The Underarm Serve: Errani’s Masterstroke

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The Underarm Serve: Errani’s Masterstroke

Most of Howie’s midweek group are appalled at Errani’s serve.  They are purists, to say the least. Some even question whether it’s legal.

But the results speak for themselves: Sara Errani, at 38, remains a force on the pro tour, a Golden Slam-winning doubles specialist who has mastered a serve few dare to try.

Sara Errani stood at match point in the Billie Jean King Cup semifinal, staring down Iga Świątek, one of the world’s best. Then, she served—underarm.  What followed was not a gimmick or an act of desperation. It was a masterclass in adaptability, executed by a player who has turned a perceived weakness into one of the game’s more potent weapons.

Michael Chang: The Original Underarmer

Long before Sara Errani brought the underarm serve into the women’s spotlight, Michael Chang executed one of the most famous underarm serves in tennis history—on match point, no less. It was the 1989 French Open, and Chang, just 17 years old, was battling severe cramps in a fourth-round clash against world No. 1 Ivan Lendl. Barely able to move, Chang pulled out an underarm serve late in the fifth set. It caught Lendl completely off guard. Chang went on to win the match and ultimately the tournament, becoming the youngest male Grand Slam champion in history.

Reframing Weakness into a Weapon

Errani’s story is unique. Standing at just 5’5”, she lacks the height and power of today’s big servers. For years, her serve was mocked, criticized, even meme’d. But instead of hiding from it, she embraced the challenge, building a tactical repertoire around placement, variation, and surprise.

The underarm serve wasn’t born from whimsy—it was born from necessity. When her regular serve began collapsing under pressure—most notably with severe yips in 2019—Errani made a radical decision: she would serve underarm entirely during a tournament in Paraguay. The reaction was brutal, but the outcome was revealing: she reached the final.

A Strategic Statement, Not a Trick Shot

While players like Nick Kyrgios and Alexander Bublik deploy the underarm serve for flair, Errani does it with a surgeon’s precision. Against Świątek, it wasn’t about showmanship. It was about starting the point on her terms—controlling tempo, rhythm, and positioning.

As she explained:

“I don’t try to make winners. I just try to make kick, make slice… sometimes is better for me to serve not that fast, because if you serve fast the ball is coming back faster.”

Is It Legal Under the Rules?

Yes—the underarm serve is completely legal under the rules of tennis. The only requirement for a valid serve is that the ball must be hit before it touches the ground and must land in the appropriate service box. There is no rule that requires the server to strike the ball overhand. As long as the motion is continuous and the ball is not thrown and allowed to bounce, the underarm serve is fair game—even in professional play. That’s what makes it such a disruptive, underutilized weapon.

Why It Disrupts Timing

What makes the underarm serve so difficult to return is that it fundamentally breaks the rhythm most players rely on. At every level of tennis, returners are trained to read toss height, racquet swing, and body rotation to time their split step and initiate their backswing. The underarm serve removes all of that. It comes slower, lower, and earlier than expected—often before the returner has even completed their split.

This plays havoc with players who “quick hit” the return—those who rely on the ball’s pace to time a sharp, early contact. Suddenly they’re forced to generate their own power on a floating ball that arrives below knee height, with no predictable trajectory. The result? Mis-hits, awkward footwork, or mistimed aggression. Even top pros like Daniil Medvedev and Taylor Fritz have been caught out by Errani’s underarm, proving that disruption can be just as deadly as power.

Expect Scorn

Even so, if you decide to use the underarm serve, be prepared for derision and scorn. Tennis purists often view it as unsportsmanlike or beneath the standards of “proper” play. You might face eye-rolls, muttered comments, or even outright ridicule—from opponents, spectators, and yes, even your own teammates. But as Errani has proven time and again, winning changes the narrative. If you’re confident in your intent, unbothered by tradition, and smart about when to deploy it, the underarm serve can be a bold, effective answer to pressure—not a sign of weakness.

