Described for a right-handed server; the tips on reading and returning speak to the receiver.
How to read it
- The backhand face strikes the ball and the racket moves from the server's left to their right, elbow leading.
- The ball curves to your right — toward a right-hander's forehand.
- Racket going down with an open blade: side-backspin. Racket rising with an upright blade: side-topspin.
- A high finish with the elbow up does not mean topspin — judge the path at contact.
How to return it
- It kicks off your racket to your left: aim right of the target, toward the server's backhand side.
- Side-backspin: push with an open racket angled to the right. Side-topspin: close the racket and flick or drive.
- Step toward the forehand side early, because the ball keeps moving away from you.
Common mistakes when serving it
- Keeping the elbow still, so the serve is all wrist and has little spin.
- Tossing too far to the right, which leaves no room to swing across.
- Straightening up before contact, which lifts the serve.
More backhand serves
Learn to serve it
The step-by-step technique — grip, stance, toss, backswing, contact and finish — and a 3D demo you can turn and slow down are in Trainoro’s Service Drills, along with 12 ways to receive. To practise serving with a partner, see the serve and return drills.
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