SERVE & RETURN: Serving To and From

By Dewey Caulder
Adult Tennis Programming Director
Family Circle Tennis Center

Generally, in singles, you want to stand closer to the center line. Standing too far away from the center line means you will have more ground to cover after the serve. However, at random times, I would encourage you to move around the baseline to create varying angles and a mental edge.

In doubles, serve standing wider on the baseline, mainly for coverage of the alleys. Roaming the baseline can bait your opponent into trying to hit certain shots based on openings they see, but can’t always hit.

Placement: BACKHAND, BACKHAND, BACKHAND…..
Try and serve your opponent’s weaker side until they start to return more effectively. In singles, on the ad side, standing a little wider will create an easy chance to do this. The net is lower on the serve, and will also allow you to hit a return with your forehand to the open court. In doubles, serve to backhand, but also to the service box tee so that your non-aggressive or aggressive partner will have more opportunities to poach.

Happy Serving!