From boosting flexibility to providing aerobic exercise, tennis offers several benefits. To get the most from the game, you must master the many skills required to play it. If you’re starting tennis instruction, one of the first skills you’ll need to perfect is the serve—the shot that begins every point within a game. To help you get off on the right foot, here are a few tips that can help you improve your tennis service.

How to Master the Serve

1. Start With the Stance

Adopting the right stance will allow you to maintain balance as you move through the serve. After warming up, stand facing the net with your front foot just behind the baseline. Your toes should point to the net posts on the side of your dominant hand, and the heel should point in the general direction of the back foot. Keep the rear foot approximately parallel to the baseline. At first, the stance should be wide and allow you to shift your weight from the front leg to the rear leg. You’ll then shift it back to the front as you drag the rear foot forward and swing.

2. Relax

Many people who are new to tennis instruction assume that keeping the body tense will result in a more powerful serve. However, the opposite is true. To supply adequate force, keep the arm and hand relaxed. Instead of maintaining a tight grip throughout the swing, start loose and adjust as necessary to develop the power you want.

3. Tighten Up Targeting

The more accurately you aim the tennis ball, the more likely you’ll be able to score upon your opponent during a serve. Since it takes time to develop precise aim, use tennis instruction to identify specific targets and rework your serve until you hit your mark consistently.

4. Don’t Rush

Swinging fast and hard is another way that new players mistakenly believe they can develop a strong serve. Instead, however, serve using momentum aided by the correct technique. If you hit the ball at the perfect angle and your body is in the right place, the energy from an average swing will provide enough power, and the timing will work to your favor.

5. Stay Smooth

When you first start learning how to serve, you’ll likely view the process in multiple steps. Unfortunately, this approach can result in a choppy or fragmented serve. Once you’ve perfected your stance, grip, and aim, practice serving in a way that delivers the ball in one smooth, progressive movement.

Become a formidable tennis player with help from LifeSport Athletic Club – Libertyville. Supported by its experienced instructors and premiere courts, this fitness center can help players of all skill levels improve all elements of their tennis game—including their serves. To learn more about their tennis programs or fitness classes, visit this Lake County, IL, tennis club online. To schedule a lesson, call a friendly team member at (847) 362-5553.