Serving tactics

A point can be scored directly from the serve, therefore it is very important to perform it correctly, also from a tactical point. With beginning students it is already decisive that the ball can get over the net, therefore it is important that the serve can safely get to the opponent’s court.

We differentiate between strong and weak serves, depending on the power the student gives to the ball. Underhand serves cannot be hit very powerfully; the aim here is the safe performance.  With the tossed balls, some tricks can be done, and they can get a spin when they are hit. With beginners or at the instruction the tactical requirement should be primarily that the ball is sent over; then the focus is on the well-played serves, sent to empty areas, which can be:

• the ball arrives between two players
• in case of a disorganized defense
• targeting the poorly defended points of the opponent
• the ball arrives to a player who makes several errors