The three most important shots in tennis are the serve, the return of serve and the next shot after them, often called the plus one. Every point starts with a serve and a return, and analyses of professional matches have found that a large share of points end within the first few shots of the rally. The server’s first groundstroke after the return, and the returner’s first shot after the serve, often decide who takes control of the point. Players who train these three shots deliberately usually win more points than players who spend most of their practice on long baseline rallies. This guide explains why each shot matters, how to improve it, how the three shots work together as patterns, how to structure practice around them, how to track progress and the mistakes that cost players points at the start of rallies.
Why these shots matter
| Shot | Why it matters | Key goal |
|---|---|---|
| Serve | Starts every service point and controls the first move | High first-serve percentage with placement |
| Return | Neutralizes the server; every return game depends on it | Get the ball back deep and in play |
| Plus one | Turns an early advantage into control of the point | Attack short balls or build with depth |
The serve
The serve is the only shot in tennis that you control completely, with no incoming ball to react to. A good serve lets you start points on your terms, create weak returns and set up your next shot. Placement usually matters more than raw speed. Serving to the T, wide or at the body with variety keeps returners guessing. A reliable second serve with spin is just as important as a strong first serve, because double faults give away points and a weak second serve invites attack. Focus on a consistent toss, relaxed rhythm and clear targets.
The return of serve
Half of all points in a match start with you returning serve, yet many players practice returns far less than serves or groundstrokes. A good return neutralizes the server’s advantage and gives you a chance to win the point. Against strong first serves, focus on a compact swing, a well-timed split step and getting the ball back deep, often through the middle of the court. Against weaker second serves, step in and look to attack, perhaps to the server’s weaker side. Consistency comes first, since a missed return gives away the point immediately.
The plus one
The plus one is the first shot after the serve or return. For the server, it is usually the first groundstroke after the return. For the returner, it is the first shot after the server’s plus one. This shot often decides who controls the rally. If the serve draws a short return, the server can attack with a forehand into the open court. If the return is deep, the server may need to play a neutral ball and build the point. The plus one works best when it is planned in advance, so you know where you want to hit before the point starts.
Building patterns
The three shots are most effective when they are linked into patterns. For example, a right-handed server might serve wide in the deuce court, then hit a forehand into the open court on the plus one. Another common pattern is serving to the T, then hitting the plus one to the opponent’s weaker side. For returners, a deep return through the middle followed by a strong crosscourt shot can neutralize the server and start building the point. Having two or three reliable patterns gives you a clear plan under pressure.
Why the first four shots decide so much
In many matches, especially on faster surfaces and at higher levels, points are short. The serve creates pressure, the return either neutralizes or fails, and the plus one either takes control or gives it away. Even at club level, many points end early because of missed returns, double faults or errors on the first groundstroke. Improving these shots can therefore have a large effect on results, even if your long-rally game stays the same.
Step-by-step: training the three shots
- Serve 50 to 80 balls in most practice sessions, mixing first and second serves.
- Practice returns against a variety of serves, speeds and spins.
- Plan two or three serve plus one patterns and drill them.
- Plan return plus one patterns for both first and second serves.
- Play short points focused on the first four shots.
- Track first-serve percentage and return-in percentage.
- Review video to check technique and patterns.
Practice games
Serve plus one game: The server must win the point within three shots to score; otherwise the returner scores.
Return challenge: The returner scores a point for every return that lands deep past the service line.
Second serve battle: Every point starts with a second serve, training both a reliable second serve and an aggressive return.
First-strike tennis: Play sets where points count double if won within the first four shots.
Tracking progress
Simple stats help measure improvement. Track first-serve percentage, points won on first and second serve, double faults, return-in percentage and points won on return. Note how many points you win or lose within the first four shots. Over time, these numbers show whether your work on the serve, return and plus one is paying off.
Balancing with other skills
Focusing on the first three shots does not mean ignoring everything else. You still need solid groundstrokes, volleys, movement and fitness for longer rallies and difficult matches. The idea is to make sure that these high-frequency shots receive the practice time they deserve. Many players find that improving the serve, return and plus one makes the rest of their game easier, because they start more points in a strong position.
Adapting for doubles
In doubles, the serve, return and first volley or first groundstroke are even more important, since points tend to be shorter. Servers aim for a high first-serve percentage and often follow the serve toward the net. Returners focus on low, crosscourt returns away from the net player. The plus one often becomes a first volley or a poach by the net player. Practicing these patterns with your partner helps you win more short points.
Common mistakes
- Spending little time on serve and return practice.
- Going for too much on returns of strong first serves.
- Weak second serves that invite attack.
- No plan for the plus one.
- Recovering slowly after the serve.
- Not tracking stats for serve and return.
- Practicing only long rallies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the plus one shot in tennis?
The server’s first shot after the return, or the returner’s first shot after the server’s next ball. It often decides who controls the point.
Why is the return of serve so important?
It starts every return point, and a missed return gives the server a free point. A solid return neutralizes the server’s advantage.
How much should I practice serves and returns?
Many players include serves in most sessions and dedicate regular time to returns and serve plus one patterns.
