Should I hit a flat second serve?

Usually not. A flat serve has a small margin for error, so most players use a slice or kick second serve that spins safely into the box.

Why does my flat serve go into the net?

The most common causes are a toss that drifts too far forward, contact below full reach, or pulling down too early. Reach up to the ball and hit out rather than down.

Is a flat serve the fastest serve?

Yes. With almost no spin it loses less speed in the air, which is why the fastest serves on tour are flat first serves.

How to Hit a Flat Serve

4 video lessons

Toss a little forward, hit straight through, and save it for first serves.

Quick answer & tips ▾

A flat serve has very little spin, so it travels fast and stays low after the bounce. Toss slightly in front of you and a touch to the right of your head (for a right-hander), reach up fully, and hit through the back of the ball instead of brushing across or up it.

Because there is little spin to bring it down, the margin over the net is small. Most good players use the flat serve as a first-serve weapon, often down the T, and rely on a spin serve when they cannot afford to miss.

Key tips

Keep the continental grip; let forearm rotation square the strings at contact.
Toss a bit further into the court so your body moves forward through the serve.
Aim for the T, where the net is lowest and the box is longest.
Do not try to hit every flat serve at full speed; placement wins more points.

FAQ

Should I hit a flat second serve?: Usually not. A flat serve has a small margin for error, so most players use a slice or kick second serve that spins safely into the box.
Why does my flat serve go into the net?: The most common causes are a toss that drifts too far forward, contact below full reach, or pulling down too early. Reach up to the ball and hit out rather than down.
Is a flat serve the fastest serve?: Yes. With almost no spin it loses less speed in the air, which is why the fastest serves on tour are flat first serves.