You have two chances to serve the ball and get it into play, and tennis experts agree: the second serve is more important than the first serve. Obviously, you need that second serve to start the point if you make an error on your first serve; and if you have a good second serve, you can afford to be more aggressive on the first serve.
However, if you must hit your second serve, don't just poof it over the net without knowing (or caring) where it will land. Your opponent will attack it if it is weak and/or predictable, and if you double fault, you'll really be in for a tough match. Having a strong second serve indicates how well you perform under pressure. After all, if you don't hit the second serve in, you lose the point. There is seldom more pressure in a match than a second-serve on break or set point.
Commit to the following tips to win more second serve points:
Have a plan.
Many recreational players hit their second serves with no goal in mind other than to just get it in. Rather than be surprised with what comes off your racket and then react, you should create the point to your advantage.
Since the second serve is usually weaker than the first serve, placement is key. Formulate a second-serve strategy based on your opponents' strengths and weaknesses. Serving down the T, whether it's the forehand or backhand is always a good idea on your second serve. That way, even if your opponent does get a piece of it, you know that it's probably coming back up the middle as you've taken away their angles. Lower level players don't tend to run around their backhand, so serving out wide to their backhand works well, too.
A slice second serve into the body is effective as well, especially if your opponent is somewhat lead-footed. Most club players have no split step and literally plant themselves at the baseline, making it harder for them to move out of the way of the ball. More than likely the return will be short, if it makes it over the net at all.
So before you hit the second (or first) serve, ask yourself how you want the point to play out. Having a plan each time you approach the baseline to serve will lead to more serve points won (and reduce the pressure too.)
Use more spin.
Generally, players have trouble handling heavy spin, so use the slice and kick serve often. The great thing about this serve is that it's pretty effective no matter where the ball ends up landing. The spin not only causes the ball to move sideways as it travels through the air but it also gives the ball a wicked sideways bounce making it more difficult to return. Just make sure and hit the ball hard...at least as hard as you hit your first serve, if not harder. Don't worry about it going out as the speed will make sure it gets over the net, and the spin will bring it down into the service box.
Mix it up.
Don't be predictable. If you always serve your second serve to an opponent's backhand, you are literally giving them a lesson on how to return backhand serves, and before long, they will be crushing them.
Throw in some body serves and serves down the T to their forehand. And if you've noticed that they don't move well, surprise them with a serve out wide to their forehand. Keep them wondering where you'll serve next, and you will keep them from properly preparing for their return.
Always be ready for a return.
Speaking of returns...don't assume that because it's your second serve that it won't go in, or that your opponent is going to crush it. Decide where you will place the ball and as soon as you hit that second serve, get ready for the return. Use your serve to anticipate where your opponent may hit the return before he/she makes contact with the ball. For example...Did you serve down the T? Then be prepared for the ball to come back in the same direction. Was it a serve to the body? Be prepared to move in in case it is a short return.
Once you've figured out the return, split step right before your opponent hits the ball and get in position to hit a good shot off the return!
Put in the effort.
Neither your second nor first serves will get better just by playing a league match once or twice a week...you have to really work on them. Rent a bucket from your club or save the balls from your practice and league matches, and spend some time every weekend just serving (make sure and practice BOTH serves, not just your first serve.) Not only will you be able to perfect those strokes, but you will gain the consistency with landing them, which will make you more confident when it's your turn to serve. The service repetition will also increase your muscle memory which will help you find your rhythm much faster when warming up for your league matches.
Do this at least once a week, working on increasing speed, adding spin, and improving placement, and before long you'll have a second (and first) serve to be proud of!
