Unselected
Tennis skills: the underarm serve

Tennis skills: the underarm serve

The underarm serve may seem benign but it's the starting point for all tennis players. It has even contributed to some famous players winning a Grand Slam! Here are our tips.

Unselected

The underarm serve, also known as the underhand serve, is used to start a rally or a warm-up.

The underarm serve is one of the most important strokes in tennis, particularly when learning. It's essential that kids and beginners master this technical skill as it will enable them to set the "tone" of the rally.

A poor underarm serve, particularly if it's to your partner's weaker side and without enough speed or height, may mean that you struggle to your rally going.

Communication and analysis with your hitting partner are really important for setting up good rallies! Think about whether your partner is left-handed, at ease with backhand, at ease with forehand, short, tall, etc.

Unselected

Balls for practising your underarm serve

To hone your skills, you'll also need to use an appropriate ball with the right bounce quality for your partner's skill level in order to make rallies easier and to get you playing more, better quality shots.

And adults shouldn't be afraid of using beginner balls that make rallies easier. 

Unselected

Technique and timing for the underarm serve

From a technical point of view, you'll need to master your timing and preparation with the racket's head - an up-down-up motion and correct follow-through - if you're going to do a good underarm serve.

In competitions, the underarm serve is allowed but is rarely used as it's much less effective than the classic serve, which is more powerful and precise.

It's worth remembering that, if you want to play an underarm serve in a competition, there's no need for it to bounce before you hit it.

It's a valid way to start play and, when used wisely, can really catch your opponent off guard. Basically, it's something to try for fun… But remember to show your opponent some respect!

Unselected

Your turn to play!Off you go!

Unselected
Tennis skills: the underarm serve

Simon

Author

I share tips from the Artengo team to help you up your game.

Unselected

You may like these tips

tennis-skills-improving-your-second-serve

Tennis skills: how to improve your second serve

Check out these tips from our technical partner Nicolas Escudé on improving your second serve.

tennis-skills-the-slice-first-serve

Tennis skills: the slice first serve

Tennis: the secrets of a successful slice first serve...

1st-2nd-serve

Tennis Technique: 1st/2nd serve

It's easy to underestimate the 1st/2nd serve, but it can really pay off!

how-to-serve-faster

Tennis Technique: how to serve faster

How to serve faster Find our tips here...

tennis-skills-how-to-make-your-serve-more-accurate

Tennis skills: how to make your serve more accurate

Power is nothing without at least a bit of precision! Here are some tips to make your serve a bit more accurate...

Tennis Technique: serve and volley

Tennis Technique: Serve and volley

Who among us hasn't dreamed of executing the perfect serve and volley?Here are a few tips to help you master it!