How to Improve Your Tennis Serve - Complete Guide

After 15 years of playing and coaching tennis, I wanted to share a comprehensive guide on improving your serve. The serve is the most important shot in tennis - it's the only shot where you have complete control!

1. Grip and Stance
Use a continental grip (like holding a hammer). Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, front foot at 45° to the baseline.

2. Ball Toss
This is crucial! Toss the ball slightly in front and to the right (for righties). Practice tossing to the same spot every time.

3. Trophy Position
Both arms should go up together. Your hitting arm should form an "L" shape at the top.

4. Contact Point
Hit the ball at the highest point you can reach. Imagine you're trying to hit a ball stuck to the ceiling.

5. Follow Through
Don't stop at contact! Follow through across your body and finish on the opposite side.

Practice Drills:
• Shadow serving (without a ball)
• Toss practice against a fence
• Serving into the service box from the service line
• Video analysis of your serve

The key is consistent practice and patience. It takes time to develop muscle memory!

What specific aspects of serving do you struggle with most?