Most players already know the difference between a first
serve and a second serve: A first serve is a flat, fast
serve with little margin for error, while a second serve
is a slower spin serve with a higher margin for error. But,
most players do not know that they should put more emphasis
on improving their second serve than their first serve.
THIS IS IMPERATIVE! Why? Once you have established a quality
second serve you take the pressure off your first serve.
There is nothing more disconcerting than serving a big first
serve and knowing that if you miss, your opponent gets to
clobber your pitiful second serve! By not developing a
second serve you have created your own pressure cooker. I
call this self-induced pressure!
On the other hand, if you develop a top-notch second serve
you will be more relaxed when serving first serves. If you
miss, you bring out your second serve... No problem!
When I was learning my second serve, I would hit ONLY second
serves in practice and in all my matches for 3 to 4 months.
Whether I was hitting a first or second serve I would always
use my second serve. Finally, after my second serve was
developed I could begin working on my first serve. In my
match play I could go for the gold on my first serve,
knowing that I had a good second serve to back it up. It
felt great and gave me confidence!
One more reason YOU should spend lots of time on a second
serve... MOST PLAYERS DO NOT! If you would like to be better
than most players, do what most players won't do. Practice
second serves consistently. The player who puts in the
practice will have the winner's edge. Why not let it be YOU?
By the way, even though you are practicing second serves you
will still improve your first serve. Why? Because the basic
service motion is incorporated in the second serve. When you
switch back and begin working on your first serve you will
be pleasantly surprised!
