How to Hit a Tennis Kick Serve

Refine your serving techniques to improve your tennis game.

Many beginning tennis players rely on the kick serve, a variation of the slice serve, because it is a high-probability, low-risk serve to use while playing tennis. The kick serve also is referred to as the topspin serve or the twist serve. The technique yields a significant amount of topspin on the ball. If the serve is performed correctly, the ball bounces extremely high. Practice hitting at least 50 serves every day to obtain a consistent first serve.

Things You'll Need

• Tennis racquet
• Tennis balls
• Tennis court

Instructions

1. Stand on the baseline of the court, facing the right net post or left net post if you're left-handed. Place your right foot behind your left foot, with your left toe right behind the baseline. Bend your knees prior to swinging.

2. Toss the tennis ball fairly high, above where your tennis racquet can reach if your arm is fully extended and slightly above your head. This extension will allow you to snap your wrist and achieve the proper spin necessary to hit a kick serve.

3. Hit the ball. After you toss the tennis ball, bring your tennis racquet behind your back near the back of your head. Time your swing so that you hit the ball where your arm is as high as you can get it. Practice standing in place and reaching as high as you can with your racquet. This location is where you should be making contact with the tennis ball.

4. Snap your wrist as you bring your arm up to swing the ball. The motion is similar to throwing a football. The movement creates the topspin in the kick serve. Time the snap so that you hit the ball when your racquet is at its highest.

5. Follow through. If the serve was executed correctly, the ball should go over the net, dip bounce higher than it normally would with a slice or flat serve.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your head up. If you don't keep your head up and look at where the ball is going, the ball will hit the net. After you hit the tennis ball, keep looking at the spot you hit it in for about a half second.

• Stretch prior to serving to avoid injuries.

References

• Tennis: Master Every Stroke: Kick Serve