The serve is the only shot in tennis that’s entirely on your terms—no reaction, no rally, just you and the ball. But even at the highest levels of play, it remains one of the most technical and challenging shots to master. When it’s on, it sets the tone. When it’s off, everything else feels just a bit harder.
At Burlingame Country Club, where precision and performance are always top of mind, the serve continues to be a focus for players looking to elevate their game. Whether you’re fine-tuning mechanics or sharpening your edge for match play, revisiting the fundamentals can make all the difference.
Set the Foundation
Everything starts with your stance. How you position your body will set up your balance, rotation, and power. For right-handed players, the front foot should point toward the right net post, and the back foot should be parallel to the baseline. Keep about a foot of space between your feet—enough to allow your hips and shoulders to rotate freely.
Your grip matters just as much. Use the continental grip, which may feel unfamiliar at first, but it’s essential for generating spin and keeping your wrist relaxed. Other grips might feel easier temporarily, but they limit your long-term development and control.
Flow Through the Motion
The serve isn’t just about power—it’s about sequence. Think of it as a chain reaction:
- Let the racket swing back naturally like a pendulum.
- Keep it loose—try holding it with just two fingers during practice to feel that freedom.
- As you rise into the trophy position, keep the hitting side of the racket facing down. Imagine you could balance a ball on the top edge.
One of the biggest pitfalls is the “waiter’s tray” mistake—flipping the palm up and pushing the racket forward like you’re serving dessert. Instead, allow the racket to drop behind you from the trophy position naturally. This isn’t about forcing it—it’s about letting it flow.
From there, the acceleration begins. The racket whips up and forward, fueled by your legs, core, and timing—not just your arm.
Dial in the Toss
The toss is often overlooked, but it’s absolutely vital. A bad toss throws off everything.
- Hold the ball loosely in your fingertips, not deep in your palm.
- Release it in sync with your weight shift, around the time your arm reaches shoulder height.
- Follow the ball with your tossing arm for balance and alignment.
Ideally, the toss should land slightly in front of you and a bit to the right (for right-handers), at the highest point you can comfortably reach. Picture placing your racket on the ground where you usually bounce the ball before serving—that’s your target zone.
Finish Strong
At contact, reach up fully and strike the ball at its peak. Your racket should move through the ball and finish across your body. Drive into the court with your body—not just your arm—and let momentum carry you forward.
A solid follow-through isn’t just an afterthought. It ensures the serve has direction, spin, and energy. A serve that ends well usually started right.
Find Your Rhythm
Great servers don’t rush. They flow. Think of a roller coaster: slow and deliberate up the hill, then a fast, smooth drop. That’s your serve rhythm.
- Start with a slow, controlled backswing.
- Transition into an explosive but fluid upward swing.
- Stay loose, especially in your grip and shoulders.
When the rhythm clicks, the pieces connect. That’s when the serve becomes a weapon, not a liability.
Play Smart with Your Serve
First serves win points. Especially in doubles, getting that first serve in puts your team in control—stats show that over 75% of points are won by the serving team when the first serve lands.
Second serves? They come with pressure. In singles, a strong first serve keeps your opponent neutral. A weak second serve puts you on the back foot. In doubles, it affects what your partner can do at the net. That’s why practicing second serves is just as important—focus on depth and location, not just getting it in.
Try mixing it up during practice:
- Target different zones.
- Stick with the continental grip.
- Vary your spin, but always aim for depth and consistency.
Revisit, Refine, Repeat
Most players grow attached to their serving habits, even if they’re flawed. But improvement often means being willing to take a step back and reassess. Small adjustments to grip, toss, timing, or rhythm can lead to major breakthroughs.
And yes, practice matters. A lot. But not just any practice. Intentional, focused, detail-oriented practice. Film yourself. Break it down. Experiment. Get coaching if possible. Your serve is worth the investment.
Bring Your Serve to Life at Burlingame Country Club
When your serve works, your whole game feels better. You start points with purpose, play with more freedom, and carry more confidence. It’s not just a stroke, it’s a statement.
If you’re looking to strengthen your serve with private lessons from one of our experienced coaches, or you simply want to put in focused reps on one of our four Har-Tru tennis courts, click here to get started at Burlingame Country Club.