Serving in racquetball is a vital part of the game. In order to take control of a match, a racquetball player must serve the ball consistently, hit it with power on occasion and keep his opponent off balance with change-of-pace serves. The serve can be delivered with a forehand or backhand shot, and the server always wants to keep his opponent guessing.
Drive Serve
A drive serve is the equivalent of a fastball for strike one in baseball. The server wants to establish his drive serve as his most basic weapon. A good drive serve will hit off the front wall and land behind the service line and go toward either corner of the court. The lower the drive serve and the more accurate it is, the more difficult it will be for the receiver to return it. While most players can get their racquet on the drive serve, it is very difficult to attack the hard drive serve that is well placed.
Lob Serve
The lob is a great serve for an experienced player to use against an inexperienced player or if the server senses that his opponent is somewhat anxious. When a lob serve is hit, it will go high off the front wall, hit behind the serving box and bound high into one of the rear corners of the court. This is not going to fool anybody, but it requires great patience on the part of the returner to wait for the ball--often at an awkward angle--and then hit a precise return. A good lob serve can leave many opponents off balance.
Backhand Serve
A big part of competitive racquetball is anticipation. You are anticipating the shot your opponent will hit and he is doing the same to you. It requires study and preparation. For example, you may notice that your opponent has taken a small step to his right as he waits for your serve. That means he is anticipating your serve will go to the right. If you have been hitting a drive serve in that direction, cross him up with a backhand serve to the opposite direction. Many players will not take advantage of this opportunity and won't usually consider a backhand serve. However, it is a quick and decisive shot that may leave your opponent flat-footed and unable to return the shot.
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