How To Hit The Perfect 2nd Serve in Tennis - Slice vs Flat vs Kick Tennis Serve Lesson

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

FREE Serve PDF - www.top-tennis-training.com/serve-guide

[@janmic11]

not working anymore :(

[@hugo9547]

I could always master first serves but my second serve was always awful - thankfully this video is the first I came across on KZbin that went over the technique in a simple and easy to understand way. The next day I practiced for an hour and after some truly awful attempts the muscle memory and technique kicked in and it started to work consistently. Thanks guys 🙏🏻

[@iagreewithyou112]

Great video as always. Another thing to add is that the first serve toss is more into the court whereas the second serve will be more above the body. When the ball is close to the body, it becomes easier to swing upwards to impart that spin. We can see this with Federer by where he lands after his serve. He usually lands inside the baseline on his first and on the baseline on his second serve, illustrating his momentum going more forwards vs more upwards.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Yes totally agree, we go much deeper into each serve in our vip section www.top-tennis-training.com/vip-area/, this video was more of an introduction into the different serves. There are many technical elements involved

[@slavik2121]

Best explanation of second serve I've heard in 20 years

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Many thanks 🙏

[@IamnotJohnFord]

I think another point is that if you have a weak second serve it can really effect your first serve-mentally speaking. I like to frequently attack a second serve. This is especially true if they have a big first serve but weak second. You can really get into their head if they know that you will attack any second serves you get. They tend to tense up and muscle that first serve more and more as the match goes on. And, their second serve just gets weaker and weaker.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Very true and great point. Mind games 101 when returning. Thanks for watching All the best Simon

[@davidmark3253]

This has been enlightening. The advice on the flat serve, has transformed my serve. I watched the video yesterday, tried the serve in a game this morning and it really worked. I don't think I've ever had a reliable first serve until now. Thank you so much!!!

[@ViperVenomHD]

I spent two and a half hours on my Sunday practicing the kick serve. First from a kneeling position and then raising to my feet after an hour and a half. It improved so so so much. I used to hit the frame 8/10 times I tried my kick. Now I can actually get it in with kick and I can aim it out wide 6-7/10 serves. After only 2.5 hours. I recommend trying serving from your knees if you have trouble with a kick serve.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Thank you for watching Are there any lessons you would like to see from us in 2020? All the best Simon

[@Editor_Hound]

Cheers man, that sounds like a good drill, I'll give it a try!

[@allmeta482]

Thanks 😊 very easy understandable guide vlog .

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

shivam paraste thank you for your support! Do you ever struggle with your 2nd serve?

[@hypersailor]

Made the mistake of showing my partner your second serve and volley videos. His accent is still USA /English, but he's now crushing me. The subtle tips in your endless videos I think players who truly want to improve, can practice at least 90 mins flat out and have an open mind. Serving FAST for a second serve takes some adaptation, but when it works it's amazing. The RETURN though comes back with ball rotation, that is new, and I think you have a video for that.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Awesome to hear, now you'll need to master your return of serve! Are there any lessons you would like to see from us in 2020? All the best Simon

[@hypersailor]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial When you go into your HUGE library of tennis videos I doubt any tip hasn't been covered. Each one is worth reviewing. I'd say: bring back the birds outdoors, you deserve an awesome tennis court, like on a private golf course. I'd like to see a Simon vs Alex match, with a handler on the side tracking stats. The game moves so fast you think you're playing well, but something is breaking down, be it first serve percentage, definitely unforced errors. Thanks for working so hard in 2019 to pump out the videos, your format is the best.

[@dangleenracquet]

I feel very personally attacked by this video....just kidding 😂 ...trying to incorporated this more into practice play. Thanks guys! 🍻

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Haha sorry Zul We hope that second serve is coming on!

[@CestosChannelByElite]

Thanks , I always had struggle with my 2nd serve, I have a huge first, but a really pushy second weak serve, and they attack me hard 😔 Gonna try to incorporate a good kick serve into my game, feels i can get to the next level with this! 🙋‍♂️

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

CestosChannelByElite yeah have to develop the effect on the ball, a kick serve is the best but requires some practice. Take a basket and experiment...don’t be scared to throw the ball far behind you and find your range

[@alientube1984]

Just hit 1000 serves 3 times a week and you be better

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

@Mario - Have you ever hit 1000 serves in a day? 100 serves takes about 25-30 minutes if you're doing them with quality, 1k would take 5 hours roughly, if you don't stop for a break. Nobody does that, if they do, their shoulder wouldn't hold up for very long!

