Depth Power 💥 By hitting deeper serves this pushes our opponent back which makes it harder for
Summary
Troy Akin shows how to add depth to your serve without swinging harder: control your net clearance. Clearing the net by a couple of inches gives a short serve, about two paddle heights gives middle depth, and about three paddle heights gives a deep serve without over-swinging.
Depth matters because it pushes your opponent back, gives you an easier third shot and makes their transition to the kitchen harder. Deep serves also often bring short returns, so capitalize on them.
Key takeaways
- Net clearance controls serve depth
- Two paddle heights of clearance gives middle depth, three gives deep serves
- You don’t need to swing harder to serve deep
- Depth pushes the returner back and makes your third shot easier
Action items
- Set cones at short, middle and deep targets and serve to each by changing net clearance
- Serve 20 balls aiming for three paddle heights over the net
- Track how many returns land short after deep serves
- Step in on short returns and attack the third