Facing an opponent with a powerful serve may seem like an impossible task, but with the right strategy and mindset, you can turn this challenge into an opportunity to improve your game. Here are some practical tips to effectively handle a “big server” and increase your chances of winning.

1. Return as Many Serves as Possible

Your first goal is to return the serve. The more serves you successfully return, the more pressure you place on your opponent. Big servers often rely on easy points from their serve or on short rallies. If you can consistently return serves effectively, you force your opponent to play more balls, increasing your chances of winning the point.

How to do it:

  • Step Back: Move further behind the baseline to give yourself more time and space to set up your return. This allows you to use a full swing and hit the ball deeper.

  • Anticipate Patterns: Observe where your opponent tends to serve most often. Many players have preferred patterns (for example, a flat serve to the advantage side). Anticipating these patterns will help you position yourself better.

  • Change Your Position: Try shifting slightly to the left or right to create an opening, encouraging your opponent to serve into a less comfortable zone.

2. Make Them Run: Exploit Their Mobility

Once you’re in the rally, your goal is to get your opponent moving. Players with powerful serves often prefer short, aggressive exchanges. Stretch out the rallies and exploit the open spaces on the court.

How to do it:

  • Play into Open Spaces: Hit the ball to the corners or diagonally to force your opponent to run.

  • Maintain a Safety Margin: Use shots with extra height and spin to reduce errors while keeping control of the point.

  • Take the Ball Early: Try to anticipate the shot to dictate the pace of the game without taking too many risks.

3. Increase Your First Serve Percentage

Your opponent will likely be aggressive on your second serve, so it’s crucial to maximize your first serve percentage.

How to do it:

  • Add More Spin: Use more slice or topspin to improve the consistency of your first serve.

  • Serve in the Body: Serving into the body can be very effective against taller players, making it harder for them to return.

  • Avoid the Lines: Aim for safer zones on the court to minimize direct errors.

4. Maintain Mental Control

The toughest part of facing a big server is staying mentally strong. Here’s how to do it:

  • Accept the Aces: Understand that your opponent will deliver some serves that are simply unreturnable. Don’t let this demoralize you.

  • Stay Positive: Keep a positive attitude and high energy, even when things aren’t going your way.

  • Focus on Your Game Plan: Stick to your strategy and don’t lose your head. The more focused you are, the more pressure you’ll place on your opponent.

Turn the Challenge into an Opportunity

Facing an opponent with a powerful serve is a great chance to improve your game. With the right strategy, mindset, and determination, you can turn a tough match into a memorable victory.

Remember:

  • Return as many serves as possible.

  • Make your opponent run.

  • Increase your first serve percentage.

  • Maintain mental control.

Are you ready for your next challenge against a “big server”?

by Federico Coppini
https://www.coppinifedericoacademy.com/