You’ve heard the saying dozens of times – you’re only as good as your second serve. Some players do whatever they can just to get the ball in the box and the point started. Others treat it as if it were another first serve and go for a big shot. Figuring out how aggressive to be with your second serve is tricky. You don’t want to give your opponent a cream puff, but you also don’t want to be reckless and pile up the double faults. Somewhere in between is the best place to be. The following concepts should help get you there.
Use simple logic: If you’re constantly finding yourself on the extreme defensive due because your opponent is ripping returns off your second serves, then you obviously need to amp up the pace. A few double faults under those circumstances are acceptable. Conversely, if you’re donating a point or two each service game because of double faults, you’ve got to scale back play more conservatively.
Make spin your weapon: There’s nothing wrong with a solid, dependable kick serve. If you hit it well, it can cause your opponent problems and still be a high percentage shot. You may not get a ton of free points, but you won’t be giving them away either. As long as your opponent is neutralized, the serve has done its job. Wait for the next point to go for the big bomb on the first serve.
Play the score: Double faulting is never recommended, but doing it when you’re up 40-0 isn’t disastrous. With that kind of lead, you may feel confident enough to go for a little more on the second serve and try to win the point outright. But if the game score is tight, or worse yet, you’re losing, there’s no wiggle room. You have to do whatever it takes to get the ball in play.