[@alientube1984]

I was being crude. In between the lines I'm saying hit as many as you can, and if you have just a little insight and feeling about tennis, your body will recognize and correct the mistakes you make and make you more comfortable and confident. That is what works for me at least.

[@AmirTennis]

Good contents indeed. Tks for sharing the tips. I have been trying w slice serve as 2nd serve

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Good idea, the pros often use the slice second serve into body to "jam" the opponent and hopefully get the first hit in the rally. Also a big space to aim into. Using the slice out wide for second serve can be alittle riskier as you are going into forehand (of right handed player) and can over-do it on angle so can stray out. Very good option if you can pull it off

[@xiaoxiao8523]

Amazing explanation! In my case, this video is perfect in a different angle: Because of the grip we are supposed to use for the serve, my serves have been slice serve "by default" which takes away a lot of pace for my first serve. I have been trying to add a flat serve as my first serve but always wondered if that's the right thing to do. But now I feel I just get the confirmation and I have much more confidence in what I am trying to do :)

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Glad to help! Yes the flat serve can be alot more flat and its to do with what is happening at contact, a flat serve can still be achieved with a chopper grip just needs practise at pronating the racquet before and during contact

[@-butterfly-594]

Hey, slice can be just as dangerous in a lot of situations. If you can control where the serve goes (slice wide, to the body, or to the T) it can be a really good mix-up that can catch players the instant they forget to account for spin.

[@lalameinc]

Great easy to understand content. Thanks!

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Glen Schneer thank you!! Really appreciate your support!

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Glen Schneer anything you struggle with in your game?

[@lalameinc]

You're welcome!

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Glen Schneer 💪💪

[@applesforakbar]

Learned some new things, thanks for sharing, and great bump on the production! Do you guys do video analysis by chance? Cheers

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Thanks for watching. Yes we do video analysis online, you can email us for more info [e-mail] All the best Simon

[@user-ie8gs5jy9s]

Thank you for another great video 👍

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Thanks for watching All the best Simon

[@jdanielgomez6026]

Thank you very much for the explanaition I´m currently struggling with second serve and I´m trying to find that sweetspoot contact point consistency on second serve but being missinformated about thhe ball launch and acceleration. Now I have to apply all this knowledge In order to get classified to our national college competition!

[@PL-fh8cz]

Another great coaching video thanks guys. I sometimes throw in a 2nd serve as the first serve (of a point) just to be unpredictable and throw my opponent off balance. I also throw the ball toss in the same place, and change my grip and use more leg drive for spin. If I'm feeling confident and the score is with me, sometimes I go for a 2nd serve ace. Any thoughts on that tactic?

[@IamnotJohnFord]

I do the same depending on how well I'm serving and what is the current game score. I'm not gonna hit two flat serves if I'm down 0-40. There is nothing wrong with throwing nothing but slice and kick at your opponent as well in my opinion. Even a fast and consistent series of flat serves can become a liability if your opponent figures out the timing. Spin serves are difficult to completely predict. I'm left-handed, and I start off with lots of slice serves. As the match goes on my opponents figure out to move left, left and more left to get that ball back. But, by then my arm is really warmed up and I throw in some flat serves into their body. I've been recently incorporating some kick serves as well. Long story short, yeah throw in some slice, kick and flat serves whenever you feel it will throw the other guy off his game. It works wonders.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Very good tactics guys, if you can pull it off, 100% use it Thanks for watching All the best Simon

[@CountyWheat]

It’s pretty good. As a lefty sometimes a hit a slice out wide or down the t for the first instead of repetitively hitting a flat serve

[@LeonardoGalotera]

To save you the time, forward to 4:26 marker where kick serve instruction begins.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Thanks for watching Are there any lessons you would like to see from us in 2020? All the best Simon

[@BobCalNor]

I thought he would never get to the point!

[@earlhaywood4372]

Patience ,. Patience , Patience .

[@earlhaywood4372]

Patience , Patience , Patience .

[@earlhaywood4372]

Patience , Patience , Patience .

[@hansolsson3409]

I need a kick serve, very good explanation of the difference between the three serves!

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Keep working on it Hans. Have you watched our kick serve lessons?

[@hansolsson3409]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial I have watched them, but only hit flat serves yet. It might be better to learn the kick serve first.

