A body serve is a shot aimed directly at the opponent’s torso or chest. Unlike serves aimed at the corners, this shot leaves the receiver with no room to swing. The ball jams the player and forces them to move their feet quickly.
Most players find it very difficult to hit a clean return when the ball is on top of them. It is a great way to neutralize a player who has a very long or powerful swing. This tactic often results in a weak, floating return that is easy to put away. It can also catch a fast opponent off guard if they expect a corner shot. For example, a server might aim a body serve at a tall player with long arms.
This forces the tall player to cramp their swing and make a simple mistake. It is an effective mental and physical tool for any server to master. Mixing these in keeps the returner from leaning toward either sideline.
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