From Panic to Process: The Psychological Shift

Errani’s journey with the serve reflects the essence of mental resilience. Her coach advised her to serve underarm for a full tournament to liberate her mind. That decision echoes the “Practice Under Pressure” and “Adaptive Strategies” discussed in sports psychology: face the fear head-on, and reclaim control.

She also leans on breathing routines and visualization, managing match-day nerves that once crippled her ability to toss the ball.

For Competitive Players

The underarm serve isn’t a shortcut. It’s a reminder that tennis intelligence can outplay raw firepower.

Errani’s decision to lean into discomfort turned her serve into a disruptor—a shot that rattled Świątek, flummoxed Fritz, and helped Errani secure a Golden Slam in doubles.

Want to Try It? 

  • Practice under pressure. Don’t save it for matches. Test it during high-intensity drills.

  • Pair it with variety. Mix it with slice and kick serves to create unpredictability.

  • Use it selectively. Against deep returners or when protecting a second serve.

  • Own the moment. Confidence is everything. Commit, don’t hesitate.

Wrap

The underarm serve isn’t weak—it’s wise.  Errani didn’t just revive a controversial shot—she redefined it.

How to Really Watch the Ball in Tennis

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How to Really Watch the Ball in Tennis

Stats don’t lie. Over 90% of tennis errors stem from not truly watching the ball. That number might seem exaggerated—until you break down what it actually means.

Most players see the ball in their peripheral vision, but they’re not watching it. Seeing is passive. Watching is intentional. It’s about tracking the ball with purpose, depth, and anticipation. And it’s one of the most overlooked, yet most critical, skills in high-level tennis.

To build this skill, you need more than just advice. You need mechanics. Here’s how to turn visual tracking into a trained performance habit.

Use Both Eyes — Break the Dominance Trap

Many players unconsciously rely on their dominant eye. That creates imbalance and limits depth perception—especially when tracking fast or spinning balls.

You can train both eyes to work in sync:

  • Patch the dominant eye during warm-up drills to strengthen the non-dominant side.

  • Use our ball can exercises to practice using both eyes—not just the one your brain prefers.

Depth perception, tracking accuracy, and timing all depend on full binocular function. One lazy eye costs you clarity, especially at speed.

Learn more about eye dominance

Watch the Seams — Focus on What Matters

The best players don’t just track the ball. They zero in on the seams.

That level of visual focus does several things:

  • Sharpens timing by forcing precise eye discipline.

  • Enhances contact quality by narrowing focus to the ball’s spin and rotation.

  • Anchors attention under pressure, reducing mental noise.

You can develop this focus by shadow swinging with a suspended ball. Try to follow the seams as the ball swings, and then replicate that focus during hitting sessions.

Seeing spin isn’t a magic trick—it’s a skill that starts with your eyes.

Move Your Eyes, Not Your Head

Turning your head to follow the ball is too slow and disrupts your balance. Every fraction of a second counts—so lead with your eyes, not your neck.

Train your eyes to move quickly and independently:

  • Practice rapid eye movements between fixed points off-court.

  • In practice, notice if you’re turning your head to follow shots—then adjust.

This alone can buy you precious time, improve footwork efficiency, and help you stay balanced through transitions and recovery.

Sync with Prep Step and Cross-Over Step

Elite vision only helps when it’s aligned with movement.

  • Use your prep steps to keep balance and mobility while watching the ball in detail.

  • Execute your cross-over step as your opponent strikes, so your eyes and body arrive at the next move together.

When your vision and footwork are synced, anticipation improves dramatically. You’re no longer reacting—you’re reading and moving early.

Wrap: Eyes First, Body Follows

If you want fewer mishits, better timing, and smarter court coverage, train your vision like any other weapon in your game.

Most players don’t lose points because of bad technique—they lose because their eyes are late, lazy, or misdirected.

Train both eyes. Watch the seams. Let your eyes lead.

What Is Your Pre-Serve Routine?

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What Is Your Pre-Serve Routine?

The serve is the only shot in tennis where you have complete control before the point begins. It’s your chance to set the tone, dictate strategy, and apply pressure right from the start. Establishing a consistent pre-serve routine is one of the simplest ways to improve your focus, composure, and execution under pressure.