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

On the kick serve I found the using a backhand grip instead of a continental grip helps adding more racquet head angle and more natural spin as my arm pronates out an follow through ends more on my racquet hand side. I swing with the same fast speed on both first and second serves. When I teach or coach the Saying that I use is “ hit with spin to make it go in”. I do a drill that has players trying to serve over the back fence while standing about 6-8 feet away from the fence. The comparison that I like to use is making a basketball shot from a longer distance. You have to put an arch on the ball not a line drive.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Very good Thomas, I would use a high tape over the net that players have to hit up on to clear. Same concept as the fence but with added accuracy to get it dipping in the box

[@viktornorgren4697]

You guys are the best!!! 👍

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Thanks for watching Any lessons you would like to see in the coming months? All the best and stay safe Simon

[@AkitaCyrus]

I Love your Videos💪👌🎾🎾

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Thank you appreciate the support!

[@andrewgnagy5053]

I wonder if the traditional language we use to describe serves (slice, kick, flat) can confuse young players. As you pointed out, they often don't understand that the slice can have a topspin component as well as side. (Slick) You explain it well here.

[@cristianconstantinescu7264]

great content guys, right on the money.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Thanks for watching Any lessons you'd like to see from us in 2020? All the best Simon

[@davidmark3253]

Thanks!

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

ah thanks for the support David! Glad that our lesson helped :)

[@Adventurevictoria]

Additionally your kick or slice serve will be able to open the court wide enough to finish your point if you can generate enough spin , Doesn't matter they can read or not .

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Very true, sounds like you use that tactic often! Thanks for watching All the best Simon

[@artsiomsakharevich6179]

Thanks guys - amazing as usual. I somehow developed the slice serve exactly as you shown but always thought I'm doing something weird. Now I know that this is the true weapon I should use more often. But the explanation of the kick serve just blown my brain - God it is so simple, but I always did it wrong. Looking forward to kick my future opponent off the court.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Happy to hear that Artsiom! Thanks for watching All the best Simon

[@simonoregan2072]

Thanks

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

👍

[@snoke29]

Nothing on the underharm serve? Safe and mind-blowing for the opponent

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Not yet, maybe soon if we have enough requests to do one!

[@cristianconstantinescu7264]

not a good opponent who's win the point on account of you loosing control of the point. I only drop it when the opponent is way behind the baseline to return my serve (in case I don't serve and volley, but like to also mess with them a bit.

[@matthewshepherd5390]

And only useable once or twice

[@Editor_Hound]

I have some problems hitting my kick serve, my second serve is usually a combo of slice and kick, so I try to play on that, I like to hit those serves where my opponent thinks the ball will bounce in his strike zone but after the bounce it just shoots towards his body and jams him up. But I really need to work on that pure kicker.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Have a look at this lesson, it's a more in-depth kick serve tutorial - kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5vTmmOZgteer9k

[@jefflol1619]

My second serve isn't rely able so I'm deciding to learn kick serve so do you recommend to stand parallel to the line if doing kick serve or can we also do kick serve when we arn't parallel to the line when serving?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

It's very hard to hit a kick serve front on (facing the net) Focus on getting your left shoulder facing towards the net when preparing for the kick serve

[@SaludContable]

Excelente video amigos! El segundo servicio suele ser más difícil de entrenar que el primer servicio... kick kick kick

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

👍👍👍

[@fantolaus]

the video I was waiting for: unfortunately I'm a type 2 server, with fast and powerful (compared to my level, obviously...) serve, but a second serve too slow and easily attackable. I'll take your analysis with me and try to put it in the game starting from tomorrow.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Let us know how it goes, keep accelerating through it and use either slice or spin to slow the ball down but get a better bounce, second serve is not just to get it in, its your chance to get in front in the point

[@fantolaus]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Basically, I've always realised that the more spin I give to the ball, the more safe the serve is. My problem, I think, is more mental than technical: by learning tennis all by myself, inside my mind has generated the inconscious misconception that "second serve = slower serve = slower movement = safer serve". It's a chain now very hard to break and involves something lika a "violence" I have to make to myself everytime I'm called to hit a second serve, forcing me to change my mindset. I know it will take a long time, and I'll need to gain confidence by making more points on the second serve, but I'm sure this video will help a lot in achieving that result. Thanks a lot as usual.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

@@fantolaus Thats the battle that goes on even in professional minds so you are not alone, just have to get used to going for it, and when you see that its still just as consistent will give you the confidence to use it in matches. Its also alot easier to get the ball in under pressure when serving on match point etc when you are used to a fast arm, even if tighter you will still make it, if you slow down every second serve you will struggle on the big points or will give easy balls to opponent. So good job and keep going!

[@butacaexplosiva333]

Thx!

