In the quest for an effective start to a tennis point, it is crucial to explore various strategies and techniques.
One strategy that stands out as a game-changer is the body serve.
As I recently concluded shooting the videos for Strategic Serve Practice I realized the immense value of practicing, improving, and utilizing the body serve.
In this article, we will delve into the advantages and reasons why incorporating the body serve into your game can give you an edge on the court.

Jamming the Returner
When executed with sufficient pace, the body serve has the power to jam the returner, resulting in a floating return that lands in the middle of the court. This favorable outcome enables the server to take control and launch an aggressive attack, setting the tone for the point.

Eliminating Angle Opportunities
Unlike a wide serve that offers the opponent multiple options, the body serve restricts the returner from creating angles. By aiming directly at the opponent, you limit their ability to exploit open spaces on the court. This forces them to contend with a narrower target and reduces their chances of executing a precise return.

Challenging the Returner’s Movement
The body serve poses a unique challenge to the returner by requiring them to hit the ball while moving away from it. This situation often leads to weaker returns, as most players are accustomed to hitting balls while moving toward them. By creating this unfamiliar scenario, the server gains an advantage by forcing the returner into uncomfortable positions and potentially inducing errors.

Serve-and-Volley Advantage
Serve-and-volley players, in particular, benefit greatly from utilizing the body serve. The weak returns resulting from the aforementioned factors set up ideal conditions for an effective serve-and-volley strategy. With a weak return, the server can confidently approach the net, capitalizing on the opportunity to close out points swiftly.

Incorporating the body serve into your arsenal of tennis strategies can significantly enhance your game.
Its ability to jam the returner, restrict angle opportunities, challenge movement, and benefit serve-and-volley play make it a powerful weapon on the court.
Remember to practice and refine your body serve technique to maximize its effectiveness.
By mastering this strategic serve, you will gain a competitive edge and elevate your overall performance on the tennis court.