The Serve Plus One in Tennis

Improving Serve Plus One

For example, in 2021 the USTA (United States Tennis Association) presented their advice on coaching the serve plus one, discussing key principles. National Coaching Staff discussed the importance of improving the Serve and Serve +1 (the server’s first shot after the serve) technically, tactically, and mentally.

Data from 2019 shows that in the 4 tennis grand slams, rally lengths are commonly only 1-4 shots. The Australian Open recorded 67% and the average of all four being 59%, showing just how essential it is to practise the serve plus one technique.

It is not just adults where the serve plus one is important. Research shows that from 12-year-olds to 18-year-olds rallies get shorter, with 4 shots or less happening more frequently as they progress through the ages from 46% to 58% in boys and 50% to 55% in girls.

Goals of effective servers

To underline the importance of practising serve plus one, Jose Higueras said that the goals of effective servers must be:

1. Go after your targets. Going after your targets is setting a target in your mind and really going for it.
2. Maximise the opportunity after the return.
3. Get better at one and two.

He went on to say the key is training the mindset and physical nature to properly prepare for the plus one shot. The practise must provide a variety of service returns to keep training the mindset to prepare for whatever comes back, whether it is a loopy or direct left or right, working on the expectation it will come back. Do not think about ending the point on the first shot.

Serve Plus One philosophy

The philosophy of the Serve Plus One concentrates on the mind and on forward planning. The tactic is to use the placement of the serve and prepare your next shot after the return to maximise the serve plus one advantage. Footwork is essential, with serve recovery and preparation of the plus one technique.

Serve Plus One development

Technically, the server should develop a sound service motion that allows the player to efficiently and consistently produce serves under pressure and get into position to take advantage on the serve +1.

Tactically, the server should place the serves wide, body and on the Tee. They can vary characteristics and use both the forehand and backhand equally for the serve +1.

Physically it is important to maintain good shoulder health with proper serve technique. Achieve a good balance after serve recovery and take the proper line to the serve +1.

Mentally a server should develop a plan for the serve +1 that can be executed under pressure. Have the ability to adapt the plan as the situation requires. Be proactive instead of reactive.

Serve placement training

Coaches can work on improving the serve by practising serve placement, which is critical to serve plus one success. The serve plus one training can start with hitting all of the targets using a variety of spin, speed, height, depth and width. The coaches can then teach the player the basic patterns with forehand and backhand as the +1, whilst looking to maximise the advantage without making forcing errors.

Prioritising the serve plus 1

Coaches should increase the priority of training the serve and serve +1 in their sessions. Using rebound targets can greatly help increase fun and engagement in lessons. Players can then develop appropriate timing, frequency, duration and use of blocked shots as required. By using rebound targets and setting goals, for example hit 2 targets 25% of the time, the player has the freedom to discover ways to improve on their own.

The importance of coaching and practising Serve Plus One in today’s game

This paper gathers research, analysis and commentary from academics, tennis coaches and other sports professionals looking into the importance of short points in tennis today.

Research and analysis from tennis tournaments around the world, including the Australian Open and Wimbledon, indicate that the first 4 shots of a rally are increasingly important in today’s game. Players that win more points in their first two shots (known as serve plus one) are far more likely to win matches than players that dominate longer rallies.

Craig O’Shannessy, strategy analyst for the ATP World Tour: “Serve +1 is a specific serve tactic that combines the serve and the first groundstroke after the serve into one devastating unit. Hit a serve. Immediately follow it up with a forehand. Win the point. The Serve +1 forehand strategy is a supercharged tactic that can absolutely be used by players at all levels of our sport, even you.”