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

👍

[@watermelonindianboi]

My favorite serves are kick and slice and I have a flat and slice

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Vamos

[@OllieL333]

Thanks for the tips . Quick question. If you serve in a pin point stance for your fast first serve , would you still be using the pin point serve for a spin motion second serve ?

[@OllieL333]

The reason I ask is, the pin point stance is naturally forcing your weight through the ball in a linear motion . Wouldn't this be counter intuitive to the required spin and change of racket path for the spinny second serve . ? Would you suggest changing the body weight transfer to more of a side on angle to assist the spin ?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Most pros use the same stance on both their first and second serves. If you constantly switch between both, you'll lose that timing between each one. It's harder for many players to hit a good kick serve with the pinpoint stance, but it's possible, check out this lesson for more help - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ-moKqjn8yBbNk

[@OllieL333]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial thanks very much

[@saiadith7740]

A lot of my second serve (slice) tends to go to the net. What do you think can be the mistake? And keep up the amazing work 👍👍

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

You are not reaching up for the ball, or might be throwing it too far in front on your toss so collapsing pulling the ball down.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

and thank you! Anything else you would like to see?

[@Soumilbharatendu]

Do you use the hammer grip while making these serves?

[@petesampras4632]

Nice serve Simon. Looks like you took “inspiration” from some famous server perhaps?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Oh yes, Pistol Pete the legend!

[@registrationsOne]

One question I always had is how to toss the ball. My coach shows me that I need to toss the ball with my left hand (I am right handed) with a movement of my arm going inside the court and perpendicular to the baseline; so my arm goes really in the direction of my opponent. That's to not show my opponent what kind of serve I will be doing. Like you mentioned in the video. Although I see many professionals tossing it with the arm going parallel to the baseline when tossing (as you showed in the video). What is the correct arm movement when tossing the ball and why? Is it incorrect what my coach teaches me?

[@buckyphillips6732]

The tennis serve is a crucial shot that can greatly impact your performance on the court. Learn it

[@sharan5822]

Whats the difference between first serve kick/slice and second serve kick/slice. Swing path? Is it you take the ball infront rather than behind you so u get more speed and push through the court ?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

sharan chugani yes if you are going for a slice first serve you can afford to risk more with angles and hit a faster serve as you hit through the ball more throwing the ball in front will help. The second serve is same speed of racquet but a reduced speed of flight of ball due to more slice or spin effect being applied. So rpm of 2nd serves are much faster than on 1st serves. That being said some players go for two second serves sometimes especially when playing on clay so two kick serves with the first being alittle more aggressive

[@halbrody4513]

I’ve never had success hitting a kick. Can you provide even more detail re the swing path of a “slick” serve?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Here you go - kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5vTmmOZgteer9k

[@-butterfly-594]

For me, I notice that whenever I try to apply spin for safety, even if I remind myself not to slow the serve it tends to go out or into the net. I've ended up favoring a slightly altered version of my flat serve, where instead of accelerating gradually as I go, I keep the speed mostly constant but still fast, and I get more control that way. Would you advise me to try to develop the safe spin serves more, or should I keep trying to practice my safer flat serve? Btw, my first serve is often a low sliding or high curving spin serve as well, not just flat. My serve uses adjustments to how my wrist curves when I hit the ball to change the direction and spin, and although they look like small changes they feel different enough so that I can control them. At the level I'm at players often get thrown off when the ball curves without significant change to my form or toss.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

I would advise you to keep working on the slice and kick serves for sure. The serve you have currently might work against the players you're playing now, but long term, stronger players are likely to attack it so it's better to start now than having to change motions when you get better

[@-butterfly-594]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Alright, thanks for the feedback! I'll see if I can adjust my slice and spin serves to get more accuracy while keeping speed fast enough. I think it's just a matter of not being used to doing it, but more practice will definitely smooth it out.

[@quazimazeed3234]

Can you do a Geal Monfils analysis

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Monfils serve analysis?

