Tennis Tactics - How To Hold Your Serve In Matches

Tennis Tactics - How To Hold Your Serve In Matches. When it comes to winning singles matches in tennis, nothing is more important than being able to hold your serve games, meaning that you win the games in which you serve. If you are a good returner who is able to break your opponent's serve but can't hold your own, you'll always struggle to win matches, especially against stronger opponents who know how to win their own service games.
In this free lesson, coach Simon Konov and coach Alex Slabinsky of Top Tennis Training will show you how to hold your serve in matches, using certain serve set plays.
This means your serve plus the first shot you'll hit after your opponent's return. Depending on where you hit your serve, you can anticipate an opponent's likely return and then plan your next shot from their return.
There are six main targets to aim for when you serve in tennis,
1. Out wide on the deuce side service box
2. Into the body on the deuce side service box
3. Down the T on the deuce side service box
4. Down the T on the advantage side service box
5. Into the body on the advantage side service box
6. Out wide on the advantage side service box
Within each of these six targets, you can mix up the spins you use and the power you serve with. This can be a game in itself, for instance, if you serve to target six, you can use a kick serve, a flat serve or a slice serve, and you can increase or reduce the power. This will throw off the returner's timing and make it harder for them to build a rhythm.
Then with your first shot, you will have options on where to go.
You can break down the court into three zones, each zone being around 33% of the width of the singles court:
1. Zone one starts at the singles sideline on the deuce side and ends a few feet to the right side of the center line.
2. Zone two starts off-center on the right side and ends off-center on the left side of the court.
3. Zone three starts off-center on the left side and finishes at the singles sideline on the advantage side of the court.
You can then make your own pattern of play using numbers:
1. Number one with your serve followed by number one with your first shot. This would make an 11, or a 1-1.
2. Number one with your serve followed by number two with your first shot. This would make an 12, or a 1-2.
3. Number one with your serve followed by number three with your first shot. This would make an 13, or a 1-3.
4. Number two with your serve followed by number one with your first shot. This would make a 21, or a 2-1.
5. Number two with your serve followed by number two with your first shot. This would make a 22, or a 2-2.
6. Number two with your serve followed by number three with your first shot. This would make a 23 or 2-3.
7. Number three with your serve followed by number one with your first shot. This would make a 31, or a 3-1.
8. Number three with your serve followed by number two with your first shot. This would make a 32 or a 3-2.
9. Number three with your serve followed by number three with your first shot. This would make a 33 or a 3-1.
These are the options you have on the deuce side only, you can repeat all of these on the advantage side.
Download our free tactics guide here -
www.top-tennis-training.com/t...
#tennis #tennistactics #tennislesson

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Download our FREE Tactics PDF here - www.top-tennis-training.com/tactics-guide/ Subscribe to our KZbin channel here - bit.ly/2V1F13c Make sure you turn on the notification bell 🔔

[@dmitryprivate6558]

When people in my tennis club serve, they go through 3 steps: 1. Prey. They vow that if the ball gets in the service box, they will do anything! 2. 1st Serve. It goes at about 200 mph (320 kph for our euro friends). The ball goes over the service box, over the court, over the head of the opponent, hits the back fence as if attempting to make a hole in it. 3. 2nd Serve. It goes at about 25 mph. Now the opponent preys that the ball hits the net or misses the service box. Tennis is much more complicated that anyone thinks.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

You should send them this link then - kzbin.info/aero/PLJP-Wou-v6z3GzxDNn8ASj4qDSIgyaHPX

[@LiMingHillman]

Dmitry Private why is this so true lmaooo

[@MattSuddarth]

You mean "pray"? lmao

[@patrickweston3293]

Yes. Those second serves are bad and deserve to be punished!

[@kirkspears3558]

Use this method of serving today in a match. I won 6-4,6-1. I kept my opponent off balance. Thanks for the video.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

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

[@SweetSpot1]

Of all the tennis lectures on youtube, this is definitely my favourite yet. Watched the premiere yesterday and I watch it again today. Thank you very much!

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Thank you for the support Sweet Spot Are there any lessons you would like to see in the near future? All the best Simon

[@SweetSpot1]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficialI would love to see more videos about tactics and playing patterns. Great channel, keep it up!

[@mariahenyk8413]

Thaaank you for this amazing video! Today I played a match and thought where I want to aim before each serve. It made a huge difference and it’s really more beneficial than my usual mindset of “please may I just get it in”. Can’t wait for a similar video on the return of serve tactics!

