Underhand Serve

Articles In This Section:

· The Serve

· Underhand Serve

· Overhand Serve

· Roundhouse Serve

· Comparative Value of the Three Serves

· The Screen for the Server - Part 1

· Strategy of the Serve

· Role of the Serve in National Championships

In executing the underhand service, the server should be back of the end line and within the extensions of the side lines. This is the service area as denned in the rules. The server should stand with his knees flexed, and, in the case of a right-handed player, his left foot should be slightly in front of the right. The ball is held in the left hand to the front and right side of the body so that it will be directly in line with the right hand. A high back swing should be made with the right arm, and the forward swing should be made directly under the shoulder and the ball. The elbow should be kept straight. The ball is hit off the left hand similarly to the way a golf ball is hit off a tee. A good follow-through is essential. The right hand should be held like a claw and the ball should be hit with the heel of the hand. Some players use a closed fist and hit the ball with the heel and flat surface of the fist, but it is difficult to have the control with the fist that one has with the open hand. As the swing is made, a short step forward should be made with the left foot, shifting the body weight to the left foot. Special care should be taken to keep the foot from touching the end line, which would constitute a foot fault and result in the loss of serve.

By continued practice, it is possible to hit the ball directly in the center, causing it to make its flight without any spinning or turning. This causes the ball to jump and slide, making a very effective serve.