The Flat, Slice & Kick Tennis Serve Lesson - Toss, Swing Path, Contact & When To Use Each

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

If you want to get even more details, check out these separate videos of each! Flat vs Slice Serve and how to master both: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5qZdaOMrqaZmrs The Kick Serve: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aobZYoyGbdusq68

[@dyrdee]

i know you don't get the views you want on these kinds of videos, but these deep dives are INVALUABLE and really display your expertise in a way that sets you apart from all the other youtube coaches. please set up a patreon when you get the opportunity so we can compensate you for these gems!

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Thank you so much for your support and coincidentally, I just started a Patreon in February: www.patreon.com/Meikebabel

[@rbrianharris]

I was just thinking the same thing. It's like a TED talk... no wasted moments, words. No need to endlessly repeat and berate an idea. State it. Support it. Move on!

[@johnmccane1970]

Thank you for this lesson. I am still struggling with my serves and this video helped me a lot. Especially when you showed how to toss the ball. Greetings from Russia!)

[@saidtadros3422]

Perfect ✔️ and spot on 3 in ONE easy illustration of a very difficult topic - for many, even the good players👌

[@ginawilliams7577]

Great video and especially liked to hear when you would/would not use the kick or the slice serve and why. Excellent as usual.

[@catherinebush2387]

You are an amazing teacher and I have learned more from you than I have from my coach with weekly lessons. He is always impressed with my improvement. Thank you so much 🥰🥰💖💖

[@georgeloayza8700]

Just wanted to say : Thank you , thank you, thank you . Finally I've found what I was missing in my serves. Great videos!!! Love the way you explained all the angles and shots. Just Fantastic.

[@AaeriosYT]

Best serve video I’ve ever seen. Thank you!

[@migelowsky]

The only thing that I would add, is that on the kick serve you stay with your body pointing more to the side. Don't open so soon. You already commented about that in your stand alone kick serve video, but just another tip if someone hasn't seen it. Thanks 🙂🎾

[@andreugentzen2738]

By the way: great tip (from Jeff), which really works on the kick serve: place your left foot (if u'r righty), parallel to the line. It really works.

[@rafaelmarquez1315]

Thank you Meike. Your video is really helpful.

[@thorcyar]

I'm going to only keep only you as my tennis videos source : your content is wayyy better than anything I've subscribed so far. Straight to the point. Very good explanations. No click 🪤. A touch of funny humour... Thank you very much!

[@audreylee3115]

Totally agree, very precise , no BS, German style🎉❤

[@lenr7439]

That was the most concise and clearest discussion of the differences in the 3 serves that I have seen. Thanks!

[@ethanw908]

Best explanation and demonstration of the three types of serves. I’ve seen a lot of these videos, this one is easiest to understand. Great job.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

That's great to hear!

[@christophergerber6637]

Ein weiteres grossartiges Video! Klasse, alle 3 Varianten kompakt und dennoch umfassend in ein Video zu packen. Die kleinen, feinen Hinweise sind spitze: „aim a little shorter“. „Take some pace off“ - gerade im Slice Seve! Auch der Hinweis, den slice von rechts aufs „T“ zu setzen (da er sich in den Körper des Returners dreht) - super. Der meiste Mist hier auf YT „empfiehlt“ (nur) den „curve ball out wide“…Auch die Hinweise zum ball toss, eben nicht zu weit nach rechts und in den court rein - mega! Weltklasse auch die „pros & cons“ zu jedem serve type. Praktikermässig. Ohne Verwissenschaftlichung (gilt auch für die Tatsache, dass Du Pronation und deren Bedeutung erwähnst, aber nicht überstrapazierst!). Wow! Ich denke, ein „Gegenspielervideo“ würde noch Sinn machen, konkret: Wie / wohin returniere ich am Besten auf die verschiedenen Typen (vorausgesetzt ich erkenne sie früh genug)? Spontan fällt mir ein: Wann setze ich einen (scharfen oder floating) RH-Slice als return ein, wann nicht? Wo gehe ich glatt durch. Wie muss ich den backswing ändern? Oder den Griff? Wann sollte ich besser chippen und wie? Wie reagiere ich auf ein nur reingeschobenes 2nd serve „Ei“ (footwork, stance, shot selection)? Was mach ich als Einhänder beim Klassiker „kick nach aussen in die RH“? Ansonsten: weiter so! Die Videos und der Kanal sind der Hammer!!