[@quazimazeed3234]

Yes or a forehand but any shot would be great 🤩

[@earlhaywood4372]

The only way I can describe this video is comparable to a conductor and a syphony ochestra with gifted musicians . The conductor explains the purpose and intention of the music and the musicians demonstrate by a spell bounding demonstration.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

I love it Earl, thank you for the support All the best Simon

[@harrisonschwerman750]

Good vid

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Thanks for watching Any lessons you'd like to see from us in 2020? All the best Simon

[@EskoTV-VIDEO]

For a senior tennis player it is hard to learn to serve kick serve. When I try to hit hard, it goes either to net or over the borders. Have you any helping practices to do the kick serve and gradually speed up the serve? Kick serve is one on the most difficult serves, even flat is easier (but not so precise). I end doing waiters serve, when I am frustrated hitting wrong kick serves or slice serves. And even then many serves end up to double fault. These mix tries make my serve become unstable.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Check out this lesson - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ-moKqjn8yBbNk

[@raakkhipohuja]

2:07 me serving in my tournaments 🙂

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

🤣

[@raakkhipohuja]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial i am gonna try both , Slice and Spin todayyyyyyyyy that's it. No more nonsense in my tournaments

[@raakkhipohuja]

@Funnyduck 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 hi-fi buddy

[@Hazanal-Pantaran.]

How to have a accurate power balls? Could you give me some answer? Thank you

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

How to serve with power to targets?

[@Hazanal-Pantaran.]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial hit a backhand and forehand

[@jonathanotchengco9651]

When I was just watching Tennis: They should hit two first serves Now that I play tennis: They should just hit two second serves

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Oh yes!

[@DanielBakarcic]

I combine all three methods depends where my stance is and I'm always trying to cheat opponents but you have to mastered technique.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Thanks for watching Are there any lessons you would like to see from us in 2020? All the best Simon

[@DanielBakarcic]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Top spin backhand

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

One or two hander?

[@DanielBakarcic]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial two hander

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Here you go Daniel - kzbin.info/aero/PLJP-Wou-v6z1KTlDs89p0Y-yGwyF-We6e

[@josespul]

perfetto!

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

thank you! :) Have you downloaded our free serve pdf www.top-tennis-training.com/serve-guide :)

[@victorudachin]

Add captions, please

[@ethanblack5642]

I comment to help

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Are there any lessons you would like to see in the near future? All the best Simon

[@alenx5455]

My 1st serve is a big weapon but my 2nd serve is a big liability, trying to master the kick serve is frustrating as h*ll, I can get very good spin and great kick but its just all over the place and so inconsistent, either I close down too fast and end up hitting the end or I end up hitting long way too often, its not a reliable consistent non double fault machine like good players have, soooo frustrating, probably the most annoying and time consuming thing to master in tennis.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

It does take time, you should use some progressions to speed up the improvements though. Something we've covered in depth inside our serve revolution course

[@db3229]

For the slice you go from 3 to 12? Wouldn't you go 10 to 2?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Here is a more in-depth slice serve lesson - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqu4p5uFd9eXpK8

[@user-jk2lh8zb7l]

In my opinion. Ghe difference between top spin and slice serve is 1.toss position. 2. Racquet swing path, 3. Torso rotation. But in this video hard to understand slice serve..

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Here is another lesson on the slice serve - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqu4p5uFd9eXpK8

[@MakarasLT]

Hey guys! What kind of grip you use on your second serve? 🙂🤔

[@BobCalNor]

If the toss is different for the kick and slice, your opponent will quickly figure out where it is going to land and be ready for it.

[@nicowagner2427]

My second serve is the worst shot I use, but because it is so bad noone knows how to deal with it :D

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

🤣

[@StrageSrebreniy]

- Спасибо!

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Thanks for watching Any lessons you'd like to see from us in 2020? All the best Simon

[@lukehotty257]

Are you still liking comments haha

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Sure! If they are worth the like 👍

[@michaelboyko5024]

The second serve is almost the best with upper spin.... The slice and the kick are very fast serves, they land almost on the line... And for your guys it's really urgent to review what is a kick serve and upper spin serve, cause those are different things....

[@michaelboyko5024]

If you place a speed radar you will definitely see that: a good flat serve is 105km/h, but the same force with slice boasts 110km/h, but with upper spin it's only 87-93km/h.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Upper spin serve: I’ve been playing tennis for 30+ years and never ever heard this term to describe a topspin serve. Well done for making something easy to understand so complicated

[@michaelboyko5024]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial well, so words side spin, lower spin, upper spin are new to you? Perhaps after 30+ years of playing tennis you can find a couple of evenings to read a tennis textbook...

[@FairwayJack]

like

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Many thanks 🙏

[@user-in2in5nr5g]

いつも思うけどカメラアングルが悪すぎ 何で斜めなん？わかりづらいやん

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

このビデオでテストしていましたが、ほとんどのビデオはこのようなものではありません！

[@jasminezhang3297]

Talk too much

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

If you want to watch purely the serve in action, maybe watch some matches.