As in anything else, we would like to put our tennis efforts where we will get the most from them.  There are great reasons to put those efforts into a shot many of us either neglect or give up on as unachievable.  First, it is the single most important shot and secondly the easiest to practice.  I am speaking of the second serve.  Too many people think, “Oh it’s in my DNA, I just don’t have a good second serve, I wish…”  Like anything else this can be worked on and improved.

 

The second serve is of primary importance because of reasons both obvious and subtle.  The obvious is that missing it loses a point outright.  Hitting it weakly allows the opponent to take control of the point.  Conversely, having a consistent, strong second serve allows you to keep the control of the point and both avoid problems and get out of tight situations.  Less obvious is that it improves the first serve by reducing the pressure to make each first serve, which is likely to make it both more consistent and more powerful.  It also lowers the anxiety and distraction that can prevent a player from playing freely, because of serving worries.     

 

Since it can be practiced without a partner, it is easier to practice than any other shot.  The rub here is that the technique for the second serve is very specific and usually needs to be learned under supervision (coaching).  That being said it can be worked on and improved by going out to a court with a bucket of balls and positive determination.