The Serve: Your Moment of Mastery

Unlike the unpredictable rhythm of rallies, the serve gives you total command. Nothing happens until you initiate the point. That means you have the opportunity to be deliberate—deciding where you want the ball to land, visualizing the spin and trajectory, and committing to your motion.

Biomechanically, this is where the setup dictates the outcome:

  • Palm up on the toss allows the scapula (shoulder blade) to release upward, lifting your body into the strike.

  • Knuckles up collapses the tossing arm, pulling the shoulder down and breaking the chain before you even swing.

  • In the trophy position, strings should face the sky—this opens the shoulder into external rotation, preloading it for the whip-like release.

Respect the serve. Practice it like it’s the foundation of your game—because it is.

The Two-Serve Structure Reflects the Challenge

Tennis is one of the few sports that gives you two chances to get your serve in. That’s because it’s incredibly complex: blending power, spin, timing, and precision in one motion.

  • The first serve is your opportunity to go on the offensive, using pace or placement to gain the upper hand.

  • The second serve is a test of both biomechanics and psychology. To hit it confidently, you need a reliable toss and a racket drop that flows naturally—no stiffness, no hesitation.

A strong second serve comes not just from mental toughness but from trusting the mechanics you’ve rehearsed.

Bouncing the Ball: Ritual and Rhythm

Some players bounce the ball three times. Others bounce it six or more. The number doesn’t matter—but consistency does. Those bounces aren’t just physical movements; they’re psychological anchors.

Use each bounce to get mentally and physically in sync. Think of it as your body rehearsing balance and rhythm before you send the toss skyward.

The Pause: Settling into Execution

After your final bounce, take a short pause—just one to three seconds. This isn’t idle time; it’s the moment to:

  • Center your breath

  • Steady your posture

  • Feel your balance

This pause is where biomechanics and mindset intersect: if your body is still, your toss will rise clean, your scapula will release upward, and your shoulder will be free to whip. Too short, and you rush. Too long, and you lose rhythm. Find your tempo.

Loading Tempo: Fast vs. Smooth

Your loading phase—the transition from ready position to upward motion—should reflect your athletic strengths.

  • A quicker load favors players with natural explosiveness and fast-twitch timing. It can generate more pace, but it demands precision.

  • A slower load suits players who value rhythm and control. It builds consistency, though it may sacrifice raw speed.

Biomechanically, both tempos work—as long as you keep the toss palm-up and the racket strings skyward in the trophy. Those two details ensure your shoulder mechanics stay efficient regardless of rhythm.

Building a Routine That Works

A strong pre-serve routine should be:

  • Personal: Tailored to your rhythm and mental process.

  • Consistent: Repeated the same way each time to build reliability.

  • Focused on mental and biomechanical cues: A trigger for clarity and execution under pressure.

Typical steps may include:

  • Deep breath behind the baseline to center yourself.

  • Visualization of your serve target and desired outcome.

  • Grip check to ensure your hand is set correctly (usually continental).

  • Rhythmic ball bounces to establish tempo and focus.

  • Short pause in ready position to commit mentally and keep your toss palm-up, racket strings skyward.

The goal is simple: clear your mind, commit to your target, and trust your motion.

Wrap

The serve is more than a stroke—it’s a biomechanical and psychological advantage waiting to be claimed. A strong pre-serve routine anchors your mind and body, ensuring your toss, shoulder motion, and racket angle align every time. In a sport where margins are razor-thin, that consistency can be the difference between holding serve or giving it away.

Own the moment. Use your routine to step into each point with purpose—and with biomechanics on your side.

Sinner’s Wimbledon Masterclass: Serve +1 Strategy

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Sinner’s Wimbledon Masterclass: Serve +1 Strategy

Jannik Sinner’s first Wimbledon title was a clinic in modern tactical execution.  Facing Carlos Alcaraz — a player known for variety, finesse, and improvisation — Sinner imposed a relentless baseline rhythm built around the Serve +1 strategy, bending the match to his terms with clinical precision.  But this wasn’t just a tactical win. The unusually hot English summer fundamentally reshaped the court conditions — transforming Wimbledon’s grass into something far more familiar to Sinner: a fast, hard-hitting surface.

