What is the difference between a slice serve and a kick serve?

A slice serve has mostly sidespin and stays fairly low, curving away from the returner. A kick serve has mostly topspin, clears the net higher and bounces up high. The slice is easier to learn; the kick is the safer second serve.

Can I use a slice serve as a second serve?

Yes, many club players do. A slice serve has more margin than a flat serve because the spin helps it curve into the box, though a kick serve is safer still.

How to Hit a Slice Serve

3 video lessons

The easiest spin serve to learn, and a great way to pull opponents wide.

Quick answer & tips ▾

A slice serve spins sideways, so it curves in the air and skids away after the bounce. For a right-hander it curves to the left, which makes it ideal for pulling a returner wide on the deuce side or jamming them on the ad side.

Use a continental grip and toss slightly further to your hitting side than for a flat serve. Swing out toward the right side of the ball (for a right-hander) as if you were peeling it, then let your forearm rotate naturally after contact.

Key tips

Imagine contacting the outer side of the ball rather than the back of it.
Keep the same motion as your normal serve so it is hard to read.
Aim out wide on the deuce side to open up the court.
Start at half speed and add pace only once the curve is consistent.

FAQ

What is the difference between a slice serve and a kick serve?: A slice serve has mostly sidespin and stays fairly low, curving away from the returner. A kick serve has mostly topspin, clears the net higher and bounces up high. The slice is easier to learn; the kick is the safer second serve.
Can I use a slice serve as a second serve?: Yes, many club players do. A slice serve has more margin than a flat serve because the spin helps it curve into the box, though a kick serve is safer still.