Problem: Unreliable second serve.
Repairs:
- Remember: "Spin goes in." This popular saying really should be "Topspin goes in." Roughly 90% of second serves hit by the pros are kick serves, either topspin or twist, because these serves have a huge margin of clearance over the net. You can hit a good topspin or twist serve four feet over the net, and the spin will make it dive down into the service box. It will then jump up out of the opponent's comfortable hitting zone.
- Here's another useful saying: "For spin serves, more is more." Contrary to what most players do, you should hit your second serves with at least as much swing speed as your first serves. A faster swing just produces heavier spin, which increases both the likelihood that the serve will go in and the height it bounces above your opponent's comfort zone.
- If you're trying to hit topspin serves, but they're unreliable, try rotating your grip somewhat counterclockwise. Your grip should be at least Continental for hitting spin, and for heavy topspin you might go as far as an Eastern backhand.