Hard-Court Conditions on Grass

Wimbledon’s grass typically favors short points, touch volleys, and low slices.  But under the blistering July sun, the courts dried out and hardened, accelerating ball speed and flattening out bounce. This shift muted the effect of Alcaraz’s signature variety — especially his drop shots and low slices — while increasing the pace of play.

Result? A grass-court match that played like a hard-court.

Serve +1: Designed for Speed and Precision

Sinner capitalized with a textbook Serve +1 formula:

  • First-serve percentage jumped from 55% to 67%

  • Forehand aggression off the return became automatic

  • Court positioning stayed tight to the baseline, robbing Alcaraz of time

With Alcaraz unable to disrupt rhythm through touch or angles, the match became a banging contest.

The Turning Point

Despite a near-flawless first set, Sinner found himself a set down. Alcaraz’s ability to conjure magic from awkward positions — especially with slices and drop shots — initially left Sinner reacting.

Then came the shift.  Sinner’s first-serve efficiency surged, and he began hunting forehands immediately after serve, flipping the dynamic and taking control of rallies from the outset.

The numbers back it up.  As the match progressed, Sinner’s Serve +1 efficiency became even more pronounced. He increased his attack percentage from 25% in the first set to 38% in the second and 40% in the third, reflecting not just a rise in first serves landed, but also in how effectively he followed them up with aggressive forehands.

By the fourth set, he was winning 47% of baseline points, a figure that flipped the script on Alcaraz, who had previously dominated grass with variety and control.

Serve +1 in Action: Control the Tempo

At its core, Serve +1 is simple but deadly:

  • Start with a reliable first serve to stretch or jam the returner

  • Move into the court to position for a forehand

  • Choose your target — inside-out or inside-in — and commit

Sinner executed this pattern ruthlessly and relentlessly. He didn’t wait for rhythm — he created it, repeatedly striking clean forehands off shallow returns to dismantle Alcaraz’s patterns.

Out-Alcarazing

The true breakthrough wasn’t just on serve — it was how Sinner handled second serves:

  • He stayed aggressive, both serving and returning

  • He turned Alcaraz’s second serve into a launchpad for plus-one aggression

  • His second-serve win percentage climbed, outpacing Alcaraz’s by the final two sets

Each aggressive return disrupted Alcaraz’s ability to build points — a subtle, sustained form of pressure that paid dividends.

Hard Court on Grass

Why did this strategy work so well?

  • Alcaraz’s drop shots repeatedly misfired, partly due to Sinner’s court coverage and balance

  • With touch neutralized, baseline rallies defined the match

  • Sinner’s footwork and balance — honed for hard court — allowed him to explode into shots without overplaying

Sinner didn’t just adjust to the surface — he used it to full advantage.

Wrap

Serve +1 isn’t just a strategy — it’s a mindset.  Be first. Be decisive. Be in control.

The Art of Returning Big Serves

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The Art of Returning Big Serves

Yesterday, Mpetshi Perricard fired the fastest serve in Wimbledon history – 153 mph (246 km/h) – and Taylor Fritz simply blocked it back deep.

On the women’s side, imagine Leylah Fernandez facing Aryna Sabalenka, who looks like she’s serving out of a tree. The ball explodes off Sabalenka’s racket from a towering contact point, giving Fernandez fractions of a second to prepare.

At our local Badge level, you’ll often face players with serves that feel uncomfortably big. Just ask Howie, Pam, or Coach Tim.  Back in my playing days, the record – with a wood racket – was 140 mph, and most of us could still get enough returns back to break serve from time to time.

Sure, the game is faster now with modern racket and string technology, but the principles remain the same.

Out of Your Comfort Zone

When facing big serves:

  • You’re slow to react

  • You struggle to move to the ball

  • Your eyes can’t adjust quickly enough to the extra pace

The result? You start guessing, and panic sets in.

