"You're Only As Good as Your Second Serve"
Everyone is often so focused on the speed of the first serve, that they forget the importance of the second serve. As you watch the top players at the U.S. Open, notice how they vary the placement on their second serves. Roger Federer and Justine Henin, who both have effective, but not overpowering serves, often surprise their opponents by going for an ace on the second serve, e.g. by hitting the serve down the center in the
ad court after hitting most second serves to the backhand side. A surprise serve and volley on a second serve can also be effective as a strategic change from time to time. In addition, sometimes a surprise kick first serve in the ad court, i.e. a second serve as a first serve can be a very effective change of pace to draw an error or a short return. Consistency on the second serve is paramount, but once a player has developed confidence in the second serve, it’s important to develop versatility as well.
|| Comments (0)