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Hallo Christopher! Das ist eine klasse Idee mit den Returns! Hatte ich auch schon auf der Liste, aber ich muss erst einen Partner finden, der alle diese Aufschläge auch kann :-) Und ich finde es immer schön zu hören, dass jemand die kleinen details auch würdigt!

[@kykwan49]

Thanks!

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Thank you! Your support helps me to create more content!

[@ChangeBeUs]

Amazing lesson. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

My pleasure!

[@amirsanchez8193]

Great explanation, Meike! I use the flat and slice serve as my first serve, directed to the left of the deuce side or to the body on the ad side. For the second serve, mostly kick serve and a sometimes the slice serve, mostly to the body or the T on both sides

[@luisrodea8651]

Wow! Great video! I have not seen anybody explain these 3 serves like you...Thank you very much!

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@patricklee3962]

Great lesson. Thanks!

[@andreugentzen2738]

Thanks so much Meike! Love the clear, insightfull and passionate way in which you explain every single detail of this wonderful sport. With Jeff (Salzenstein), you are the best comunicators. Congrats and again THANK YOU!!

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

You are so welcome!

[@robertaugustynowicz3841]

It s one of the most clear and understandable explenationes I ve heard. Very valuable especially to someone starting and trying to learn to serve on their own.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Thank you!

[@a.johnhsu5596]

I have to agree with Robert about the video. The three serves are explained well. I would also add that it is equally important to cover the proper serve grip, which is the continental grip (aka hammer grip). It is very difficult (if not impossible) to pronate using anything other than the continental grip.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

@@a.johnhsu5596 Yes, you are absolutely right. I've stressed that in all my other serve videos so I felt I didn't want to be "naggy" again :-)

[@a.johnhsu5596]

@@MeikeBabelTennis Hi, my comments were directed more towards Robert since he mentioned "...someone starting and trying to learn on their . For the self-taught/self-starter, please use the continental grip on serves. Also, this video covering the three different serves was my introduction to your video series. Very informative! Thank you!

[@waynejohnson1450]

An excellent description of each of these types of serves. The vision of Thiem's ball placement and swing path complemented your presentation perfectly. Many thanks.

[@shriramoka]

Amazing video . Insightful and simple to follow 👍🏻🎾🌟💯

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Thank you.

[@JeffCrowell11]

Great lesson Meike. Thank you.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Glad you liked it!

[@cesarfernandezlopez5063]

MEIKE, GREAT PLAYER, GREAT COACH 🙃❤ MY FAVOURITE IS THE FLAT , THE SLICE ASWELL, I NEED TO PRACTICE MORE THE KICK , BUT DEFINITELY I HAVE TO IMPROVE THEM ALL ...😅 THANK YOU

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Rock on!

[@steved604]

Great instructions! Made so much sense. Simple, clear, effective.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Great to hear that I'm hitting the nerve so to speak :-)

[@steveshvartsberg1312]

Thank you

[@warrenbaillie8984]

Excellent tutorial- absolutely love your content and coaching style 🙌

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@angelagallegos4106]

Great serve lesson - mostly hit flat little slice but would love to learn the kick 🎾

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

I got a video for that :-)

[@franciscomanrique4979]

Buen video. Lo enseñaré a mi hijo de 11 años !! 👍👍🏾🇪🇸🇪🇦

[@nathanmiller6051]

Thank you for this excellent lesson 🙏 appreciate you Coach Babel!

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Any time!

[@marcwente8943]

great video! love the tactical applications of each serve! I'm a righty, and would generally use slice out wide and flat for the T. Never though of the advantage / challenge of returning a slice down the T on the deuce side especially in doubles! will try this out more often.

