Why Do Tennis Players Get Two Serves?
The serve is a critical part of the game of tennis. Serving is considered an advantage, and winning your serve sets you up in a strong position for the match. But, unlike other racquet sports, in which you only get one serve, in tennis, you get two. So, why do tennis players get two serves?
Tennis players get two serves, so they have another chance of getting the ball in play if they miss their first serve. First serves are usually a lot more powerful, and players take chances by adding force to the serve. They can do this because they know they have another opportunity to get it right.
Serving is an essential part of your game if you’re playing tennis. Players use their first serves to try and gain an advantage over their opponent by serving powerfully. But what would happen if players only had one serve, and just how important is the first serve?
What Is The Reason That Tennis Players Get Two Serves?
The serve gives the player a rare advantage of starting off the point the way they want and setting themselves up in a strong position in the future.
Because they have two serves, players can take risks on the first serve, which adds an element of mystery and excitement to the game. If they knew they only had one serve, they would have to be much more conservative.
As a result, first serves are usually aggressive. In addition, first serves are typically powerful, with players taking a bit of a chance and adding force to the shot. They can do this because they know they have another opportunity to serve should the first serve miss.
Current thinking is that the serve gives you an advantage. Therefore, holding your serve is critical to setting yourself up to win a match.
Powerful serves are generally less accurate than lesser powerful ones. Players are less defensive because they know they have two chances to serve. They can go on the offensive and serve with power, taking the chance that it might go out but knowing they might also serve an ace.
Players use their first serve as an opportunity to ace their opponent and win the point immediately.
Even so, first serves generally only go in about 60 percent of the time, whether for professional athletes or league players. Moreover, some of the game’s most well-known and influential first servers, including Roger Federer, John Isner, Pete Sampras, and Andy Roddick, famously fall in the 60 percent range.
Of course, aces and powerful serves make for exciting viewing, and no doubt spectators enjoy these shots. However, if they were to only have one serve it would change the game dramatically. Players would need to be a lot less aggressive in their approach and prioritize getting the ball in the right place.
There is something inspiring and majestic about a record-breaking first serve. It adds a unique dynamic to the game, which increases competitiveness and makes it more enjoyable to watch. Having the second serve allows players breathing room and an opportunity to take the risk of a powerful shot.
Does Serve Influence Performance In Tennis?
Undoubtedly, having a good serve sets you up in a favorable position for the rest of the rally. Being able to ace your opponent is even better because you win the point outright.
Acing is also beneficial because it saves you the physical exertion of playing a rally. Rallies require energy; the more energy you expend, the more tired you become. Finally, serving an ace is hugely beneficial because it means you win the point immediately.
Players can have strong groundstrokes, but their game will suffer if their serve is weak. In addition, having a soft first serve is a severe disadvantage because your opponent will likely exploit this to their advantage.
A weak first serve gives your opponent the advantage, and they may use this to their advantage and break serve. If this happens enough times during a set, they will win.
Why Do First Serves In Tennis Often Go Out?
The fact is that most players use the first serve as an opportunity to exert power and force. The first serve is an opportunity to win the point, and it’s worth the risk. As a result, they often go out. Big hits have less accuracy.
In addition, players are generally happy to risk missing the first serve because they know they have another chance if they fail. They know they can be more reserved with their second serve.
Of course, second serves also go out. Still, because they are generally served in a more reserved way, they are more accurate than first serves.
Tips For A Good Second Serve In Tennis
Of course, if you are prepared to risk your first serve and get it right only 60 percent of the time, you must ensure a reliable and consistent second serve to back it up.
Although players usually focus on their first serves, with most of them going out, it is essential to have a steady second serve to fall back on. Knowing you can rely on your second serve, the only and most important do-over in the game, is essential for giving you extra confidence in taking a risk on the first.
Taking the risk of missing your first serve becomes more appealing when you know you can rely on your second serve. The kick and slice serves are hugely popular options as players hold back on power and focus more on spin.
Focus On Your Confidence In Tennis
Your confidence in your ability to serve an excellent second serve affects how you use your first serve. Knowing you can rely on your second serve sets you up in a powerful position to take a risk on your first serve.
Hit The Tennis Ball Deep
While pulling back on the power of the first serve, don’t compromise by losing too much spin and dropping the ball short. Shots that land in the middle of your opponent’s box are easier for them to hit back powerfully and put you in a vulnerable position.
Therefore, although it is advisable to hold off on the power and rather utilize more spin on a second serve, focus on hitting the ball deep into your opponent’s receiving box. This will force them to move back to return it, and this likely causes them to lose power and momentum in the process.
Conclusion
Giving the server two serves adds an element of dynamism and excitement to the game of tennis. Knowing how to handle your serves is essential to put yourself in a strong position for the rest of the game.