How Do Better Returners Handle This?

Because the serve is so fast, the best returners don’t overreact.  Fritz simply moved his body out of the way and put his racket on the ball, absorbing the pace and giving it right back.

But to do this effectively, you need to read the ball, not just react. That has nothing to do with your racket – it’s all about anticipation. And yes, it can be taught.

Lorenzo Musetti, after facing Novak Djokovic, said:

“It seems like he knows minutes before where you are going to serve.”

This isn’t just talent – it’s reading ball tosses, body cues, patterns, and executing split-second decisions.

Keys to Returning Big Serves

  • No inertia
    Start moving with the ball toss to prime explosive first-step movement.

  • Reduce swing length
    Use block returns with soft hands, meeting the ball out in front without swinging.

  • Stay balanced
    Small, rapid prep steps keep your body aligned and ready to pivot or extend at the last moment.

  • Train anticipation
    Watch toss cues, shoulders, and racket face to pre-commit subtly.

  • Rehearse under pressure
    Simulate serve speeds in practice with coaches or partners to acclimate your visual and reaction speed.

Learning Progression

The first variation of developing these skills is learning how to poach in doubles.

That’s what you’ll often see us teaching on most Sundays – poaching at the net, before progressing to learn how to read volleys and serves.

Wrap

Returning the fastest serves isn’t about having faster hands.  It’s about anticipating before impact, staying balanced, and using the server’s power against them.

Because in tennis, as Wimbledon 2025 showed, the ball may travel at 153 mph…but the game is won by the speed of your mind.

How to Change a Stroke

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How to Change a Stroke

Changing a stroke is one of the toughest challenges in any precision sport. It’s not just about technique—it’s a complete shift in mechanics, mindset, and identity. The process is slow, frustrating, and often risky. Muscle memory resists, performance may dip, and the temptation to revert is strong. But when done right, the payoff can be game-changing.

Scottie Scheffler’s story is a blueprint. In 2023, the world No. 1 golfer couldn’t close tournaments despite being the best tee-to-green player on tour. His putting—once a fatal flaw—became a strength after he brought in Phil Kenyon, simplified his technique, switched to a mallet putter, and changed to a claw grip. By 2025, Scheffler was not just winning majors—he was dominating them.

Tennis has seen similar reinventions:

  • Roger Federer retooled his backhand in 2017 to counter Nadal’s topspin, leading to a career resurgence.

  • Rafael Nadal revamped his serve and return positioning under Carlos Moyá, extending his prime well into his 30s.

  • Carlos Alcaraz smoothed out his service motion before the 2025 season, improving pace and consistency.

  • Jannik Sinner adjusted his stance and preparation, unlocking more power and accuracy—key to his rise to world No. 1.

These stories all share the same process:

1. Diagnose the real issue — don’t guess or copy.
Use video and expert input to identify the actual flaw. Many players waste time changing what looks wrong rather than what affects outcomes.

2. Bring in expert help — adaptability and insight matter.
Work with coaches who tailor solutions to your game—not just general cookie-cutter mechanics. Their outside perspective helps you avoid chasing false fixes.

3. Simplify the change — focus on balance, timing, and feel.
Start with core fundamentals. Clean contact, balance, and fluid rhythm are the building blocks of every great stroke.

4. Modify equipment if needed — small tweaks, big returns.
A new racquet setup or grip adjustment can support better mechanics and feel. Like Scheffler’s switch to a mallet, or Federer moving to a 110 racket, equipment should match your new motion.

5. Rebuild identity and belief — use rituals and reinforcement.
You’re not just changing form—you’re changing how you see yourself. Use routines, cues, and positive self-talk to reinforce confidence in your new game.

6. Train under pressure — test it when it matters most.
Practice is just the beginning. To own the change, simulate match stress and play through it. That’s where new patterns get forged into reliable habits.