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Thanks for watching 👍 Are there any lessons you would like to see in 2022? Best wishes, Simon

[@AlonParis22]

Very helpful guys. Only seeing this now but I realized I had a play for just one or two serves on each side. Having a plan for each serve variation seems obvious now. And practicing each separately even more so. Cheers

[@McGradey]

Been waiting for this video for a while. Thanks guys.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

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

[@javiersolera6039]

Thank you guys for this video. I’m looking forward for more tactics lessons. Great work!

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

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

[@jorgedavidtasconhernandez6116]

Excellent video! Every top tennis player have a plan before every point, and they show the options! 👌🏻👌🏻

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

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

[@susan9270]

That was amazing! Thank you so much for sharing these ideas. So clear!

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

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

[@ptrckkear1]

Excellent content as usual. Thank you.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Many thanks 🙏

[@jnbmusic4092]

Great content guys! Awesome to hear the tactical decision making in advance of the rally!

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

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

[@gordonh9921]

Thanks for this video mate! great experience. I am 13 from Sydney and I just play some ITF matches (I'm not that good). Great to see you teaching everyone in the tennis community

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

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

[@andrewwarren654]

Awesome vid and summary!

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Glad you liked it

[@bernardox30]

Exactly what I was looking for 👍🏽👍🏽

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

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

[@lanal3996]

Thank you for the great video!

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Thank you for the support 🙏 All the best Simon

[@victormendoza1272]

Agreeing with previous comments: most useful video I’ve seen in a long time! So much brilliant content. Thank you guys!

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

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

[@victorroman76]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Thanks for asking: a return tactics video would be great. But honestly, this serve tactics video is more than enough for me to process and assimilate. Thanks again!

[@jamesduffy5019]

S & A, great stuff! Looking at the parched grass, and today it feels like March in Dorset. Missing the ☀️ already😎 . My hit this evening will require winter gear! 🌧💨 . Excellent coaching guys👍

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Thank you for watching James Same up here in Oxford, 27 degrees on Tuesday, was enjoying the sunshine, today I've been in a winter jacket and hat and battling the thunderstorms. Massive shift in temperature Are there any lessons you would like to see in the near future? All the best Simon

[@sol029]

Fantastic content as always you guys.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Thanks for watching 👍 Are there any lessons you would like to see in the near future? Best regards, Simon

[@patrickweston3293]

This video is your best! Always have a plan. Even a bad plan is better than no plan. I seldom get broken, thanks to your two digit planning template!

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Thank you for watching 👍

[@sardisukimin9359]

Excellent video thank's👍

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@salahaladwan2296]

Great video this helped me to improve I want more videos like this one❤️❤️🎾🎾

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Thank you for watching All the best Simon

[@oboist4him]

You guys are the only two I trust online

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

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

[@rajatisivan381]

One of the best videos you have made! Great work!

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

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

[@rajatisivan381]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Would love your take on the other side of this coin. What are the common tactics and strategies to break serve? What kind of drills can accelerate the learning curve for returning serves. From a tactic standpoint, Agassi and Djokovic come to mind. Maybe some analysis of what they do that makes them so successful

[@ghigiarellisamuel3348]

High quality content!!

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

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

[@HadyKhaled]

Stunning video guys ❤️❤️❤️

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

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

[@richards1243]

I love the dunlop racket that you use!

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Have you played with it? Very solid frame

[@richards1243]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial I have. Bought one on a whim, and loved it, so I bought another one. Are you still using it? What brand is your white racket? Also love your channel. Great stuff!

[@hinguyen9584]

Great video on tactics.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

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

[@alangoudie2299]

Another valuable video.I only wish I was 50 years younger to play as I would like to. Thank you.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

You can do it Alan! Thank you for watching All the best Simon

[@jonaheifetz]

great video, thanks! Had never thought about this. I am also one of those who just prays the serve goes into the box. Nice new challenge to actually place it consciously :-).

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

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

[@transklutz]

How to place serves where you want them.

[@michaeltoh3165]

Great video guys. Really useful. Will try it out when we get back to the courts. #staysafe#staywell. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

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

[@michaeltoh3165]

Top Tennis Training - Pro Tennis Lessons . I really like the videos on tactics and strategies to be used during the games. It’s good. Thank you very much for asking. Appreciate it.

[@AlejandroBecerra1]

Thanks from Argentina

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

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

[@Tennis.101]

Good content, maybe the next video will be about on how to approach the return and break the opponent...

[@ignand]

I really like your videos great technical info

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

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

[@ignand]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial well Although I like tennis lessons I like watching games maybe you guys should do a video playing matches Ive seen other channels do that and then they do a second video reviewing techniques done and what faults players did. Its a fun way of interacting with the audience by showing actual games. Also if you want to do a technical video I dont think I've ever seen how to hit volley or drop shots clise to the net. Im sure there are videos out there but all I see is forehand and backhands and serves. Anyway hope that helped and looking forward for your videos in the near future.

