Master the Underrated Art of How to Underhand Serve in Tennis: The Ultimate Guide

The underhand serve in tennis is often seen as a playful or even disrespectful tactic. However, it can be a surprisingly effective weapon in the right hands. Whether you’re looking to add a new dimension to your game, surprise your opponent, or simply have some fun on the court, learning how to underhand serve in tennis is a valuable skill. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the intricacies of this unique serve, from the basics to advanced techniques.

The Underhand Serve: A Weapon of Surprise

The underhand serve is executed by hitting the ball below the waist, unlike the traditional overhand serve. This results in a lower trajectory and a faster bounce, making it difficult for opponents to anticipate and return. While it may not be the most powerful serve, its unpredictability and ability to catch opponents off guard can be highly advantageous.

Why Choose an Underhand Serve?

There are several compelling reasons why you might want to incorporate the underhand serve into your game:

• Surprise Factor: The underhand serve is inherently unpredictable, making it a potent weapon for catching your opponent off guard. This can lead to easy points, particularly if they are expecting a traditional overhand serve.
• Low Trajectory: The low trajectory of the underhand serve makes it difficult for opponents to return, especially if they are positioned back in the court. The bounce is also faster, leaving them less time to react.
• Strategic Advantage: The underhand serve can be used strategically to exploit weaknesses in your opponent’s game. For instance, if they struggle with low volleys, an underhand serve can force them into uncomfortable positions.
• Fun and Variety: Adding the underhand serve to your repertoire can add a fun and unpredictable element to your game. It can also help you mix up your serves and keep your opponent guessing.

Mastering the Technique: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Grip and Stance

• Grip: Use a continental grip, similar to the grip used for forehands and volleys. This grip allows for better control over the ball’s trajectory.
• Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, facing the net. Your weight should be slightly forward, with your knees slightly bent.

2. Ball Toss

• Height: Toss the ball slightly higher than your waist, ensuring it’s directly in front of you. Avoid tossing the ball too high, as this will make it difficult to hit cleanly.
• Trajectory: The ball should be tossed vertically, with a slight forward motion. This will help you generate more power and control.

3. Swing and Contact

• Swing: Start your swing from a backswing position, bringing the racquet head back and up. As you swing forward, keep your eye on the ball and maintain a relaxed grip.
• Contact: Make contact with the ball slightly below the waist, using a brushing motion. Focus on hitting the ball with the center of your racquet face.
• Follow-through: Continue your swing through the ball, finishing with your racquet pointing towards the net.

4. Footwork and Balance

• Footwork: As you swing, step forward with your non-dominant foot, maintaining your balance. This will help you generate more power and control.
• Balance: Stay balanced throughout the entire serve motion. Avoid leaning too far forward or backward, as this can lead to loss of control.

Tips for Success

• Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is crucial for mastering the underhand serve. Start by practicing against a wall, then gradually transition to hitting the ball with a partner.
• Experiment with Spin: You can add spin to your underhand serve by brushing the ball with your racquet face. Experiment with different types of spin, such as slice or topspin, to find what works best for you.
• Vary Your Serve: Don’t always use the same type of underhand serve. Mix up the speed, spin, and placement to keep your opponent guessing.
• Be Patient: Mastering the underhand serve takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Keep practicing and you will eventually see improvement.

The Underhand Serve: A Game Changer?

While the underhand serve may not be the most common or powerful shot in tennis, it can be a highly effective tool when used strategically. Its ability to surprise opponents, force them to adapt, and create opportunities for easy points makes it a valuable weapon for any player. By mastering the technique and incorporating it into your game, you can add a new dimension to your play and potentially turn the tide of a match.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Techniques

• Slice Serve: A slice underhand serve involves hitting the ball with a sideways brushing motion, resulting in a low, curving serve that bounces sideways. This can be particularly effective against opponents who struggle with slice shots.
• Topspin Serve: A topspin underhand serve involves hitting the ball with an upward brushing motion, resulting in a high, bouncing serve that can be difficult to return. This can be used to attack opponents who are positioned close to the net.
• Drop Serve: A drop underhand serve is a delicate shot that involves hitting the ball softly and with a high arc, causing it to drop just over the net. This can be used to catch opponents off guard and create an easy volley opportunity.

Beyond the Court: The Underhand Serve in History

The underhand serve has a long and fascinating history in tennis. In the early days of the sport, it was a common tactic, used by both men and women. However, as the game evolved and players became more powerful, the overhand serve became the dominant serve. Today, the underhand serve is rarely seen in professional tennis, but it remains a popular tactic in recreational play and can be a fun and effective way to add variety to your game.

A Final Word: Embrace the Unexpected

The underhand serve is a testament to the fact that tennis is a game of strategy, creativity, and unexpected moments. By embracing the underhand serve, you can add a new dimension to your game, surprise your opponents, and create opportunities for success. So, go out there, practice, experiment, and have fun with this unique and often overlooked shot.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Is it considered bad sportsmanship to serve underhand in tennis?

A: No, it is not considered bad sportsmanship to serve underhand in tennis. While it is not as common as the overhand serve, it is a perfectly legal and legitimate tactic.

Q: How often should I use the underhand serve?

A: There is no set rule for how often to use the underhand serve. You can use it as a surprise weapon, occasionally mixing it in with your overhand serves. However, if you use it too often, your opponent may start to anticipate it.

Q: Can I use the underhand serve in professional tennis?

A: Yes, you can use the underhand serve in professional tennis. However, it is rarely seen at the highest level of the game, as most players prefer the overhand serve for its power and consistency.

Q: What are some tips for making the underhand serve more effective?

A: To make the underhand serve more effective, focus on hitting the ball with a clean, brushing motion, and try to add spin to the ball. You can also experiment with different serving angles and placements to keep your opponent guessing.

Q: What are the benefits of learning the underhand serve?

A: Learning the underhand serve can add a new dimension to your game, making you a more unpredictable and versatile player. It can also be a fun and effective way to mix up your serves and keep your opponent guessing.