+Johnny Grant Sign up for my free video series on my site about improving your second serve's consistency, kick and power. A full video course on second serves will be released soon.
Johnny Grant Simple answer is to get your first serve in. Hit a second serve spin serve for your first serve. When you miss your first serve, your opponent usually feels bold and steps closer to the service box to return and he goes for a penetrating shot. But on first serves, the opponent stays further back and prepares a defensive return. Even after you have hit alot of 2nd serves for first serves, the opponent will remain reluctant to stand closer in and go for a winner because he is never sure if you will suddenly hit harder serves.
I watched your video at 8:00 am and played a weak server at 9:30 am. I have had a difficult time with his serve until today. Following your advice to hit at the top of the serve bounce. and plan where to hit, I won 2 sets 6-1 and 6-2. Great video better information. Thanks...
Another great tutorial.These videos are consistently insightful and helpful. Especially good is the calm and measured delivery with not a wasted word,unlike many channels where the coaches clutter up the tutorial with fast paced,repetitive,intense monologue.
This is 100% correct. Just apply pressure and be patient. Also the picking your shot prior to receiving the serve. This guy knows what he is talking about.
"Make sure you don't just admire your ball"; that happens so often to me... not because my shots are good, but because I want to do every one of them so correctly that I just forget that I'm playing a match!
Been playing over 23 yrs....EXCELLENT advice on all accounts. It may take you a few years to ingrain all four elements, but you need to be aware and thinking about these things.
As always, very well done. I watch billions of tennis utube clips n yours are always at the TOP. Last point is related to me, I admire my return to a corner and do not step back to middle in time, so opponent just returns shot to the middle of my court, and I'm out of position.
For a recreational tennis player like me, I think this is the best video. Most of the my opponent shots are weak, then I can replay with the six rules in mind. I watch this video often before play tennis, in it there are the basic advices I need.
When you do decide to aggressively return a second serve with placement you have to factor in service the point score in game and the overall game score in the set. You want to be up or at add out and looking to break serve. I also use drills to develop placement skills on forehand and backhand before going to a return of serve drill like this one. Practice hitting down the line off both sides. Practice hitting inside out off both sides to,the opposite side of the court. You need to practice placement. Then If the service score is 30-40 especially at 3-4 you need to go for the break of service so you can seat 5-3 for the set.
Your video lessons are phenomenal.... simple easy to follow and so bloody effective..... I picked up racket 3weeks back and my son says I am progressing quickly with sound basics....Thanks.
I find being a long-limb player and not choking or rushing up on the shot tends to broadcast to the server what my intent is. Another is practising with a fresh tin of balls helps to adjust to more realistic conditions in match-play. Kudos on this video.
Thank you this is really helpful. Playing 'ladies' competition sometimes gets frustrating when you receive lots of 'weak' short serves and then slam it in the net, or it goes flying out to the court next to you! Will give this a go today :)
I think this video meets an essential need at the recreational or amateaur level. So many players will put everything into the first serve but because it's a very difficult technique it's very likely they'll need a second. As the game awards the opponent a point with a double fault, players will guarantee that they at least get the ball in and so that means a slow ball into play. So many times i've seen the opponent just smash it against the net because the anticipation and the knowledge it's an ordinary serve gets to their head. Personally my strategy is just to always make sure it's in, at best the opponent can make an error and you earn the point. Or you get another shot at winning the point if they return it.
Dear Tomaž, congratulations on your videos and thank you so much for giving real helpful tips both tactic and mental wise. Unlike many others uploading tennis clips on how to do this and that, you're one of the few that co-relates the stroke with the right mindset. 1:12" is the perfect example. Congratulations once more!
One of the most important things that has gotten me many points is just thinking, its seems simple, but its not just mindless hitting back. You have to look for those easy winners.
im at the stage of my tennis game where KO'ing a weak serve is probably my best strength, i do some sort of slice forehand with the ball spinning opposite to topspin (i dont know the term for that!). dead straight into the corner almost at the servers feet. Now i need to work on serving, backhands, handling really high bouncers, all aspects of play close to the net (esp for doubles as i play a social doubles comp) and consistency in general... lol I like this channel though as i have taken tips from it especially in serve basics which helped me get my serve %'s up and double faults down
Beat the top of the bounce by move in early as the ball is still rising, its easier to win the point with an abbreviated ( like a shortened bunt) stroke using the pace of the rising ball and focusing on placement . When you've tried this a few times you'll see how effective this is and you don't need to swing hard to generate the pace...* western/semi-western grips
Can you make a video on the other side of the mental technique? For those of us who have #1-6 down fairly well but cannot get onto the aggressive mindset, we tend to get ignored. Whether it be fear, being too nice or whatever reason we don't get aggressive very often.
