Tennis · Level 3: Pre-Intermediate · Sub-level 3.3
The Serve, in Technique
4 tests · 40 facts · updated 12 October 2026 · markdown
The stance and toss, the swing from trophy position to finish, the types of serve and where to place them.
Each test below is ten questions on Insporta. The list under a test is what the questions check: one fact per question, with the source it was written from. Read it before the test, or come back from a wrong answer.
Test 1The tossTake a test
The free hand lifts the ball while the racket hand prepares to swing.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
A sideways, shoulder-width base gives balance for the toss and swing.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
An open palm and a smooth lift give a repeatable release.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
The toss sets the contact point, so a steady toss steadies the serve.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
A toss behind the head forces a back arch and a rushed hit.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
Keeping the arm up for a moment helps balance and tracking.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
A straight tossing arm reduces extra movements that change the height.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
A toss slightly in front of the body gives the best contact.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
A smooth lift, a clean release and tracking give a reliable toss.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · applied
A toss peaking slightly ahead of the body and above the hitting shoulder sets up clean contact.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · applied
Test 2The serve swingTake a test
The trophy position is the loaded pose before the racket drops.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
The racket head drops behind the player, then speeds up to meet the ball.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
Pronation rotates the forearm through contact and helps the racket face meet the ball.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
Meeting the ball at full reach gives the best angle over the net.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
Contact high gives a steeper downward angle into the box.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
The arm swings across the body after contact.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
The upward and forward arm path is close to an overarm throw.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
The swing builds from the trophy position through the drop to contact and the finish.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
The arm rises, bends, drops and then extends to the ball.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
The dip of the racket head behind the player is the racket drop.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · applied
Test 3Types of serveTake a test
A slice serve has sidespin, so it curves and keeps low.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
Spin gives a bigger margin for error when a miss would lose the point.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
Brushing up the ball adds forward spin, which makes it jump off the court.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
Brushing around the outside edge produces the sidespin.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
A kick serve climbs and dips, giving good net clearance.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
The sideways curve drags the receiver towards the sideline.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
Varying spin, speed and direction keeps the receiver guessing.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
A flat serve has the least spin and a kick serve carries heavy topspin.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
A kick serve uses a toss slightly behind and an upward brush.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · applied
A flat serve travels in a nearly straight line, with little spin.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · applied
Test 4Serve placementTake a test
A wide serve targets the sideline side of the box.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
The T is the point where the two lines form the letter.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
A serve aimed at the receiver cramps their swing.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
A predictable server is easy to return, so placement is mixed up.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
Aiming at a spot helps a player commit to a direction.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
A wide serve drags the receiver out, leaving space to hit into.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
A pattern is a planned sequence of serves.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
A wide serve lands near the sideline, a body serve in the middle and the T at the centre line.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · recall
A planned serve starts with a target and ends with a follow-up shot.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · applied
The T sits in the corner by the centre line.
Source: General coaching reference (serve technique) · applied
Sources
ITF coach-education materials, ITF Coaching & Sport Science Review, federation curricula, general coaching references; original questions authored, nothing reproduced. Numbered ITF rules belong to the Rules category.
- General coaching reference (serve technique)40