Have You Ever Noticed? - The Serve and Return....

I have been watching my serve placement and returns for a few months and I think that I have a couple of things figured out. I would like to share with you for your thoughts. These are probably things that Pam has mentioned repeatedly in practice and are just starting to click for me.

Scenario - Server is serving from Deuce side

• Server serves a high Wide ball

If the serve is high and wide, there is a good chance that the ball will be returned down the line.

If not down the line, it is also a good ball for a short cross court.

Pointer here - The net player on the serve side should watch the line if the ball is served wide. The server should watch for short balls as well.

• Server Serves a low Wide Ball

The ball can be returned short and wide or it may be popped up short as well.

Pointer here - Server should watch for the short angle shot and be prepared to follow the serve into the net.

When possible, Serve to the middle.

If they like that serve, serve to the body.

If you always serve to the middle, throw in some wide shots as a surprise.

If you have a smoking wide serve, serve wide.

Serving to the middle will help set up the net player.

I have noticed this because my wide serve is very easy to hit down the line. I try to warn my teammate that I am trying to serve down the middle, but I often miss. Usually it ends up being a serve to the body, which also works.

If you have a break through tennis moment, let me know and I will add what you have figured out to our blog.