Fixing weaknesses · 3 min read
Weak second serve
If your opponent punishes it, your first serve loses value. Build a second serve with spin, height over the net and depth.
Technical keys
- Spin (topspin or slice) so it goes in with margin: aim 1 m above the net.
- Consistent toss, slightly behind and to the left (righties) for topspin.
- Accelerate the racket: a slow, “pushed” second serve is the easiest to attack.
- In matches: while you improve it, raise your first-serve percentage (less power, more placement).
To practice on court
Seconds only
Practice set where you only get one serve (second). Count double faults.
Goal: Confidence under pressure.
Deep target
20 second serves that must land in the last third of the box.
Goal: Depth.
Fitness that helps
- 90/90 external rotationArm out to the side and elbow at 90°: rotate the forearm from down to up (serve position).
- Band external rotationElbow tucked to your side at 90°, rotate the forearm outward against the band.
- Ball slamRaise the ball overhead and slam it hard into the floor.
- Scaption raiseRaise your arms diagonally (30° from the front) with thumbs up to shoulder height.
Winning Ugly, ch. 8 (“The weak serve”).