Tennis - How To Improve Your Slice Serve | Tom Avery Tennis 239.592.5920

[FairwayJack]

I like the slice on the add side down the T. Cramps the receiver on his weak wing. I can also use it to pull him wide but if I'm not spot on, I can expect a forehand ripped right back at me.

[slappy0077]

just use it when you play a lefty with a two-handed backhand on the deuce side to pull them off the court. I always tell my kids to use it as a second OR a first serve depending on how far the opponent can stretch.

[BestTenniscom]

My point is this: A Topspin serve is NOT as risky as a slice serve. With a Topspin serve you have much more net clearance which is safer, and the ball is spinning forward creating air pressure on top of the ball pushing it down into the box. With a Slice serve the air pressure is on the side of the ball, you have to hit a slice much closer to the net, it's riskier.

[Doberboy218]

Interesting. Most people would go with more of a sure thing as opposed to something risky. In fact a slice serve is often referred to as the "safety serve." But going with a risky 2nd serve like a topspin makes sense though. Your opponent could expect you to play it safe but then he/she see's the ball change course in an a way that catches them off guard! Well, those are tactics for you. Thanks for getting back to me.

[Doberboy218]

Hmm, that's funny. Just about everyone else says just the opposite about the slice serve. The slice serve has a LOW margarin for error because the spin helps to keep the ball in the court. And since it has that added bit of control, it's HIGHLY recommended to use as a second serve. In fact, 9/10 times the pros go with this serve after they fault. I'll admit though, this is not the first TYPE of serve to learn and when you do just know that it will take 2-3 weeks to master it.

[BestTenniscom]

Doberboy, You're absolutely right the slice serve has a LOW margin for error, I made a mistake when I did the video and it was never edited out. I meant to say LOW margin for error. However, I disagree about using it on the second serve because of the spin. Sure it has spin but it is still a LOW margin for error. I think the topspin serve which has a HIGH Margin for error is the way to go. However, tactics are never written in stone, if you're up 40 love, go for it. All the best, Tom

[Chipinjack]

@BestTenniscom ...Coach, you are confusing high tolerance with high margin !!!

[BestTenniscom]

@Chipinjack What I mean by HIGH Margin for error is that you can clear the net safely (3-4 feet which to me translates to HIGH Margin) witha Topspin serve. You cannot do that with a slice. Best, Tom