If you’re a tennis player, whether you’re just getting into the game or you’ve been grinding it out for years, there’s one truth that holds across every level: the serve is the most important shot in tennis. It’s also the most complex.
You’re in total control, no opponent is rushing you, and you even get two chances. Yet, it’s where even top pros crumble. Why? Because it’s a shot with a lot of moving parts. Fortunately, those moving parts can be broken down, understood and mastered. That’s exactly what Coach Adri and I tackle in this serve masterclass. Check also the Forehand Masterclass.
You can watch the video instructions below:
Why the Serve Is So Tough (And Why You Should Practice It More)
The serve is the only shot in tennis where you’re in full control. That also means there’s nowhere to hide. Your toss, your grip, your stance and your timing all need to be in sync. And yet, it’s shockingly overlooked during practice.
Let’s be honest, how many times have you spent 90% of your hitting session rallying and only a few rushed minutes on serve? It’s common. But here’s the truth: if you want to build confidence and structure in your game, your serve has to be a priority, not an afterthought.
Step One: Get the Toss Right
Your toss is the foundation. A bad toss will sabotage everything that comes after. Adri likes to say:
“The most difficult shot in tennis is the serve. And the most difficult part of the serve is the toss.”
Aim to toss the ball just in front of your right shoulder (for right-handers) at a height that allows you to hit it at full extension, not too high (you’re not Delbonis), and certainly not with spin. Practice tossing so the ball barely rotates. It’s harder than it looks, but the consistency will change your game.
Pro tip: Tossing with your fingers rather than your palm helps reduce flicking and spin.
The Grip: Continental Is King
Use the continental grip (aka hammer grip). This allows for optimal pronation and a smooth kinetic chain. Yes, players like Raonic go more extreme, but unless you’re built like him, stick with the basics.
Stance: Platform vs. Pinpoint
- Platform Stance: More stable and repeatable. Great for learning and consistency.
- Pinpoint Stance: Offers more power and momentum, but requires better timing and coordination.
If you’re just getting serious about your serve, start with the platform. You can always graduate to pinpoint once your mechanics are dialed in.
Routine: Own the Moment
Have a pre-serve routine. Whether it’s bouncing the ball three times, pointing vaguely at your target, or doing a Djokovic-style bounce marathon, create a rhythm that puts you in the zone.
Routines are not quirks, they’re mental anchors. Think Nadal’s tics or Ronaldo’s free-kick setup. You’re telling your brain: It’s go time.
The Trophy Position: Your Serve’s Power Hub
Once you’ve tossed the ball and coiled your body, you want to reach the trophy position:
- Elbow level with or above the shoulder.
- Racket pointing down in a relaxed pendulum motion.
- Chest up, chin up.
- Loose grip—hold the racket like a bird: not too tight, not too loose.
Avoid the dreaded waiter’s tray (racket face pointing up). It kills your kinetic chain.
Use Momentum and the Kinetic Chain
One of Adri’s key teachings is to use the body’s natural motion. Like a whip, the serve begins from the ground up:
- Start by leaning forward.
- Create a pendulum motion with your racket.
- Coil your body, then uncoil in sequence—legs, hips, shoulders, arm.
- Swing up and through the ball using momentum, not muscle.
Relaxed, rhythmic movement beats stiff, forceful swings every time.
The Contact Point: Hit It High, But Not Too High
Contact the ball at your maximum reach, not several feet above your head. Higher isn’t always better. Too high, and you’ll mistime your strike, especially in wind or sun. Too low, and you’re hitting down into the net.
Find your ideal contact height by using a fence, garage wall, or any vertical marker to simulate reach. Then toss to that height, and only that height.
Left Arm Mechanics: Don’t Drop It Too Soon
Most amateur servers drop their toss arm immediately after release. That’s a mistake. Keep your left hand up as long as possible, it stabilizes your upper body and adds torque when you finally pull it down.
Pull your left hand into your core (not away from your body) to maximize your rotation and control.
The Landing: Stay Balanced and Controlled
You should land inside the court, not fall backward or to the side. Use your right leg to propel you forward and finish in a balanced position. The scorpion leg (trailing right leg kicking up) is a good visual cue that you used both legs effectively.
Precision Beats Power
Here’s the big takeaway: you don’t need a 200+ km/h serve to win points. Placement, variety, and unpredictability are just as, if not more, important.
Mix up your spots:
- Wide
- Body
- Tee
And mix up your spins:
- Flat
- Slice
- Kick (we’ll do a separate post on this!)
Make your opponent guess. Keep them off balance. That’s your true weapon.
Final Tip: Practice It—For Real This Time
If you train 1 hour, spend at least 20 minutes on serve. If you’ve been avoiding it because you’re self-conscious or inconsistent, face that head-on. The only way out is through.
Serve practice doesn’t need a court. You can:
- Practice tosses in your backyard or hallway.
- Shadow swing in front of a mirror.
- Film yourself and review.
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Summary: Coach Adri’s Golden Serving Guidelines
- Toss in front of your shoulder
- Use continental grip
- Choose repeatable stance (start with platform)
- Establish a pre-serve routine
- Reach full extension in trophy position
- Use momentum and kinetic chain
- Keep your toss hand up, then pull in
- Land inside the court
- Prioritize placement over pace
- Practice with intention
This was part one of our serve fundamentals. If you want a deep dive into the kick serve, let us know in the comments. Same goes for drills, second serve strategy, or anything else you’d like us to cover.
Until next time, practice smart, serve smarter.
