# The Serve, in Technique · Tennis Level 3: Pre-Intermediate

Tennis · Level 3: Pre-Intermediate · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/tennis/level-3/the-serve-in-technique/)

The Serve, in Technique in Tennis (Level 3: Pre-Intermediate) on Insporta: 40 sourced facts behind 4 tests. Covers: the toss; the serve swing; and more.

The stance and toss, the swing from trophy position to finish, the types of serve and where to place them.

## Test 1: The toss

- The free hand lifts the ball while the racket hand prepares to swing. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- A sideways, shoulder-width base gives balance for the toss and swing. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- An open palm and a smooth lift give a repeatable release. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- The toss sets the contact point, so a steady toss steadies the serve. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- A toss behind the head forces a back arch and a rushed hit. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- Keeping the arm up for a moment helps balance and tracking. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- A straight tossing arm reduces extra movements that change the height. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- A toss slightly in front of the body gives the best contact. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- A smooth lift, a clean release and tracking give a reliable toss. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- A toss peaking slightly ahead of the body and above the hitting shoulder sets up clean contact. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))

## Test 2: The serve swing

- The trophy position is the loaded pose before the racket drops. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- The racket head drops behind the player, then speeds up to meet the ball. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- Pronation rotates the forearm through contact and helps the racket face meet the ball. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- Meeting the ball at full reach gives the best angle over the net. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- Contact high gives a steeper downward angle into the box. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- The arm swings across the body after contact. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- The upward and forward arm path is close to an overarm throw. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- The swing builds from the trophy position through the drop to contact and the finish. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- The arm rises, bends, drops and then extends to the ball. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- The dip of the racket head behind the player is the racket drop. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))

## Test 3: Types of serve

- A slice serve has sidespin, so it curves and keeps low. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- Spin gives a bigger margin for error when a miss would lose the point. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- Brushing up the ball adds forward spin, which makes it jump off the court. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- Brushing around the outside edge produces the sidespin. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- A kick serve climbs and dips, giving good net clearance. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- The sideways curve drags the receiver towards the sideline. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- Varying spin, speed and direction keeps the receiver guessing. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- A flat serve has the least spin and a kick serve carries heavy topspin. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- A kick serve uses a toss slightly behind and an upward brush. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- A flat serve travels in a nearly straight line, with little spin. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))

## Test 4: Serve placement

- A wide serve targets the sideline side of the box. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- The T is the point where the two lines form the letter. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- A serve aimed at the receiver cramps their swing. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- A predictable server is easy to return, so placement is mixed up. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- Aiming at a spot helps a player commit to a direction. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- A wide serve drags the receiver out, leaving space to hit into. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- A pattern is a planned sequence of serves. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- 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))
- A planned serve starts with a target and ends with a follow-up shot. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))
- The T sits in the corner by the centre line. (Source: General coaching reference (serve technique))

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.

Take the tests: https://insporta.app/try?utm_source=book&utm_medium=referral