[@Better_Call_Raul]

Good explanation and demo of the slice serve wide from the deuce at 05:40. "You are not pronating as much and racquet face will be ever so slightly tilted four to six degrees..." And we see a clip of Thiem and the difference between flat T and slice wide. With regard to the difference between the slice serve wide and a flat serve wide to the deuce (same target), this is the way I think of it: The ball is on the strings for about 3 milliseconds. At *first touch* (let's call it millisecond 1), the strings will be pointing exactly the same on both the slice and flat serves, since the ball always goes where the strings are pointing. Note also that the racquet face will be slightly tilted a few degrees on *both* the flat and slice serve during the first touch. To be clear, this is strictly at *first touch* . The strings are pointing exactly in the same direction. Correct me if I am wrong on this. Now we move on from first touch to the rest of the 3 milliseconds of contact. If we look at the instant the ball leaves the strings on a slice serve at (millisecond 4), the forearm will be in a less pronated position ( . If we look at the instant the ball leaves the strings on a flat serve, the forearm will be in a slightly more pronated position. Thus, this slight delay in the end pronation on the slice serve is what imparts the sidespin.

[@bournejason66]

Our arm/hand is not capable of holding a 10+ oz object and making any movement within 3ms.

[@Better_Call_Raul]

@@bournejason66 That is true. I am strictly discussing what is physically happening during the 3ms of contact, for those that are interested... Just as we know from high speed video that the racquet face is often slightly closed a few degrees for *topspin forehands* . Knowing that fact might help some players adjust their *overall swing path* to achieve the desired angle at contact.

[@ginawilliams7577]

Would like a little addition to this video on how to cope with receiving a slice or kick serve!

[@K4R3N]

Big lesson, thank you! Good distinction between topspin and true kick serve

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Thank you!

[@14Bridger]

Excellent lesson!

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Thanks! 😃

[@hugoperalta1715]

That´s a great video!!! a master video!! Congratulations coach!!!

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Thank you so much!

[@SilverBloodedOne]

Great tips & content, Meike! One of the top TennisTubers! Keep ‘em coming!

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Thanks! Will do for sure!

[@geld5220]

awesome! really clear and w example demonstrations and clip with comparisons.. really excellent! (subscribing)!

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Thank yoU! Feel free to recommend my channel to your tennis friends!

[@siyungjung7162]

Thank you for your clear explanation.

[@blaskbla]

Great lesson as always! Not favorite but most useful (at least for me) is a slice server. By having a good error margin I can play the slice serve as first as well as the second serve. Hint for the next video: How to return every type of the serve

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

That's a great idea!!!!!!

[@svarodzic]

My favorite serve is when it's in! :)))

[@temisanpopo8036]

gold quality info

[@the1tfactor]

Another great video! You say aim the slice shorter. Is deep or short more a function of contact location on the ball itself, or air target over the net? Thanks for the awesome content.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Both actually.

[@the1tfactor]

@@MeikeBabelTennis I shall experiment!

[@luckyintheorder]

Not tall but hit a deep flat serve to the wide side on the AD court effectively. My flats stay down and many returners put the ball in the air versus something low and hard with angle. In doubles, this gives my net partner a lot of balls. I think of the serve aim in three quadrants forehand, body, backhand and usually keep serves deep in the box (maybe due to 5'10" stature (?). I tend to aim to a primary quadrant with the "body" as the slight miss quadrant. So most service games are two quadrants, backhand/body or body/forehand. At the level we play, this is super effective and get's my partner a lot of opportunities at the net. If Meike was my partner, I'd never see another ball come back off the volley ;-)

[@davebeery_youtube]

My flat serve frequently goes into the net or goes long, but has lots of speed and is nice when it works. My slice is much more reliable and great for the deuce court. Kick serve is getting better and helps a lot in the Ad court.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

You're describing to the "t" the cons for flat and how to use the other two smartly!

