Why the Serve is the Most Important Shot

## The server's structural advantage The server controls every single point from its beginning. They choose placement, speed, spin, and timing. No other shot provides this level of control. ## First serve vs. second serve Players hit two serves per point. The first serve is hit near maximum speed — high risk, high reward. Missing the second serve is a double fault, immediately gifting the point to the opponent. ## Serve placement: the three targets 1. **Out wide** — pulls the returner off the court 2. **Body** — jams the returner, limiting swing arc 3. **Down the T** — aimed at the centre strap, limits return angles ## Reading serve statistics First serve percentage, first serve points won, and second serve points won are the three most important serving statistics. A player who wins 80%+ of first serve points but only 48% of second serve points is highly vulnerable when their first serve percentage drops.