The second serve is the moment of truth in tennis. If the first serve is a weapon of destruction, the second is a tool for survival and strategy. The objective is not just to put the ball in play, but to place it in such a way that the opponent is forced into a defensive stroke. The two main options for the second serve are the kick serve and the slice serve.

Option 1: The Kick Serve (Topspin)

The kick serve is the default choice for the majority of professionals because of its safety and its ability to bother the receiver.

• Technique: The strike is made on the back-left part of the ball (for a right-handed player). The racket movement is a brush from bottom to top and from back to front. The ball toss is slightly behind the head.

• Effect and Trajectory: The kick generates significant topspin. The ball clears the net with a high margin of safety and, most importantly, it bounces very high and springs up towards the opponent's outside or body.

• Advantages:

  • Safety: The net is cleared with a high margin (the trajectory is arched).

  • Disturbance: The high, diving bounce forces the opponent to hit the ball above their shoulder, a typically defensive hitting position.

  • Strategy: Ideal against a player who likes to hit the ball early and flat.

Option 2: The Slice Serve (Sidespin)

The slice serve is less used as a systematic second serve, but it is excellent for varying the game and looking for angles.

• Technique: The strike is made on the side of the ball. The racket movement is a lateral brush that imparts sidespin. The ball toss is further forward and slightly to the side.

• Effect and Trajectory: The slice causes the ball to curve, and after the bounce, the ball skids and moves away from the receiver while remaining low.

• Advantages:

  • Angle Creation: Perfect for opening up the court by aiming for the outer line, pulling the opponent wide.

  • Low Bounce: The low bounce is difficult to handle for players who prefer impact at hip height.

  • Strategy: Excellent against the opponent's forehand to pull them wide, or to attack the backhand by making it skid out of the court.

Choice and Tactics

A good player uses both serves depending on the score, surface, and opponent.

• The Surface: On clay (slow bounce), the kick is king because its effect is maximized. On grass (low bounce), the slice is more effective for keeping the ball close to the ground.

• The Service Zone:

  • To the Backhand (T): The kick is generally favored because it rises towards the receiver's shoulder.

  • To the Forehand (Wide): The slice is a formidable weapon for pulling the opponent outside the court.

• Aggressiveness: Even though the serve must be safe, it must be hit with commitment. Any hesitation results in a ball that is too soft, allowing the opponent to immediately attack the return.

Conclusion: Offensive Safety

Choosing your second serve is choosing your way to control the point under pressure. Whether you opt for the safety and height of the kick or the low, skidding angles of the slice, the important thing is to hit with the intention of generating difficulty for the receiver. And indirectly, confidence in your second serve will improve your first serve!