Second Serve / Spin, Tactics, and Mental Tips

by | Tennis Tips Blog, Uncategorized | 0 comments

preparing to serve

Second serves are the ones that you cannot miss.
The pressure is on you and your opponent knows it (if they are a savvy player, they will prepare to attack your second serve).

1. Before you toss the ball up, tell yourself what you intend to do with your second serve:
– if your opponent shows an intention to attack it, consider slicing it (brush sideways). That will keep the ball low and difficult for your opponent to go for an aggressive shot.
– if your opponent stays back most of the time, a simple kick serve should do it to dip the ball over the net and make it bounce high off the ground.

2. Everything you’ve learned in practice… forget about it. This is not the time to think about your technique. You should just let your habits take over your movements. Toss the ball up and hit it after you previously told yourself what you’d like to accomplish (see the previous point).

3. Hit your second serve with confidence. It is easy to let doubting thoughts cripple your mind, therefore training your mind to stay on the positive side is crucial for delivering consistent second serves.

 

Cosmin Miholca

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Teaching Professional

Visit the Training, Coaching and Kids Tennis sections at WebTennis24 – lessons, tips and drills for players, coaches and tennis parents.

How to Attack the Second Serve in Tennis

by | Tennis Tips Blog, Uncategorized | 1 comment

Returning a tennis serve is one of the most challenging aspects of the sport. A returner needs to be prepared to react quickly, analyze their opponent’s serve, and make the right decision in a split second. It is important to note that first and second serves should be treated differently. While the first serve can be challenging to return, it is just a matter of getting the ball in play. However, returning the second serve requires more thought and strategy.

Here are three essential aspects to consider while returning a second serve:

1. Psychological:
When an opponent misses their first serve, they become tense as they know that failing to deliver their second serve could result in a lost point. This is an opportunity to take control of the point, so stay focused, and watch for any signs of nervousness.

2. Technical:
Pay attention to your opponent’s serve tendencies. This is crucial to position yourself correctly for the return. Observe whether they hit the second serve hard or soft, what kind of spin they use, and whether they usually aim deep or short into the service box. This information will help you make better decisions on where to position yourself on the court, which wing to use, and whether to attack or defend the return.

3. Tactical:
Analyze your opponent’s serve placement and direction. Do they aim for your weak side? Do they try to keep it deep or just get it in play? This information will help you make more informed decisions during the return.

It is essential to be aggressive with your second serve return, and the best way to achieve this is to take the ball as early as possible and hit it to your opponent’s weak side. This puts pressure on your opponent, especially when they miss their first serve. Use your strong wing to hit the second serve return as often as you can. By doing this, you will take control of the point and put your opponent under pressure.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Try taking notes during the first two receiving games to better understand your opponent’s serve tendencies. By following these three essential steps and remaining focused, you will become a better returner and improve your chances of winning points.

Cosmin Miholca

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Check out my work at WebTennis24 where I share with you my best video tennis lessons, drills and tips for players, coaches and tennis parents.