1. Your First Choice for Second Serves
The top spin or "kick" serve is by far the most reliable and consistent way of serving the ball. A well-struck top spin serve dips into the court, allowing you to aim higher over the net, which keeps you from dumping balls into the net. Because of this, the kick serve is the most popular second serve in professional tennis. What works for the pros can work for you, too; having a rock-solid second serve lets you swing for the fences on your first serve, which should win you more points and may even intimidate your opponent.
2. Grip It to Rip It
Putting tons of top spin on the ball isn't possible without the right grip. Most tennis coaches recommend the Continental grip as the do-all grip for serves. If you're already using this grip, don't worry about changing things up for the kick serve. However, if you prefer to serve with an Eastern forehand grip, you'll need to change the way you hold the racket. For the best results, place the bottom knuckle of your index finger somewhere between the top of the handle and the first bevel. This blend of the Eastern backhand and Continental grip gives you access to the kick serve's spin.
3. A Good Kick Starts With the Toss
When you toss the ball for a flat serve, you should toss it slightly in front of your body. When preparing for a kick serve, however, you should toss the ball directly over your body and a bit behind your head. This puts your body and your racket in the right position to brush up the back of the ball and create the top spin it needs to dip into the court.
4. Keep an Eye on Your Back
To reach the ball with your racket before it drops, you'll need to adjust your body position a bit from your normal serving style. Many players arch their backs to get under the ball, but this is a bit dangerous, because it makes your body vulnerable to lower back and shoulder injuries. Instead, try bending your knees and pushing your hips forward a bit. This lines your shoulders up with the ball without placing undue strain on your back.
5. Clockin' the Competition
As with other top spin shots, the kick serve requires you to brush up the back of the ball with your racket. If your grip, toss and body position are good, then you'll naturally hit up on the ball instead of through it. For the purest top spin, move your racket from 6 o'clock to 12 o'clock on the ball's back face. If you're feeling adventurous, you can go for the twist serve, which actually changes directions when it bites into the court. To do this, move your racket from approximately 7 o'clock to 1 o'clock across the ball's face (4 o'clock to 11 o'clock for lefties).
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