I'll add this. Weak slow seconds for me, I have a good chip N charge. I am in the court early and short, quick chip to pre-designated target, close and volley. Won so many points this way it's crazy.
Sometimes, a very short return can set up an easy put away volley as well. So, you don't always have to crush the soft serve. This keeps your opponent of balance and doesn't make you look like an SOB in more "friendly" matches.
Very useful video as usual, thanks a lot! A question about your last advice to recover quickly: isn't it also a good strategy to prepare for a volley and approach the net anticipating the opponent will hit a difficult shot?
Yes that is also a good option. Two different strategies, either come to the net to pick off the short ball or recover to the baseline. As long as you pick one direction and don't dither about in the middle of the court. If you did dither about in the middle of the court, you'll find the short ball will head to your feet and be a difficult shot. Remember that if you come to net too often, if your opponent is any good they will start to anticipate your move and lob you.
i do too, just a nice shot placing it near their feet and you immediately take control of the point .since the ball starts so slow, it lets you hit nice slice
75% of your returns should go towards the intersection of singles side line and the service line cross court. The rest are down the line and lobs. Then you adjust that depending on your opponent's skills. (like where is their weaker volley)
What do you suggest for shorter junior players hitting on top of the bounce. Since that is a little difficult for shorter junior players, hitting on the rise is the best option then.
+didanhtennis To hit at more comfortable height for them and experiment whether hitting on the rise or on the way down works better for them in the long term.
약한 세컨서브 공략법 1. Force errors or short balls(winners 를 노리기 보다는 압박을 준다) 2. Decide in advance where you will return (리턴을 어느곳으로 할지 미리 생각한다) 3. Creat enough space between you and the ball ( 스윙이 가능하게 공과 충분한 공간을 만든다) 4. Hit the ball on top of the bounce 5. SEE THE BALL clearly after bounce. 6. RECOVER immediately 1. 위닝샷이 아니라.. 상대방을 압박한다고 생각한다. 2. 어디로 리턴할지 미리 생각하고 친다. 상대방의 백핸드 포핸드 센터 등. 3. step in 후 바운스가 가장 높을 때 리턴 한다. 4. 공과의 충분한 거리를 만들어 스윙이 되게 한다. 가까우면 몸이 재밍 된다. 5. SEE THE BALL clearly after bounce. 공을 끝까지 본다.
you missed the most impotant part.. "how to hit the ball"!! ok on the top on the bounce but how? more in front or a little behind? flat? topspin? how to behave in case of kick serve or slice? can you do another tutorial on this part? thank you
But I also slow down my swing to control the ball and adjust myself to the slow paced balls. Thus, I make errors. Also, sometimes they hit very slow, but also low bouncing balls. So, it is harder to return their serves.
theeachuisge, you can't slow your swing for slow paced balls. On slow paced balls you want to get into position, then WAIT for the slow paced ball to arrive into your personal space. When it does, you release your power quickly ( your racket goes from 0 mph to 20 mph in an instant). Your racket head goes from ball to over your opposite shoulder (top spin). Slowing your swing down is a sign of low confidence.
2nd serves that i face do not bounce that high. They bounce about net height at best. The are slow and short (I play on red clay only). Any tips on what to do with those kinda of second serves? A lot of times their first serves do not bounce up enough to be attackable, but they are so short and slow. Thanks!
Recreational tennis players should always opt for placement and not power as their technique breaks down when they attempt powerful strokes. Therefore look to stretch your opponent with accurate placement and continue dictating the point from there on.
The problem with crushing your opponents short seconds serves is they will do the same with my even shorter second serves
+Johnny Grant Sign up for my free video series on my site about improving your second serve's consistency, kick and power. A full video course on second serves will be released soon.
haha
OMG that's me. My opponent's serve sucks, mine worse.
