Serve Smarter, Not Harder: 3 Tweaks to Win More Points Without Bulking Up
Let’s get one thing straight: unless you’re secretly training for the Olympics (or just had your third espresso), you don’t need to crush your serve like it owes you money.
Most rec players lose more points trying to show off than they would by just... being strategic.
So if you’re tired of watching your “power serve” get smacked back at your feet or launching balls into the fence like a cannon with bad aim, take a breath. This one’s for you.
Here are three simple, serve tweaks that’ll actually help you win more points—without needing to bench press your paddle.
1. Pick a Target. “Just Get It In” Doesn’t Count.
Let’s retire the “just get it in” mindset. That’s like ordering toast at a five-star brunch. You deserve more.
Instead of serving blindly, pick from a few smarter options:
The backhand corner (most people’s weak side)
The body (creates awkward returns and awkward body language)
The wide angle (pulls them off the court and out of position)
Why It Matters:
Good placement put you in control from the very first shot. It forces your opponent to work harder on the return and keeps you one step ahead for your next move. Even a “meh” serve becomes dangerous when it’s well-placed.
2. Be Unpredictable—Just Not a Hot Mess
Yes, consistency matters. But predictability? Not so much.
If you serve the same ball every time, your opponent will settle in and start treating it like batting practice. But that doesn’t mean you need a bag of tricks. Pick two solid serves and rotate:
A deep, reliable serve to the backhand
A surprise short or high-arching serve to disrupt timing
That’s it. Simple, strategic variety.
Why It Matters:
Variety throws off rhythm. It keeps your opponent guessing and reacting, instead of setting up for their favorite shot. That tiny moment of hesitation you create? That’s where the magic happens.
3. Use Your Serve to Set Up Your Superpower
Your serve probably won’t win the point by itself (unless your opponent is napping). But it can set you up to take control.
Think of your serve as part one of a two-shot combo. What do you want next?
Want a third-shot drop? Serve soft and deep to encourage a floaty return.
Prefer to hit hard? Use a deep, aggressive serve to buy space.
Love to crash the kitchen? Pull them wide, then sneak in before they recover.
Why It Matters:
A well-planned serve sets the tone. Instead of reacting, you’re dictating what happens next, and steering things toward your strengths. That's a win before you even swing again.
Bonus Tip: Create a Routine That Grounds You
No need to get theatrical. A short, consistent pre-serve routine keeps you focused.
Bounce the ball. Take a breath. Pick your target. Hit.
Why It Matters:
Routines help eliminate errors. When your process is automatic, your serve becomes more reliable, especially under pressure.
Bottom Line
You don’t need a stronger serve. You need a smarter one.
One that:
Targets their weak spots
Throws off their timing
Sets you up for success
So the next time you step to the line, serve with purpose. Keep it clean. Keep it clever. And remember: brute force fades, but good strategy never goes out of style.
