Serve Target: Deep Back Third Beats Pace and Sidelines

Summary

Ava Ignatowich on serve aim: if it keeps landing short, you’re giving the easiest return of their life. You don’t need max pace or sideline paint — give yourself margin and aim really deep, around the back third of the court.

A good serve makes them take a step back, softens the return, and sets up a better third. The serve doesn’t have to win the point — it just has to make the return harder. Then get ready for the next ball.

Key takeaways

• Short serves = free easy returns
• Aim deep (back third) with margin — not max pace or sidelines
• Serve’s job: harder return + better third, not a free winner

Action items

• Mark the back-third landing zone; 20 serves into it before games
• One game: every short serve counts as a point against you