Johnny Grant
Johnny Grant
Simple answer is to get your first serve in. Hit a second serve spin serve for your first serve. When you miss your first serve, your opponent usually feels bold and steps closer to the service box to return and he goes for a penetrating shot. But on first serves, the opponent stays further back and prepares a defensive return. Even after you have hit alot of 2nd serves for first serves, the opponent will remain reluctant to stand closer in and go for a winner because he is never sure if you will suddenly hit harder serves.
I watched your video at 8:00 am and played a weak server at 9:30 am. I have had a difficult time with his serve until today. Following your advice to hit at the top of the serve bounce. and plan where to hit, I won 2 sets 6-1 and 6-2. Great video better information. Thanks...
It was all going so well until "don't just admire your shot". That's gonna take a lot of work.
Great vid as usual!
Excellent presentation too
After admiring your shot, your opponent hits a good return and then you're like ..... Oh shit! 😜
I always admire my shots when they’re good, cause it’s a miracle when I hit such a good shot!😝
Another great tutorial.These videos are consistently insightful and helpful. Especially good is the calm and measured delivery with not a wasted word,unlike many channels where the coaches clutter up the tutorial with fast paced,repetitive,intense monologue.
This is 100% correct. Just apply pressure and be patient.
Also the picking your shot prior to receiving the serve. This guy knows what he is talking about.
"Make sure you don't just admire your ball"; that happens so often to me... not because my shots are good, but because I want to do every one of them so correctly that I just forget that I'm playing a match!
Excellent Video! I often over-hit weak second service returns instead of applying pressure. Great piece of advice!
"How to crush weak 2nd serves".
The first step; don't crush them, be sensible. Right!!
Your right because even when he crush it, the opponent can still return it unless his better than you
The summary showing the 6 points at the end is fantastic. Should do that for every video!
However many times I watch this Tomaz, I feel I get something new out of this. All explained with simple digest-able "take-home" points!
Been playing over 23 yrs....EXCELLENT advice on all accounts. It may take you a few years to ingrain all four elements, but you need to be aware and thinking about these things.
I really like the last point, don't hit and then admire your shot. Since I hit so few good shots I am often distracted when I do.
As always, very well done. I watch billions of tennis utube clips n yours are always at the TOP. Last point is related to me, I admire my return to a corner and do not step back to middle in time, so opponent just returns shot to the middle of my court, and I'm out of position.
A life well lived lol.
For a recreational tennis player like me, I think this is the best video. Most of the my opponent shots are weak, then I can replay with the six rules in mind. I watch this video often before play tennis, in it there are the basic advices I need.
I really like your way of explanation and analysis. Thank you, Tomas!
This is the best channel for learning tennis.
When you do decide to aggressively return a second serve with placement you have to factor in service the point score in game and the overall game score in the set. You want to be up or at add out and looking to break serve. I also use drills to develop placement skills on forehand and backhand before going to a return of serve drill like this one. Practice hitting down the line off both sides. Practice hitting inside out off both sides to,the opposite side of the court. You need to practice placement. Then If the service score is 30-40 especially at 3-4 you need to go for the break of service so you can seat 5-3 for the set.
Your video lessons are phenomenal.... simple easy to follow and so bloody effective..... I picked up racket 3weeks back and my son says I am progressing quickly with sound basics....Thanks.
Great video. Very clear. Thanks for the summary of the key points. Very educational.
I find being a long-limb player and not choking or rushing up on the shot tends to broadcast to the server what my intent is. Another is practising with a fresh tin of balls helps to adjust to more realistic conditions in match-play. Kudos on this video.
Love that checklist at the end.
Actually the most helpful coaching channel ive come across :))
Once again, another excellent and well explained vid, you’re a natural teacher, cheers 🍻
Excellent lesson. Thanks for some important key points 🙂
This video is on Guru-Mode, simple and definitely very important. Congrats and thanks.
Thank you this is really helpful. Playing 'ladies' competition sometimes gets frustrating when you receive lots of 'weak' short serves and then slam it in the net, or it goes flying out to the court next to you! Will give this a go today :)
Another great leacture from the magical feel tennis. I want to say thank you from northern VA. You have helped improve my game immensely.
Best tennis coach on YT.
Also the court is so peaceful and beautiful. Which place is this.? 😊
Have y'all not seen top tennis training
Amzing tutorial.. I feel it mentally already
This dude is the best tennis coach on earth. No joke.
First time I watch one of your videos. Great information, thanks!