Wrap

Changing a stroke isn’t for the faint of heart. It demands clarity, commitment, and patience. But as Scheffler, Federer, and Sinner have shown, the reward isn’t just improvement—it’s transformation. Diagnose wisely. Train deliberately. Trust the process. That’s how players evolve—and how you can too.

De Minaur’s Serving Challenges

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De Minaur’s Serving Challenges

Alex de Minaur stands out on the ATP Tour for his blistering speed, defensive mastery, and strategic intelligence. Nicknamed “The Demon,” he’s known for chasing down balls others wouldn’t dream of reaching.

Yet even with this elite movement and mental toughness, one area remains a consistent shortfall: his serve.

Serve Improvements: Progress & Persistent Limitations

De Minaur has visibly worked on adding power to his serve, aiming for a more muscular delivery. However, at the Australian Open, and again in his loss to Alexander Bublik at the French Open, his serve revealed inefficiencies in one crucial aspect: rhythm.

A lack of rhythmic fluidity compromises:

  • Weight transfer from legs to core

  • Energy flow needed for power and consistency

Despite added muscle, his serve lacks kinetic efficiency, reducing both speed and accuracy under pressure.

Interestingly, his serve struggles mirror those of his mentor, Lleyton Hewitt—another world-class returner and competitor whose own serve was often considered the weakest part of his otherwise elite game.

Key Technical & Tactical Observations

1. Core Weight Transfer

A powerful serve begins from the ground up. Legs and hips load the energy, which flows through a stable core before releasing through the arm in a whip-like motion.

  • Issue: De Minaur’s core often disengages mid-motion, breaking this energy chain.

  • Result: Reduced velocity and inconsistent placement.

2. Rhythm and Timing

The best servers look smooth and unhurried—like a choreographed dance.

  • Issue: De Minaur appears to “muscle” his serve, introducing rigidity.

  • Result: Loss of natural flow and difficulty adjusting under pressure.

3. Second Serve Vulnerability

Without a reliable first serve, his second serve becomes exposed.

  • Issue: Poor rhythm and rushed mechanics limit spin and kick.

  • Result: Returners can step in and attack, shifting momentum.

Specific Mechanical Breakdowns

  • Hand Break Timing: De Minaur’s hands separate too early, disrupting timing and diminishing the serve’s coil-and-release potential.

  • Ball Toss and Balance: Starting his motion with the racquet below knee level undermines balance, leading to inconsistent tosses and poor contact points.

Performance Takeaway

De Minaur’s serve isn’t just a physical problem—it’s a coordination and balance issue. This was starkly evident in his loss to Bublik at Roland Garros, where the same serving flaws were on full display. Without reliable rhythm, energy fails to flow effectively through his kinetic chain. As a counter-punching baseliner, improving serve rhythm could unlock the next level in his game.

Pinpoint vs Platform Serve

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Pinpoint vs. Platform: Should You Switch Your Serve Stance?

I’ve noticed that both Alcaraz and Sinner have recently tweaked their serve motion, shifting from a platform stance to a pinpoint stance. What are the key advantages of this change, and should I consider making the switch in my own game?

Why the Change Matters

Great observation — the shift from platform to pinpoint by players like Alcaraz and Sinner has sparked a lot of interest, and for good reason.
The pinpoint stance, where the back foot slides up to meet the front foot during the service motion, creates greater upward momentum. This adjustment allows for a higher contact point, translating to:
  • More power
  • Improved serve angles
  • Greater margin for error
For Sinner, in particular, this change has translated to more free points, aggressive positioning, and noticeable confidence when serving under pressure.

But Should Everyone Switch?

Not necessarily.
The platform stance, with feet shoulder-width apart throughout the motion, offers:
  • Superior balance
  • More consistent timing
  • Less stress on joints
It’s a solid option for players who prioritize reliability, rhythm, and injury prevention.

So, Should You Make the Change?

Consider switching if:

  • You’re physically strong and mobile enough to handle the increased load.
  • You’re seeking more pop or higher trajectory on your serve.
  • Your current stance feels limiting or inconsistent in match play.

