The Topspin Serve: 4 Easy Steps

"Topspin" Serve

Before we begin: The serve is the most important shot in a game of tennis. It is the start of the point and has the potential to win many easy points. The topspin serve, in particular, is a very powerful serve. It gives the ball a spin that causes it to drop faster, and when power and speed are added, the ball has a larger chance of landing in. All serves are hit from the base line, which is the line at the very back of the court. They are hit to the opposite service box, on the other side of the court. Behind every amazing player, is an amazing serve. 

1. First, make sure you have the correct grip. The grip for any serve, is continental grip, which means that your fingers are positioned on the racket in a way that makes it seem like you are "shaking hands" with the racket itself. 

2. Look to your target. For the serve, the correct target is the diagonal service box. By looking to this area before you serve, you are preparing your body to aim for that exact spot, therefore increasing your chances of success.

3. Next, throw the ball vertically in the air, as high as possible, and bring the racket back behind your head.

4. Then, with your racket at an angle, hit up on and "brush" the ball, and a nice topspin will result. As stated before, this topspin will help to bring the ball down as it flies over the net. Since this step is the most confusing, this video will help to demonstrate this crucial part of the serve. Be sure to notice that as the player adds more power to his serve, it starts to become more accurate and fall right into the service box.

 

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