I think this video meets an essential need at the recreational or amateaur level. So many players will put everything into the first serve but because it's a very difficult technique it's very likely they'll need a second. As the game awards the opponent a point with a double fault, players will guarantee that they at least get the ball in and so that means a slow ball into play.
So many times i've seen the opponent just smash it against the net because the anticipation and the knowledge it's an ordinary serve gets to their head.
Personally my strategy is just to always make sure it's in, at best the opponent can make an error and you earn the point. Or you get another shot at winning the point if they return it.
In one words, getting the ball in is to give an opportunity you can win this point, double fault means nothing
Dear Tomaž, congratulations on your videos and thank you so much for giving real helpful tips both tactic and mental wise. Unlike many others uploading tennis clips on how to do this and that, you're one of the few that co-relates the stroke with the right mindset. 1:12" is the perfect example. Congratulations once more!
Thank you very much, Mircea, glad to be of help!
One of the most important things that has gotten me many points is just thinking, its seems simple, but its not just mindless hitting back. You have to look for those easy winners.
Great video, ideal for beginners like me. The basic tips makes complete sense.
Very sound tactics and very clear instructions. Thanks.
He seems like a very good teacher!
Bravo tomas ,very good again , you are our best virtual couch:)
im at the stage of my tennis game where KO'ing a weak serve is probably my best strength, i do some sort of slice forehand with the ball spinning opposite to topspin (i dont know the term for that!). dead straight into the corner almost at the servers feet. Now i need to work on serving, backhands, handling really high bouncers, all aspects of play close to the net (esp for doubles as i play a social doubles comp) and consistency in general... lol
I like this channel though as i have taken tips from it especially in serve basics which helped me get my serve %'s up and double faults down
You are one of the best Thomas. Thanks
I think it is the best explanation on this kind of return.
learning a lot with these videos
Beat the top of the bounce by move in early as the ball is still rising, its easier to win the point with an abbreviated ( like a shortened bunt) stroke using the pace of the rising ball and focusing on placement . When you've tried this a few times you'll see how effective this is and you don't need to swing hard to generate the pace...* western/semi-western grips
Simple... easy to understand & apply. Thanks for this
why is this video shot in singapore ? nice and informative video
Im glad my sexond served improved 😂 im
Able to put power and kick to it now
Great tip! I always try a win shot but it doesn’t need
Great video. Wish I’d watched before my match tonight
Final point - maybe take the net after the return (rather than retreat to middle of backcourt).
@Scott Carson they won’t, you just crushed their serve 😀
Can you make a video on the other side of the mental technique? For those of us who have #1-6 down fairly well but cannot get onto the aggressive mindset, we tend to get ignored. Whether it be fear, being too nice or whatever reason we don't get aggressive very often.
I'll add this. Weak slow seconds for me, I have a good chip N charge. I am in the court early and short, quick chip to pre-designated target, close and volley. Won so many points this way it's crazy.
Was this filmed in singapore by any chance??
what a wonderful court!
Yeah. My like is the 5.000th like for this great video. Well deserved!
Excellent guide!
Thats true: I always have the mindset to go for a winner and fail. Next time i try your approach.
I love the mind set advice. I always tell my students to think the same way.
You are AMAZING!! AWESOME! Thanks
Wow makes sense now! Love your videos!
Very nice video. Thank you Sir
Great video, beautiful court. I believe that's the one next to the Ritz Carlton Residences on Cairnhill road in Singapore
"another game for Milooooooosh!!!!"
You talk just like the MIlosh tennis instructor in Seinfeld!
Great videos though!
so great a video Thomas. I never se anybody train this shot thoug its so importent.Shout be traind a lot.Olaf Copenhagen Denmark.
Sometimes, a very short return can set up an easy put away volley as well. So, you don't always have to crush the soft serve. This keeps your opponent of balance and doesn't make you look like an SOB in more "friendly" matches.
Great tip! The mindset itself was a game-changer for me. Thanks!
Good tips. Thank you!
Tremendous asset for recreational players
Great lesson - I sure needed this Thanks!
Djokovick
Excellent video!
excellent, as always! many thanks !
I follow you a lot . this video is very useful .thanks a lot
excellent stuff. Greetings from Ireland.
Very useful video as usual, thanks a lot! A question about your last advice to recover quickly: isn't it also a good strategy to prepare for a volley and approach the net anticipating the opponent will hit a difficult shot?