Stick with platform if:

  • Balance and repeatability are your strengths.
  • You have any lower-body injuries or mobility concerns.
  • Your serve is built more on placement and consistency than raw power.

Wrap-Up

Ultimately, the best stance is the one that supports your game identity, physical condition, and long-term consistency.
For most advanced players, the goal isn’t just to hit aces — it’s to start the point with control. Whether that comes from pinpoint explosiveness or platform stability, your stance should serve the purpose of helping you dictate play from the very first shot.

Stability or Power? Choosing the Right Serve Stance

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Pinpoint vs. Platform: Should You Switch Your Serve Stance?

I’ve noticed that both Alcaraz and Sinner have recently tweaked their serve motion, shifting from a platform stance to a pinpoint stance. What are the key advantages of this change, and should I consider making the switch in my own game?

Great observation — the shift from platform to pinpoint by players like Alcaraz and Sinner has sparked a lot of interest, and for good reason.

Why the Change Matters

The pinpoint stance, where the back foot slides up to meet the front foot during the service motion, creates greater upward momentum. This adjustment allows for a higher contact point, translating to:

  • More power

  • Improved serve angles

  • Greater margin for error

For Sinner, this change has translated into more free points, aggressive positioning, and noticeable confidence when serving under pressure.

But Should Everyone Switch?

Not necessarily.

The platform stance, with feet shoulder-width apart throughout the motion, offers:

  • Superior balance

  • More consistent timing

  • Less stress on joints

It’s a solid option for players who prioritize reliability, rhythm, and injury prevention.

So, Should You Make the Change?

Consider switching if:

  • You’re physically strong and mobile enough to handle the increased load.

  • You’re seeking more pop or higher trajectory on your serve.

  • Your current stance feels limiting or inconsistent in match play.

Stick with platform if:

  • Balance and repeatability are your strengths.

  • You have any lower-body injuries or mobility concerns.

  • Your serve is built more on placement and consistency than raw power.

Wrap

Ultimately, the best stance is the one that supports your game identity, physical condition, and long-term consistency.

For most advanced players, the goal isn’t just to hit aces — it’s to start the point with control. Whether that comes from pinpoint explosiveness or platform stability, your stance should serve the purpose of helping you dictate play from the very first shot.

How the Slice Serve Helps Aging or Injured Shoulders

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Why the Slice Serve Becomes Your Best Friend as You Age

As the years add up—or after decades of competitive play—our bodies start to speak up.
The shoulders, in particular, often bear the brunt of wear and tear.

That classic high-toss, overhead serve? It can begin to feel more like a liability than a weapon.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to give up on serving effectively.
The slice serve offers a smart, efficient, and body-friendly alternative that delivers results—even as mobility declines.

Why the Slice Serve Works for Aging Players or Shoulder Limitations

The slice serve is a long-term ally.
It reduces physical strain by minimizing the need for full shoulder elevation and using a lower toss. Instead of driving upward, it shifts the workload to torso rotation and edge control.

Rather than attacking the ball from above, you glide across the outside, producing sidespin that curves wide or jams your opponent.

The result?
A serve that’s easier on your joints—and tougher for your opponent to read and return.

The Basics of the Slice Serve

To make the slice serve a go-to weapon, dial in these fundamentals:

  • Use a continental grip

  • Toss the ball slightly to your dominant side and just in front

  • Lead the swing with the racket edge around the 3 o’clock position

  • Brush across the ball from right to left (for right-handers)

  • Let your follow-through wrap across your body naturally

This lateral motion not only reduces shoulder stress, but it also creates a low, skidding bounce that’s particularly effective:

  • Out wide on the deuce side

  • Into the body on the ad side

Smart, Surgical Tennis That Ages Well

The slice serve isn’t just about physical relief—it’s a tactical upgrade.

It sets up first-strike opportunities, disrupts rhythm, and gives you control—without needing raw power or extensive shoulder mobility.

This is the heart of high-percentage tennis:
Precision over power. Efficiency over strain.

As your game evolves, the slice serve helps you stay sharp, strategic, and sustainable—for many more matches to come.