[@patrickweston3293]

Excellent video, though a bit confusing at first since your diagram is presented from the receiver's POV. It's great to see such clear coaching followed directly by crisp execution! You guys compliment each other so well.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

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

[@patrickweston3293]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial I'd like some work on approaching the net, especially how to place and follow an approach shot for most strategic net coverage. I'm feeling vulnerable to the passing shot up there!

[@elchanclascocina]

I've been following this channel for probably a year and somehow missed this great video. I did struggle all video with the diagrams and that was going to be my feedback. Saludos!

[@shivamtrivedi5705]

Amazing video. Absolutely genius stuff. It's so simple but for an intermediate player this simple stuff makes all the difference. Cannot wait to try this. Have you made any videos on the service return as I think people would really want to see that? Also does the tactic change on the second serve in your opinion?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Thanks for watching Here are some return of serve lessons - kzbin.info/aero/PLJP-Wou-v6z2QMNd_hoRHnY5Mduth7Mcj

[@mu11ian]

Always great content. I always start matches with a plan, but by the middle of the 1st set...I've usually forgotten and it's hard to stick to it. Any ideas on HOW to keep to your plan and play every point as if its the most important?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

In that case, I would write it down and look over the notes at every change of ends. I'd also use a towel between points to regroup and plan the next point in line with my strategy. All the best Simon

[@feliperangel9656]

How do you feel with the Babolat for the one handed backhand? I've played with the last version, and it felt a bit unsable at contact, so I switched to the Yonex Ezone 100 .

[@samel-jouzi3028]

Played a match using these tactic you showed, took some getting used to, I lost the first set but I won the match after getting more familiar with these tactics

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Great to hear 👍

[@mchammer74]

Very instructive and informative vid guys. Keep on doing

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

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

[@mchammer74]

Top Tennis Training - Pro Tennis Lessons maybe a volley and smash instruction

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Check out these lessons: Volley - kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXLMdXpnhdumZ9U Smash - kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGeyhmekoZ5lmdk

[@kcazzzzz]

some really nice tips there. can you do a video for doubles set plays as well?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

That's in the pipeline, stay tuned

[@willecutlip]

Would be great to add links to your previous videos where you cover how to actually control your serve so you can consistently hit to 1 through 6.

[@patrickcarson290]

Hey guys hope you're doing well during these difficult times. I know this might be a random question but how do you hit a defensive lob? Do you like pop it up flat or sort of like chip it under the ball? Also, how do you take the racket back?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

You can hit it quite flat and go for more height with that option or you can add more underspin to the ball and aim lower but it will dip more than the flat option. The take back will be different for both, the flat dink would require less of a swing and it's all about controlling the angle at contact and the underspin option would require a slight swing to the ball

[@gordonhalliday-vargas1534]

Well done as ever chaps. A great structure. Will start using straight away and believe it's going to make a huge difference. PS - can you water that tennis court please :-)

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

I'd love to water them, trouble is the club doesn't have a hose or sprinkler system so we rely on rain. Didn't rain for around 6 weeks and we had great sunshine for the month of May,turning the grass brown

[@minecraftgamer9099]

Thanks jou

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

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

[@serveyourname5565]

One question: My daily practice is focused on serves. I don't want a long rally at all. Do you reckon that this kind of strategy is close to a fairy tale since no one can be that perfect in serves? But I want my serves to be as accurate as Federer's, if not as fast. Should I change my mindset ASAP or stick to my guns until I retire as a rec player?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

I like the mentality but it’s not a bad idea to also work on the rest of your game. Serve plus one is still key though 👍

[@iceman1125]

can you show more videos for guys who have weak serve and the returns are deep. I usually have to always defend on my serve, it will greatly help improve my game

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Well instead of trying to deal with hard returns, maybe it will be better if you work on improving your serve so the returner has a harder job? Check out these lessons - kzbin.info/aero/PLJP-Wou-v6z3GzxDNn8ASj4qDSIgyaHPX

[@iceman1125]

Top Tennis Training - Pro Tennis Lessons agree but still also show strategies for deep Returns. This one was pretty helpful too

[@youssefyacoub7568]

Great video. It would have been easier to follow if the numbers in the diagram were on the other side of the court to be the same hitting direction as the actual video. It is a bit confusing to have to mirror it.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

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

[@shaunacole1]

What about tactics for players who have only one type of serve, Ie not so advanced

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Same set ups but with the one type of serve you have

