Tactical Use of the First Serve

The importance of getting the first serve in play is often misunderstood to center around the fact that the first serve is generally faster than the second serve, making it more difficult to return, and therefore an offensive weapon.

Especially at the recreational level, a second serve is generally considerably weaker than a first, often hit with a Western grip, or slowly spun into the service box.

Because of the difference between first and second serves, however, there is also a tactical aspect to serving that is often not understood by players.

The article goes on to discuss the various tactical situations created by first and second serves, and how both server and receiver can anticipate and take advantage of these situations.