How I teach the slice tennis serve, step by step

Teaching the slice tennis serve involves focusing on two main elements: the toss and the brushing motion. By simplifying the process and breaking it down into specific drills, players can develop a consistent and effective slice serve. Let’s dive into these elements and the drills that will help you teach (as a coach) or learn (player) the slice serve.

The 2 main elements of the tennis slice serve

The two critical components of a successful slice serve are:

• Toss: The ball must be tossed slightly away from your body towards your dominant side.
• Brushing motion: The racket must brush the back of the ball from left to right (for right-handed players) to create the desired side spin.

Practicing these elements is vital for developing an effective slice serve:

The 1st slice serve tennis drill: ball spin on the racquet

To start, you need to practice the brushing motion.
Hold the racket with a continental grip, choking up on it to gain better control. Begin by bouncing a ball on your racket while brushing the bottom of it. This drill helps you understand how to create spin by brushing the ball.
Focus on the motion and feel how the racket interacts with the ball.

The 2nd slice serve tennis drill: ball spin against the fence

Next, find a fence with a windscreen.
Stand close to it and press the ball against the windscreen using your racket. Move the racket side to side, rolling the ball against the fence. This motion mimics the brushing action you will use in your slice serve, helping you develop the necessary feel for the shot.

The 3rd slice serve tennis drill: roll and release

For this drill, position yourself near the net.
Choke up on your racket again, and press the ball against your palm before rolling it gently side to side. After a few rolls, move your racket away from you to let the ball fly forward, over the net. This motion simulates the brushing effect needed for a slice serve, helping you to develop muscle memory.

The 4th slice serve tennis drill: toss and control

Now that you have practiced the brushing motion, it’s time to add the toss.
Stand in your serving position and practice tossing the ball slightly to your right (for right-handed players). Focus on keeping the toss low and direct, with minimal spin. This will ensure a cleaner connection when you brush the ball on your serve.

The 5th slice serve tennis drill: toss and brush

Combine the toss with the brushing technique.
Start from the net and gradually move back to the service line. With each serve, toss the ball to your right and brush it from left to right. This drill helps you learn the rhythm and timing needed for an effective slice serve. Remember to keep your backswing abbreviated and focus on the toss and brush.

Slice serve tactical advantages

Utilizing a slice serve in tennis has several advantages:

• The ball tends to stay low, making it difficult for the returner to send it back effectively.
• As a right-handed player, serving from the right side can pull your opponent off the court, opening up the court for your next shot.
• The spin generated by the slice can make it harder for opponents to control the ball, especially if you hit it with pace.

Many players, including top professionals, rely on the slice serve as a dependable option, especially for their second serves.

FAQ

What grip should I use for a slice serve?

The continental grip is recommended for a slice serve as it allows for better control and spin. The eastern backhand grip can also be used, for extra spin.

How can I improve my toss for the slice serve?

Practice tossing the ball slightly to your dominant side and keep the toss low to enhance your connection with the ball.

What should I focus on when practicing my slice serve?

Concentrate on your toss, brushing motion, and the follow-through to develop consistency and effectiveness in your serve.

How does the slice serve compare to other serves?

The slice serve is often used as a strategic option to pull opponents off the court, while flat serves are typically used for speed and power.

By practicing these drills and understanding the tactical advantages of the slice serve, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this essential tennis technique. Remember, consistency comes with practice, so keep working on your toss and brushing motion!

For more detailed lessons and tips, consider visiting WebTennis24 Training.