Why are lefties hard to play?

Most players see far fewer left-handers, so the spin and angles feel unfamiliar. Their slice serve curves away from a right-hander on the ad side, and their crosscourt forehand naturally attacks a right-hander's backhand.

Where should I serve to a lefty?

Usually to their backhand: wide on the deuce side and down the T on the ad side. Mix in body serves so they cannot set up early.

How to Play Against a Lefty in Tennis

5 video lessons

Expect the wide slice serve, and attack their backhand on purpose.

Quick answer & tips ▾

Left-handers feel awkward mostly because everything is mirrored. Their natural crosscourt forehand goes to your backhand, and their slice serve on the ad side pulls you off the court.

Plan for both. Stand a little wider on the ad-side return, look to block or chip it back deep, and in rallies change direction down the line to reach their backhand. Serve to their backhand too, which for a lefty is usually wide on the deuce side and down the T on the ad side.

Key tips

Shift your return position wider on the ad side to cover the slice serve.
Serve to the lefty's backhand: wide on the deuce side, down the T on the ad side.
Use down-the-line shots to break the forehand-to-backhand crosscourt rally.
Practice against a lefty when you can, so it stops feeling unusual.

FAQ

Why are lefties hard to play?: Most players see far fewer left-handers, so the spin and angles feel unfamiliar. Their slice serve curves away from a right-hander on the ad side, and their crosscourt forehand naturally attacks a right-hander's backhand.
Where should I serve to a lefty?: Usually to their backhand: wide on the deuce side and down the T on the ad side. Mix in body serves so they cannot set up early.