[@hanseat7950]

Hi Meike, vielen Dank für das sehr informative Video! Meine Lieblingsaufschläge sind: Slice/Slick nach außen auf der Einstandsseite und Slice durch die Mitte sowie Kick nach Außen auf der Vorteilsseite. Ich habe Schwierigkeiten, den Aufschlag durch die Mitte von der Einstandsseite ins Feld zu treffen. Hast du da evtl. einen guten Tipp (wie immer) parat?

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Nur den dummen, alten Tip: üben, üben! Und nimm Dich doch mal selbst auf und schau, ob Du was erkennen kannst, das Dir diesen Aufschlag schwerer macht. Vielleicht ist der Ballwurf anders? Ich hatte auch immer eine Schokoladenseite und egal wieviel ich's trainiert habe, meine Slice Aufschläge waren jetzt nicht so der Hammer.

[@jorged4763]

You upload a great videos , I am following you for a while . Regarding serve, why you never mentioned the importance of the wrist ? (If it’s right or not in order to generate power and protect the shoulder) thanks !

[@jumpsofjupiter]

Awesome!

[@bmanbusee3812]

Great video. So if I'm not mistaken, there is no pronation on the kicker (wherein the palm faces outward) but instead it faces inward after hitting? It appears in your demo you are doing the former but the pro is doing the latter? Maybe this is what I've been missing. Thanks for the clarification!

[@bmanbusee3812]

Thanks.

[@iben6234]

Kick serve is great

[@paulclutton6177]

Great videos Meike. Do you vary the speed of serves to throw off returner rhythm or does this adversely impact consistency too much? Similarly do you change your serve starting position to give the returner variety of incoming ball paths? Any comments on adjusting ball toss to cater for sun position?

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Yes to different speeds, varying the spins alone will already do that. I never really changed my positioning because it threw me off more than them :-) Serving into the sun is a tough one. You can turn ever so slightly to change the angle with which the sun hits you. Or toss a bit lower. Both can throw you off though so it's really a trade off. Do you wanna be blinded or make more mistakes. It's rough!

[@paulclutton6177]

@@MeikeBabelTennis Thank you very much for your comments and again for a series of truly superior tennis videos.

[@fregatter]

Thanks for the lesson! Very well explained! As I see you play yonex super rd comp racquet? Do you like it?

[@Oldking3]

Brilliant as ever thank you . I guess the missing serve is the sneaky underarm ( oh & the pancake!)

[@lianjin5017]

How can you do a kick-slice serve?

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

There is no such thing. Sometimes, players end up hitting a slice because they hit a bad toss that was meant to be for a kick.

[@LubaLuba1]

Meike I thought you said should over should hip over hip when doing the slice but with the example of Thiem clip he’s turning in with shoulder?

[@roccoedwards]

Can't remember if you mentioned it, but I find the flat serve to be the most accurate. If I'm in a groove, I can place it anywhere I want in the box and I pretty much know what kind of return my opponent is going to hit... if they can get it back in play.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

That makes sense yes. I didn't say it because it also might be personal experience. I find my kick more accurate. But that could easily be because I use it more often.

[@rds4629]

For coach or other fellow amateurs, do you guys feel safe using slice serve as your main 2nd? I'm chagrinned to realize my kick serve really is a twist... I did the thing of letting the toss drop and it lands behind the baseline as well as at about 1 o clock (I'm a lefty). But I'm working on getting a good contact point for a kicker; I may need to get my wife to record my serves...

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

I think it's always great if you can even mix up your second serve as well. some slice AND some kick. But if it's "only" a slice, see if you can mix up the placement.

[@chrispusey1659]

So you said a bit tilted when doing the slice serve?

[@franccastilla3881]

How high should I throw the ball?

[@sergeyltk]

What about backspin serve? Is it used by pros?

[@verdellwright6303]

My favorite: Up the tee w/ some slice to it.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

That's a good one!

[@carlodave9]

I use them all. But when the flat & kick aren’t doing so great I slice the living daylights out of the first, so far wide & shallow that it often becomes an ace.