How to Hit a Perfect Slice Serve | Slice Serve Tennis Technique 2021

[@DanTravisuk]

Thanks Styrling for this long overdue piece on the Slice serve. I would like to ask about body positioning on the slice. I find, for example that I can get my players to produce more and more effective slice by keeping the body in a more sideways position and not 'opening out' too early. What do you think?

[@DanTravisTV]

Over/early rotation on the slice serve; particualrly under match pressure, seems to be the number 1 problem on the slice serve.

[@tennistigerstennisclub9762]

@@DanTravisTV this is true from my point of view. Keeping the left side of the shoulder on the 'inside' as you strike the ball is the main way that I describe it.

[@tennistigerstennisclub9762]

From my point of view the slice is 'high margin' with good reults. It 'destabalises' your opponent but it also helps you think Strategically, in terms of x2 shot sequencing and not going 'ISM'.

[@prestonparktenniscourts9233]

I try that too and it seems to work although it's more difficut to get players to hold their body position for longer when they're under pressure in a match.

[@TheArtOfWinning]

I agree with other comments on maintaining a sideways position.

[@zaidmulla4520]

Awesome 👍

[@DanTravisuk]

I agree!

[@DanTravisTV]

I like your thinking here because you have identified the main goal of slice serves and how it can be achieved. How is the slice serve method that you've shown working out in matches for your players?

[@tennistigerstennisclub9762]

From my point of view the slice is 'high margin' with good reults. It 'destabalises' your opponent but it also helps you think Strategically, in terms of x2 shot sequencing and not going 'ISM'.

[@prestonparktenniscourts9233]

I find it works really well because it gets the player thinking.

[@TheArtOfWinning]

It gives the player options and a great goal for improvement.

[@TheArtOfWinningtennis]

Most Junior players have no idea how to Return a Slice Serve, the main reason for this is they rarely “see” a Slice Serve from their opponents in match tennis. The other reason is they rarely if ever practice returning Slice Serves on the practice court. One of the ideas behind “Transforming the Practice Court” is setting up practice tennis to look and feel more like match tennis, this would include Returning different types of Serves on the practice court. Pierce Strother, in the video, is winning a ton of Momentum Points (2 point in a row) on his Serve by utilizing his Slice Serve in match play. Surprise tactic it is for 2022 and your game!! It can be a real weapon to increase your PWR (Point Win Rate).

[@abrahamiseh9174]

I learnt a new Skill. Thank you. With Love from Nigeria 🥳

[@TheArtOfWinningtennis]

Thank you!!! Subscribe as we update content daily❤

[@annegross9543]

Good visualization ideas. Thank you!

[@tennistigerstennisclub9762]

Thanks for this @styrling strother. I want to know how early you introduce the slice with children. I note Pierce is 14.

[@prestonparktenniscourts9233]

I think 14/15 is the right time to do this.

[@TheArtOfWinning]

@@prestonparktenniscourts9233 I agree. 14/15

[@PICAFUMO675]

Best video about slice serve! Thanks!

[@styrlingstrother3701]

Great video, thanks. What about the ball toss. I know you mention it here. I've seen many pros tell players to "Throw the ball more to the right". Where do you stand on this?

[@prestonparktenniscourts9233]

As a player, I do this and it seems to work. Perhaps it allows for more 8 - 2 rotation to come in at more of an angle?

[@TheArtOfWinning]

Interesting, this was the 'old school' way of doing it. I still do it myself.

[@TheArtOfWinningtennis]

It is effective to throw the ball more to the outside, just make sure that the ball isn’t too far outside your shoulder. You will lose a substantial amount of speed as well as put a lot of tension on the outside of your hitting elbow, which could cause pain down the road. I would say, keep the ball located just above the shoulder at the Point of Contact, here you will both create the spin and angle your looking for with maximum speed potential.

[@prestonparktenniscourts9233]

Can we have more detail on how the Slice serve works tactically and why it is so effective. I'd like to know 'when' and 'why'. Thanks and great video btw!

[@TheArtOfWinning]

I'd like to know that too.

[@TheArtOfWinningtennis]

I believe an excellent time to hit your Slice Serve is when you are on the Deuce Court and you are looking to score a Momentum Point (winning 2 points in a row). The game score may be 15-15 (you were down 0-15 and you won the last point and now have a Direction Point looking to score a Momentum Point and go up 30-15. Or you were down 15-30, you won the last point (Direction Point), and now at 30-30 you are trying to score a Momentum Point and go up 40-30. Using your unique Slice Serve to win Momentum Points and go up in the Game Score is a 🔑 tactic to winning more Momentum Points (2 points in a row).

[@sudheshsingh]

Love from India👍

[@TheArtOfWinningtennis]

Thank you Sudhesh for the love. Subscribe to learn new skills❤

[@chandrashekharmysa3692]

Super

[@praveenbhide]

Great video instructions!!! Liked it a lot. Going to be very useful, I love your last comment, one has to visualise the shot before execution. One problem with me, when I try to hit that yellow can spot, i hit it in to net. Can you advise some tip?

[@anmolmaitra78]

I’ve heard a lot of coaches say to carve the outside of the ball on the slice serve. So, hit the ball at about 3 o’clock. Is that wrong?

[@mozartiano123]

What is wrong with the audio?

[@alexandercorfiant1873]

But where is PRONATION in this Slice?

[@TheArtOfWinning]

This is a very interesting developmental video on the slice. It would be good to see the effects it has on my opponent and how i can capitalize on a good slice serve. For example, I've noticed a slice slice on the add side into the body can be an excelent 'serve volley' tactic.

[@TheArtOfWinningtennis]

When hitting the Slice Serve into the body on the Ad Court, this is a good time to serve and volley for sure. Your opponent is “jammed” up and will have a hard time extending through the Return of Serve. Look for a Forehand Volley and volley to open court to B or even A (Deuce Corner). If you receive a Backhand volley , volley behind the Return player into D (AD Corner).