How to Serve a Tennis Ball

Every point in a tennis match begins with the serve. A good serve is essential to a good game. Repeated practice of a few basic steps can help the beginning tennis player to master the art of a great serve.

Instructions

1. Use a forehand or hammer grip. Grasp the tennis racket as if it were a hammer. The heel of your hand will be on the top panel with your thumb extended straight around the handle.

2. Visualize the target. Look over the top of the net to the spot in the service court where you would like the ball to land.

3. Stand relaxed with your weight on your front foot. Turn sideways enough to allow your shoulders to rotate during the swing. Keep your feet shoulder width apart. Bounce the ball several times.

4. Toss the ball into the air and out in front of you. Make sure that the ball goes higher than the full extension of your reach. At the same time, reach your tennis racket behind your back, as if you are using it to scratch between your shoulder blades. Keep your elbow at shoulder height. Be sure to move both arms at the same time.

5. Hit the ball when it reaches the highest point of the toss and is just beginning to descend. Imagine that the ball is the face of a clock. Try to hit the ball at the 2 o'clock position.

6. Maintain a firm wrist upon impact of the tennis racket with the ball. The wrist should snap forward as the ball makes contact with the racket. Make sure your hitting arm is fully extended upward. Fold your tossing arm across the abdomen as the hitting arm begins the follow through.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to check your grip after every serve.