Yes that is also a good option. Two different strategies, either come to the net to pick off the short ball or recover to the baseline. As long as you pick one direction and don't dither about in the middle of the court. If you did dither about in the middle of the court, you'll find the short ball will head to your feet and be a difficult shot.
Remember that if you come to net too often, if your opponent is any good they will start to anticipate your move and lob you.
Your videos are always well made and very usefull thank you ! By the way, Tomas, where do you live? (nice vegetation and exotic architecture )
+Beads4locks Divinum Thanks, I live in Slovenia but this video was made in Singapore where I worked earlier this year.
@Tomas, is that The British Club, Singapore?
Great instructions!
Outstanding
I personally use the SABR :D
911gp: Roger? Is that you?
But in this case it means Silly Attempt Bad Return XD
on a weak serve, doesn't work
i do too, just a nice shot placing it near their feet and you immediately take control of the point .since the ball starts so slow, it lets you hit nice slice
some doubles tactics?
That's a beautiful court. Where is that?
Using these principles for short serve returns, what predetermined targets are you suggesting in a doubles match?
75% of your returns should go towards the intersection of singles side line and the service line cross court. The rest are down the line and lobs. Then you adjust that depending on your opponent's skills. (like where is their weaker volley)
What do you suggest for shorter junior players hitting on top of the bounce. Since that is a little difficult for shorter junior players, hitting on the rise is the best option then.
+didanhtennis To hit at more comfortable height for them and experiment whether hitting on the rise or on the way down works better for them in the long term.
약한 세컨서브 공략법
1. Force errors or short balls(winners 를 노리기 보다는 압박을 준다)
2. Decide in advance where you will return (리턴을 어느곳으로 할지 미리 생각한다)
3. Creat enough space between you and the ball ( 스윙이 가능하게 공과 충분한 공간을 만든다)
4. Hit the ball on top of the bounce
5. SEE THE BALL clearly after bounce.
6. RECOVER immediately
1. 위닝샷이 아니라.. 상대방을 압박한다고 생각한다.
2. 어디로 리턴할지 미리 생각하고 친다. 상대방의 백핸드 포핸드 센터 등.
3. step in 후 바운스가 가장 높을 때 리턴 한다.
4. 공과의 충분한 거리를 만들어 스윙이 되게 한다. 가까우면 몸이 재밍 된다.
5. SEE THE BALL clearly after bounce. 공을 끝까지 본다.
Good tutorial,now i know how to pobediti moj prijatelj djole winstrol
Great Vid! Very helpful, thank you.
What country was this tennis court in?
Dang that's exactly what I used to do: kill the ball! And it was 50% long or to the net! Thanks for the hints.
how can you help me help my son to hit a serve his ground game is good but can't enter a match with poor serve
Where was this filmed? Looks like Malaysia or Singapore
Hi. Is this filmed in Singapore? Which court there?
good points. nice video
Hi Thomas. were this place in Singapore ?? The Environment look beautiful.
you missed the most impotant part.. "how to hit the ball"!! ok on the top on the bounce but how? more in front or a little behind? flat? topspin? how to behave in case of kick serve or slice? can you do another tutorial on this part? thank you
thank you !!! whatt you do help me a lot!
KreatoOor SOli
Thanks Thomas
Good.
Love it! Thanks
But I also slow down my swing to control the ball and adjust myself to the slow paced balls. Thus, I make errors. Also, sometimes they hit very slow, but also low bouncing balls. So, it is harder to return their serves.
theeachuisge, you can't slow your swing for slow paced balls. On slow paced balls you want to get into position, then WAIT for the slow paced ball to arrive into your personal space. When it does, you release your power quickly ( your racket goes from 0 mph to 20 mph in an instant). Your racket head goes from ball to over your opposite shoulder (top spin). Slowing your swing down is a sign of low confidence.
Excellent
2nd serves that i face do not bounce that high. They bounce about net height at best. The are slow and short (I play on red clay only). Any tips on what to do with those kinda of second serves? A lot of times their first serves do not bounce up enough to be attackable, but they are so short and slow. Thanks!
Recreational tennis players should always opt for placement and not power as their technique breaks down when they attempt powerful strokes. Therefore look to stretch your opponent with accurate placement and continue dictating the point from there on.