Tennis · Level 4: Intermediate · Sub-level 4.2
Serve Patterns and the First Strike
4 tests · 40 facts · updated 12 October 2026 · markdown
Serve plus one, the second serve, serving patterns and targets, and first-serve percentage.
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 1Serve plus oneTake a test
The serve and the first ball after the return are planned as one unit.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
A wide serve pulls the returner off the court and opens space.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
These serves jam the returner and often lead to a weak return.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
Knowing what is coming lets the server be ready for the plus-one shot.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
A coaching memory aid for planning the serve and next shot.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
Practising the serve alone leaves out the next shot.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
The server aims to use the weak reply to take control.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
Plan, serve, read and strike.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
The wide serve opens space that the plus-one shot uses.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · applied
A planned serve and first follow-up shot is serve plus one.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · applied
Test 2The second serveTake a test
A second serve must start the point reliably.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
Depth and a sensible target make the second serve harder to attack.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
A good first-serve percentage keeps the server attacking, not defending.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
A deep serve at the body takes the advantage from the returner.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · applied
Better depth and variety make the attack harder.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
Spin and placement keep the serve safe and awkward.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
A tight arm loses rhythm and control.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
A kick serve with margin is safest and a full-speed flat serve the riskiest.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
Calm down, choose a target, toss and swing.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · applied
A deep kick serve forces the returner back and cuts their options.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · applied
Test 3Serve patterns and targetsTake a test
A small target brings more misses.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
Changing the pattern prevents the returner from anticipating.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
The returner's habits show where to serve.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
The T is central and gives the returner little room.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
A repeated toss and motion hide where the serve is going.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
A similar toss gives the returner no clues.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
Targeting a weaker return forces more errors.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
The more varied the targets, the less predictable the pattern.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
A server watches, notes, spots and plans.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · applied
Mixing targets is a serve pattern.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · applied
Test 4First-serve percentage and pressureTake a test
It measures how often the first serve gets in.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
Fewer first serves in means more second serves.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
Over-hitting loses control.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
A small adjustment restores control.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · applied
A routine builds rhythm and focus.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
A familiar plan beats a panic change.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
Statistics guide practice and match tactics.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
A higher percentage means more first serves in play.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · recall
A routine runs from the bounce to the swing.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · applied
Six in ten is 60 percent.
Source: General coaching reference (serve and return tactics) · 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 and return tactics)40