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Serve The serve is the stroke that starts each point. Players have two attempts to hit the serve into the service box. The serve must be hit diagonally across the court to be a "good" serve.     Assessing Player Readiness   The serve can be the hardest part of tennis for beginners. Because the serve is a complex motion, the following modifications can be used to allow athletes to put the ball in play.   Use a self-drop forehand stroke to put the ball into the appropriate serve box. Note that International Tennis Federation (ITF) rules require the serve to be hit from a tossed ball that does not touch the ground. Allow the server to start play by hitting to either the left or right service box. Allow the athlete to have three attempts on the serve. Play balls that are returnable but not within the boundaries (just missed serves). Throw the ball into the appropriate box. Stand at the service line or between the service line and the baseline.   Note: These modifications are not appropriate for competition but they will allow athletes to put the ball into play and play a game of tennis.   Intermediate players are more likely to complete a successful serve, but are still prone to double faults. They may struggle with placing the toss consistently and therefore have trouble serving consistently. The following modifications are appropriate for intermediate players.   Hit an underhand serve (a forehand drop-hit with the ball hit in mid-air). Use an abbreviated service motion: 1/2 serve is started with the racket in the "back scratch position." 3/4 serve is started with the racket behind the body and pointing toward the ground.     Teaching the Skill   Grip Beginners will normally resort to a "pancake" or "frying pan" grip. This grip is usually between the forehand grip and up to a half turn to the right of the forehand grip. The proper grip is a "continental grip" (between the forehand and the backhand), which is the same grip as the volley. Many athletes will struggle with this grip because it requires sufficient racket head speed to be successful. The grip is a matter of comfort and coaches will have to make adaptations as necessary. It is recommended that coaches begin teaching the serve using a short court format.     Ready Position Stand sideways to the net, behind the baseline, with feet comfortably (shoulder width) apart. Hold the racket in front of the body, with arms relaxed and a tennis ball in the non-racket hand. Shoulders and hips should be aligned diagonally to aim toward the appropriate service box. Key words are "relax," "where are you aiming?" and "where are your feet pointed?"   Serve Stroke Ball Toss (for the right handed player)   The left hand tosses (key word "lift and let go" or "place the ball on the second shelf") the ball slightly in front and to the right of the server, high enough so the ball can be contacted with an extended racket. Stress that the ball is placed, not thrown. Coaches can help the player by standing to the side of the athlete and tossing the ball until they get the idea of both arms working together. Assist athletes with a "down together, up together" arm motion.   Serve Progression (Dartfish)   Serving Motion It is best to have athletes start with the racket in the backscratch position resting on the shoulder (this will represent half of the full backswing). The athlete tosses and hits the ball from this position (emphasize the contact point). The full backswing can be added when athletes are able to get the contact point and toss to meet. To assist with teaching the full stroke, have the racket and arm in the "down together, up together" motion. The racket will swing across the top of the player's feet, then toward the back fence and eventually reach the shoulder position. The racket reaches up to contact the ball with an extended arm.         Backscratch Position   Lefty Backscratch Position   Follow Through After contact, the weight comes forward into the court and the racket finishes across the body.   Faults & Fixes Chart   Error Correction Back foot slides up to the front foot before contact Place an object on the foot or drag the back foot through the movement, as opposed to taking a step. Front foot slides forward before contact (foot fault) Place an object (ball/ racket) in front of the front foot. Improper stance Imagine aiming a bow and arrow or use chalk to trace the feet of players. Changes grip in backswing Place colored dots on the grip for reference, where different colors represent grips for different strokes. Each dot should indicate where the index knuckle is placed. Uses improper grip Place colored dots on the grip for reference, where different colors represent grips for different strokes. Each dot should indicate where the index knuckle is placed. Backswing is too short Have athlete swing across the top of their shoe laces. Backswing is too quick Have the athlete serve in slow motion, increasing speed as they near completion. Knees dip before toss Bend the knees first, then complete the serve. Straight arm serve Serve by swinging across the shoe laces, then touch the back before contacting the ball and completing the motion. Lack of continuity (hitch in swing) Ask the player to toss the ball only two inches in height, making the player hurry through the stroke to achieve a contact point. The coach can also make the toss for the player. Athlete drops elbow Exaggerate a high toss, emphasizing reaching up to contact the ball. Scissor toss Place the tossing arm over the racket arm. Quick toss Perform a slow motion serve or place the tossing hand under the racket, allowing the racket to begin the stroke before the toss has been made. Weight shifts too soon Have the athlete stand with a tennis ball under each foot (under toes, not heels), which starts the service motion from a leaning back position. Improper point of contact Coaches often do not teach the ball toss and rarely teach how to toss. Emphasize the point of contact by tapping the ball at the point of contact against the fence or backdrop. Loss of balance Have the student serve from a standing position with the legs crossed.

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