How to hit a serve for beginners

Serves are one of the most important shots in tennis as they start every point.

Of course, you don’t have to serve to start a rally when you are practicing, – an overarm throw or an underarm shot is absolutely fine – but it’s important to practice the shot, as it’s vital when playing the game and starting a point.

To improve your technique, LTA expert coach Matt Smith has you covered with some tips for beginners on holding the racket, your ball toss and hitting the ball.

Step one – racket grip

You want to make sure the racket is comfortable in your hand.

Using your dominant hand, hold the bottom of the racket grip as if you’re trying to shake hands with someone.

This is known as the 'chopper or continental grip' and you can also use this for volleys and smashes.

Step two – get side ways on

Next up, positioning. You want to be stood sideways-on behind the baseline.

As a beginner you can start in a throwing position, or what we sometimes call the ‘trophy’ or ‘tick’ position’ with your non-dominant hand pointing down the court holding the ball, and your dominant arm behind you in a 90 degree angle, holding the racket.

Remember, for a serve, your feet can’t go over the baseline!

Step three – place the ball above your head

With the ball in your non-dominant hand, try placing it directly up in the air above head height and slightly out in front.

If you think about a clockface above you, you want to be throwing the ball at about one o’clock and just in front of you.

This is something you can practice anywhere at any time with the non-dominant hand. The more the practice, the easier and more consistent it will become in the future.

Step four – throw your racket

No, not literally – but the motion of hitting a serve is very similar to throwing your racket towards the other end of the court.

When the ball is above head height, and often at the pinnacle of the toss, you want to try and make contact with the ball, swinging your racket arm at a comfortable stretch.

Try and keep the racket face pointing towards your target as you hit the ball.  

Bonus tip: As you get more comfortable you can add in more of a full swing motion. Start with the racket and ball in front of you and then begin the motion by moving both arms – down together, parting at your waist and then up together, to get into the same ‘trophy’ position, ahead of hitting.