By Stephen Huss, Program Director, Huss 75 76 Tennis at Crooked Creek
Pros and amateurs both like to hit the “big serve,” and hitting an ace feels fantastic. But I encourage you to try the least used serve location with your first serve — the body serve. It seems counterintuitive to serve the ball straight to your opponent, but it tests their footwork and quickness to get out of the way to swing at the ball, especially against taller players who have good reach to the outside; it doesn’t allow them to take a full swing at the ball.
The body serve can be a great set-up for an easy volley or overhead for your partner at the net. A second-serve body serve is common, but not nearly as effective because the lack of speed on the serve gives your opponents more time to move and swing. So, try adding this shot to your repertoire!
About Stephen: Stephen Huss is from Melbourne, Australia. He was an All American in singles and doubles at Auburn University and is a former National Women’s coach. He has coached Sofia Kenin, Jennifer Brady, and Caroline Dolehide. Huss is a former assistant coach at Virginia Tech (men’s tennis) where the team earned a #12 national ranking. He also is the 2005 Wimbledon Men’s Doubles Champion. Huss has competed in 37 grand slams, won 4 ATP titles, 17 Challenger Titles, and 8 Future Titles. Stephen runs his Elite Tennis Program, Stephen Huss 75 76 Tennis out of Crooked Creek. More info: sceneytennis.net/stephen-huss-75-76-tennis.