[@wikingwarrior8859]

I have a bit of a problem on my serve. I changed from a pinpoint stance to a platform stance, my serve got more consistent, but i have a very hard time generating power, i can't figure out whats wrong. Got any tips for platform power? Sorry about my english it's a second language

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

The platform serve works very well when you can explode up into the ball using a good leg drive, I cover this in this lesson - kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6nViIl5j5yDgqs

[@wikingwarrior8859]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial thanks a Lot

[@jlook6070]

Great video on tactics! I might have to go against my coach's advice of passive play: up the middle or only crosscourt sending it back the way it came. But it seems very not nice guy to try and beat the opponent with difficult balls. I'm told only college players and pros should consider learning tactics. What if your serve is slow due to injury that is slow to heal?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

If someone told me that, they'd get fired on the spot. Tactics work at EVERY level, even at the lowest levels of tennis, the player who usually wins is the one who knows how to win points. If your serve is slow, you should make sure you mix it up well and find out why the injury is not healing, see a physio, start doing plenty of rehab work with bands etc

[@jlook6070]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial I really need a video on how become a more aggressive player without crossing the line and becoming a "mean player". Also how to develop a sense of urgency while playing. But yeah I need tactics for sure. As for my serve I can only do flat and slice. I mix it up between mid box at the body and at the body at the T. I'm trying to find a clinic that specializes in tennis injuries. Someone recommended Racquet Fit but it's located multiple states away. I know it's something like the rotator cuff or something near there. Symptoms are clicking sounds when the shoulder moves loose in the socket and pain. Kick serve (any overhead serve motion) and overhead smash are completely off-limits. After the trophy pose, the racquet drop and everything thereafter is sub par so loss of pace is understandable. Strength training hasn't fully done the job, rest has so far been the best remedy.

[@transklutz]

J Look, you don't have to be "mean", you're just giving your opponent more exercise. If they don't like exercise, maybe consider choosing an opponent who enjoys it?

[@jlook6070]

@@transklutz That's probably a tennis mindset from my training. I was always told to give nice balls or else no one wants to play with you. Taught to be a nice guy on court.

[@davidevans1611]

@@jlook6070 The thought about how my opponent feels about a shot I hit never enters my mind. It's their problem to deal with just it like it is mine to handle whatever shot they hit.

[@dangerousdave321]

Simon, does your racquet have any extra weight added to it?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

No, straight out the box and kept it the same since

[@transklutz]

He adds weight to the racquet when he swings.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

transklutz?

[@transklutz]

Weight of the body... through the racquet... into the ball.

[@iceman1125]

one more thing you should suggest for guys who have mean slice and then come up to the net...how do you deal with that?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

We cover that in depth inside the full course which is being released in a few days time, stay tuned

[@transklutz]

Banana shot up the line.

[@FelixArdLykke]

Great play at 5.10

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

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

[@FelixArdLykke]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial well I was looking for some tip on how to improve serv holding. Something come to my mind. Pronation is the most important for a good serve. But how about second kickserve. Do I need to pronate the same as on first serve on kickserve? Of course on ks my toss should be more to left and I aim to hit ball upwards but the racket should more move to right side parallell baseline. Now I wounder obout pronation on kickserve and how much pronation compare to first serve do i need to do?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Check out these two lessons: Video one - kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5vTmmOZgteer9k Video two - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ-moKqjn8yBbNk

[@jorgeandrescoppiano.5715]

That PA is a spin rocket launcher

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

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

[@augustaugust2989]

So, next video about return

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Thank you for watching Stay tuned. . . All the best Simon

[@steveswen]

A little hard to follow for a left hander, I reversed the numbers will watch it again.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

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

[@shpingalet7895]

how to hold SERVF (:

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

?

[@seanpattersonmba]

What is this really odd surface?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Macadam

[@seanpattersonmba]

Top Tennis Training - Pro Tennis Lessons so that’s like clay or which ATP surface does it emulate?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

It's deemed a hard court, reacts well to topspin, similar to clay in that way but it's considered a slow hard court

[@DJDJ-qi6wr]

Roger Federer added this video to his bookmarks after the Wimby 19' final

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Savage haha

[@alloneword154]

All you gotta do is smash a first ball winner?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Not really, you construct the point in a way that sets up the best chance to force an error or expose the space

[@viksinha5410]

I’ve only been broken once in my life

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Mr Karlovic is that you again with another hidden account?

[@viksinha5410]

Top Tennis Training - Pro Tennis Lessons Haha no 😂

[@MikerobertM]

Too much talking bro

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

If you don't want instruction then watch match highlights bro