The serve is one of the most difficult shots in tennis.
You can hit a flat serve, a topspin serve or a slice serve.
The flat and the topspin serve are very popular, I think the slice serve is a bit underrated.
I want to talk about the advantages of a slice serve.
1. Opportunity to serve wide.
For right-handed players, a slice wide from the right side is a huge advantage.
The same for left-handed players from the left side.
You can push your opponent outside the court and hit a winner with your second shot in the open court. When your opponent is running back like crazy after the return, of course you can also play your second shot wrong-footed.
Carlos Alcaraz is using this tactic in the video below.
2. Opportunity to serve to the T.
Right-handed players can use a slice serve to the T from the left side, in order to hit the ball away from the opponent. The same for left-handed players from the right side.
Your serve position must be close to the middle, your toss must be at the other side of the middle and you must jump also to the other side.
Reilly Opelka is showing this in the video below.
3. Opportunity to serve into the body of the opponent.
When your opponent is anticipating your toss and is expecting a slice serve, this serve is not always going wide or to the T.
Another option is to hit the slice serve into the body of the opponent.
Just aim slightly beside the receiver, and the slice will get the ball into the body.
The result will be an easier return, you can take the initiative and win the rally.
Carlos Alcaraz is using this tactic in the video below.
Are you using the slice serve in matches?
When you use the slice serve in matches, which of the 3 slice serves are you using?
Let me know!