The 2 Most Important Shots: Serve & Return

In tennis, the serve and return are often considered to be the two most important shots in the game. The serve is the shot that starts every point, and the return is the shot that sets the tone for the rest of the rally. In this article, we'll take a closer look at why these shots are so crucial to success on the tennis court.

The Serve

The serve is often referred to as the most important shot in tennis because it sets the tone for the point. A good serve can put your opponent on the defensive right from the start, giving you an advantage in the rally. A strong serve can also help you win points outright, either with an ace or by forcing a weak return that you can put away with an easy volley or overhead.

The serve is also the only shot in tennis that you have complete control over. Unlike groundstrokes or volleys, which can be affected by the spin and pace of your opponent's shot, the serve is entirely within your control. This means that you have the opportunity to dictate the terms of the point right from the start.

A strong serve requires a combination of power, accuracy, and placement. A powerful serve can be a weapon in itself, but it needs to be placed accurately in order to be effective. A well-placed serve can be just as effective as a powerful one, as it can force your opponent to hit a weak return that you can attack.

The Return

While the serve is often considered the most important shot in tennis, the return is just as important. A good return can neutralize your opponent's serve and put you on the offensive right from the start of the point. A weak return, on the other hand, can give your opponent an easy opportunity to attack and put you on the defensive.

A good return requires a combination of anticipation, footwork, and technique. You need to be able to read your opponent's serve and get into position quickly in order to make a good return. You also need to have good technique in order to make solid contact with the ball and return it with accuracy and depth.

One of the keys to a good return is to be aggressive. By attacking your opponent's serve, you can put them on the defensive and gain an advantage in the point. This doesn't mean that you have to hit a winner on every return, but you should be looking to hit the ball with pace and depth in order to keep your opponent on their heels.

In all, a strong serve can put your opponent on the defensive right from the start, while a good return can neutralize their serve and put you on the offensive. Both shots require a combination of power, accuracy, and technique, and mastering them can be the key to success on the tennis court. So the next time you step onto the court, remember to focus on your serve and return – they could make all the difference in your game.