What do you think about underhand serves in tennis?

Question

Do you think someone in the pros will try to serve underhand(not all the time, just to mix up their serves like a baseball pitcher pitching)? Do you think fans would still boo that serve like when Martina Hingis used it or praise it like when Michael Chang used it?

Answer 1

The underhand serve is nothing but an attempt to mess up the rhythm of your opponent- a mental tactic. Michael Chang used it effectively in his French Open match against Ivan Lendl by changing the pace of the game (phooey on cramps!). In fact, Chang used this strategy all the way to match point, where he forced a double fault on Lendl by practically standing in the service box to return. Tennis is such a mental game. You would think that on the professional level, ploys like the underhand serve wouldn't be effective. Basically: Underhand serve = Frustrated player. But as a last ditch effort, why not? Chang went on to win the French that year. But against a mentally tougher opponent? Hingis saved one match point with an underhand serve, but Graf crushed her when she tried it again. Overall, I think it's a lame ploy but fun to watch!

Answer 2

Pitchers mix up their pitches by throwing to different locations with a variation of curves, fastballs, change ups, etc., not by throwing underhand. A good pitcher will keep their arm and body motion the same, the difference is the grip on the ball, wrist motion, or release point.

Likewise for tennis, servers may "mix it up" by serving wide, down the line or into the body; they also may change speeds and curves. Underhand serves are not often used because they are slow and they bounce high and short.

That being said, while underhand serves are rare to say the least, they do have their place in tennis. If a player is standing too far back to return, it can be useful to do a underhand slicing motion on the serve so as to hit too short for them to return. Also, seeing the opponent hit a ball underhand, a player might think that they are just hitting the ball to a ball boy or something and may not even try to return it. But by and large, any shot that can be made underhand can be made overhead just as well.

I for one would cheer if I saw a player serving underhand, I would like to see a player break the country club etiquette and play some mental games.

Answer 3

The underhand serve is perfectly legal if the ball is hit out of the air before it bounces. It is not very effective as a serve because of the lack of power that can be produced when hitting underhanded. Most pros would be able to take an underhanded serve and hit it back for a winner so it's not something they would want to do. For amateur players the underhanded serve would be more effective if it takes a weird bounce since they don't have the timing skills a professional does. I've seen many players hit underhand serves with extreme sidespin or topspin to catch someone with an unusual bounce.

Answer 4

Yes a underhand serve is allowed in tennis as long as you are standing behind the baseline before you hit the ball. This serve is not as effective as a traditional overhead serve because of the trajectory of the ball. Throwing the ball up in the air makes it more difficult for your opponent than an underhand serve. As the other person suggested, you could try a underhand spin serve, but wants again any decent player will read the serve just fine and it probably won't be consistent. At first an overhand serve can seem overwhelming, but it will get easier. The trick is to practice the proper motion over and over. You don't need the serve to go fast or low when you start. The important thing is your technique. Once you get your technique down you want to practice placing the ball. At this point you still don't need to be hitting the serve fast. If you have the resources to take lessons on how to hit a proper serve then take one and see what the pro tells you. Emphasize that you are interested in learning to serve and he will teach you the fundamentals to get you going. On the other hand, if you are self teaching yourself then try to research a few pointers online. Serve baskets of balls and practice doing the overhand serve. Adjust yourself to get the ball how you want it. The best players learn technique first, power always comes later.

Answer 5

I find underhand serves to be undermining to the person that you are playing, it basically says, "you can't hit my regular serve, so here is a crappy one"

Answer 6

For amateurs that don't know how to properly serve with overhead motion.
No professionals do it unless their shoulders hurt!

Answer 7

It is usually a shot people that can't serve use. Sometimes it is a ploy. I don't like it.