TennisOne Lessons

Tennis Lessons

The Slice Serve

Advertising Space

Mike Estep - Director of Tennis, Ridglea Country Club, Former coach of Martina Navratilova and Arantxa Sanchez Vicario

Photographs by Steve Margheim

Introduction

The concept of a slice serve is much like a curve ball in baseball. It is certainly easier to accomplish if one comes "around" the outside of the ball rather than behind it. You want to impart spin on the ball on the side away from you. As the ball flies through the air, this spin action will make the flight of the ball begin to curve. The major effect will occur after the ball bounces, allowing the spin rotation to alter the direction even more. The spin also acts as a guard to a runaway serve. Thus a slice serve will always be slower than a flat-power serve but will allow for increased control and safety. Interestingly, the ball should be struck with as much force as the flat serve.

The grip is essentially a one hander's backhand grip (the knuckle of the forefinger is on the top of the handle or just to the edge of the top bevel). Note: as you grow taller (above five foot, ten inches), you may gradually slide your grip to the right (for a right hander). This will gradually allow you to serve for more power with gradually less safety, but your height will compensate for the loss in safety.

Go To:
Next Page
Tennis Lessons Library

Back to TennisONE Home Page

What's New | Tennis Lessons | Tennis in Your Area
Tennis Fitness | Tennis Products | Sponsors/Advertisers/Consultants

webmaster@tennisone.com