Your serve is a powerful weapon. It can change both the pace and flow of a match. Deciding how you want to serve the ball, though, can be complex. While some serve will give you real power, there are others that will help you outmaneuver your opponents. Which ones are right for you on the court? This quick guide can help you weigh your options. 

Power Serves

There are many times when you may want to select a power serve. The first serve of the game is one spot, as it can help set the tone and give you a fairly early advantage. The same is true for breakpoints or game points, as they can increase the likelihood of winning the point or at least put you in a more favorable position for the next shot. Likewise, if you’re playing a weak returner, a power serve gives you exactly the strategy you need. 

Think a power serve might be the right option? There are a few different choices. 

• Flat Serve: The emphasis here is speed and power, and it’s a good way to catch your opponent off guard. You’ll be giving the ball minimal spin, so it may be perfect in a few different situations. 
• Kick Serve: While the flat serve has very little spin, this one has quite a bit of topspin, which means it bounces higher and literally kicks away from your opponent. It’s not fast, but it is a challenge for your opponents. 
• Power T Serve: The goal here is the center of the service box, and when you do it well, it can be a tough one for your opponent to reach in time. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a good way to open up the court. 

Precision Serves

A precision serve might be the right option in many other situations. For example, the second serve often demands precision over power. It may also be the right move forward if you know your opponent struggles with a particular kind of serve. Additionally, if you’re trying to employ a serve-and-volley strategy, this is the right option for you. Here are a few to consider:

• Slice Serve: This has a sidespin to it, so the ball will literally curve away from your opponent. If you’re looking to open an angle on the court and make it tough for your opponent to return your serve with any accuracy, this might be the right option. 
• Body Serve: The goal here is to aim the serve at your opponent’s body, which makes it hard for them to get into a good position to return it. That can help disrupt your opponent’s rhythm. 
• Placement Serve: Here you’re aiming for the corners of the service box, and that can make it hard for your opponent to anticipate where the ball is actually going. That means they may not be able to reach the ball in time. 

What to Select

How do you know which type of serve is right for you? Most players develop a combination of styles to keep their opponents guessing and maintain a fairly well-rounded game. The choice for each serve will depend on your strengths, style, and the situation in the match itself!