The best tennis serving drills train a consistent toss, accuracy to targets in each service box, a reliable second serve under pressure and the first shot after the serve. Short, focused serve sessions several times a week usually produce better results than occasional long sessions, because the serve depends on repetition and rhythm, and long sessions increase fatigue and shoulder load. A good serve practice includes a warm-up, a technical focus such as the toss, target work for first and second serves, pressure games and some serve-plus-one patterns. This guide lists the most useful serving drills, explains how to do each one, gives a weekly serve plan, shows how to track progress and covers the mistakes that slow improvement.
Health note: Serving places repeated stress on the shoulder, elbow and back. Warm up fully before serving, build volume gradually and include shoulder and core strengthening in your training. Reduce volume and seek advice from a qualified professional if you feel pain that persists or affects your motion.
Serving drills at a glance
| Drill | Goal |
|---|---|
| Toss and catch | A consistent toss in front and to the hitting side |
| Cone targets | Accuracy to T, body and wide targets |
| Second serve ladder | Reliable spin serves in a row |
| Pressure serves | Serving well when points matter |
| Serve plus one | Linking the serve to the next shot |
| Kneeling serves | Improve racquet drop and arm path |
| Rhythm serves | Smooth, relaxed timing |
| Serve and volley | Moving forward after the serve |
Toss and catch
A consistent toss is the foundation of a consistent serve. Stand in your serving position and toss the ball without hitting it, letting it drop. For a right-handed player, the ball should typically land slightly in front of the baseline and to the right of the front foot for a flat or slice serve, and further over the head for a kick serve. Some players catch the ball at the top of the toss or place a racquet or target on the ground where the ball should land. Keep the tossing arm straight and release the ball smoothly around head height. Do sets of ten tosses before serving.
Cone targets
Place cones, towels or targets in each service box at the T, body and wide positions. Serve ten balls to each target from both the deuce and ad courts, and count how many hit or land near the target. Aim slightly inside the lines to leave a margin. As you improve, make the targets smaller or require a certain number of hits before moving on. Target practice turns serving into a measurable skill.
Second serve ladder
A reliable second serve lets you take more risk with the first serve. Start with a goal, such as five second serves in a row landing in, using spin. When you succeed, increase the target to seven, then ten. If you miss, start the count again. Focus on spin, height over the net and depth rather than speed. This drill builds confidence in the second serve and trains focus.
Pressure serves
Serving in practice is different from serving in matches. Recreate pressure by playing games where you have two serves per point and lose a point for a double fault. Another option is to serve at simulated scores, such as 30-40 or in a tiebreak, and track results. Some players practice serving after running or at the end of a session, when tired, to simulate late-match conditions.
Serve plus one
The serve is only the first shot of the point. Practice serving to a target and then hitting a forehand or backhand to a second target from a feed or a real return. This trains you to recover after the serve and take control of the point. For example, serve wide in the deuce court, then hit the next ball into the open court. Linking patterns makes your serve more effective in matches.
Kneeling serves
Serving from a kneeling position removes the legs from the motion and focuses attention on the arm path, racquet drop and upward swing. Kneel on one knee at the baseline or slightly inside it and serve over the net, focusing on hitting up and out. This drill can help players who push the ball or struggle with the racquet drop. Use a soft surface or pad for the knee.
Rhythm serves
Many serve problems come from rushing or jerky movements. Practice slow, smooth serves at moderate pace, focusing on the timing between the toss and the swing. Some players use counts or words, such as down-up-hit, to keep the rhythm consistent. Gradually increase pace while keeping the same smooth motion.
Serve and volley
For players who want to attack the net, practice serving and moving forward, then split stepping and hitting a first volley. A partner or coach can return the serve. Start with serves to targets that produce weaker returns, such as wide or body serves. Even players who rarely serve and volley benefit from practicing the transition, since it adds variety.
Serving drills for juniors and beginners
Younger and newer players benefit from simplified serve drills. Start closer to the net, such as at the service line, and move back as they succeed. Use lower-compression balls where appropriate. Focus first on a consistent toss and a smooth motion rather than speed. Games such as hitting a large target area, or counting successful serves in a row, keep practice fun. As technique improves, introduce spin and smaller targets gradually.
Weekly serve plan
Many players benefit from three serve sessions a week of about 50 to 80 serves, adjusting to age, level and physical condition. Warm up the shoulder first with light movement and bands. Mix first and second serves in each session. Start with technique and rhythm, move to targets and finish with pressure games. Track your first-serve percentage and double faults. Take rest days, and reduce volume if your shoulder feels tired or sore.
Step-by-step: a 30-minute serve session
- Warm up for five minutes with shoulder mobility and light serves.
- Toss and catch for two sets of ten.
- Rhythm serves at moderate pace, ten to each side.
- Cone targets: ten serves to each target from both sides.
- Second serve ladder until you reach your goal.
- Serve plus one for several patterns.
- Pressure game with two serves per point.
- Record your stats and one thing to work on.
Tracking progress
Tracking makes serve practice more focused. Record first-serve percentage, second-serve percentage, target hits and double faults. Film your serve from the side and behind every few weeks to check the toss, racquet drop, leg drive and contact point. Compare results over time and adjust your practice to target weaknesses.
Common mistakes
- Serving without a target.
- Hitting too many serves in one session.
- Skipping the warm-up.
- Practicing only first serves.
- An inconsistent toss.
- Never practicing under pressure.
- Ignoring the shot after the serve.
Frequently asked questions
How can I make my serve more consistent?
Work on the same toss every time, a relaxed and rhythmic motion, and regular target practice for both first and second serves.
How many serves should I practice per session?
Many players do about 50 to 80 serves per session, three times a week, adjusting for age, level and shoulder health.
What is the best drill for the second serve?
The second serve ladder, making several spin serves in a row with good margin and depth, is a simple and effective drill.
