weaker return is and also the angle that I want for the return. It doesn't matter so much whether they are left or right handed, just where they are weaker.

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Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago
I agree with Alois. Thinking about different angles for your serve can be very helpful. People are used to returning the pendulum serve that goes across court. Mixing it up can really confuse your opponent.

I'd say the biggest thing to consider is what type of serve does your opponent struggle with the most. Then what type of return do you like to receive. If you like pushes, serve more backspin. If you like the ball to be flicked at you, serve more no spin, sidespin or topspin serves. Then start to think about the angles.

It's great that you are thinking about your tactics Wilson. Try out some of these suggestions and let us know how it works out for you.

Wilson Cheah Posted 12 years ago

Thanks a lot, I'll keep these ideas in mind when trying it out on Sunday when I play again :). After that I'll let you know how it goes.