Service and Return (Part-3)
Throwing the ball too far forward on the tossup makes you lean forward and puts the ball in the net. Take note of your racquet some time when leaning forward, and you will see that it would be impossible for you to put the ball over the net as the racquet is coming downward.
Tossing the ball too far to one side puts you off balance. Not throwing the ball high enough makes you jerky in your swing. Be sure always of having a steady follow through on your service swing. A service is a "follow through" stroke, only it is made overhead. In serving have the body go forward with the stroke. Always be on your toes for your adversary's return of your serve. Do not be caught flatfooted.
The higher you must meet the ball the more angle you have to the service court.
Where is the best spot to place your service? Down the center line to your adversary's backhand, if that is his weakest point, or if he is standing too far to the side of the court. This gives you less ground to protect on the return.
If the server is good on his backhand volleying, it would pay to serve to the opponent's right as thus you put him out of position. He then naturally drives the ball to your backhand, and you have the whole court to his left in which to volley the ball. In the other court, serve well to his left. He then is likely to drive the ball to your forehand, giving you an easy volley to his right. However, do not stick to one plan. Try to have your adversary guessing at all times where you are going to put the ball while serving.
If the server does not come up to the net be sure to get height and depth to your return. In case he does come up on his service keep your eye on the ball (not on him) and return the ball close to the side line. Make your opponent extend himself for your returns. The only time to drive a ball directly at your opponent is when he is so close that he has no time to get his racquet in position to meet it. A fast ball is easy to volley if the volleyer has time to judge it.
In singles serve from the center of the court-In this way one protects both sides of the court equally on the return. Take for instance a player who stands at the extreme right of the court to serve. He leaves a big opening on his left unprotected. In case a ball is returned to his backhand, near the side line, he has to travel four or five extra feet. The reverse holds true when serving in the opposite court. The center of the court is the dividing line for your angles. He who keeps that position at all times does less running.
One can get his ball in court from the center as well as from the extreme right of the court.
In doubles, where your position is covering only half of the court, it is always best to stand between the center service line and the side line of the single court. It takes a good player to pass you from that angle on a cross court shot. In case he does it is probably due to your partner not being up to the net.
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