First Serve Sam
First Serve Sam is a player with a powerful first serve but inconsistent overall play. To succeed against this opponent, focus on neutralizing their serve and taking advantage of their weaknesses.
Strengths
Big First Serve – Can win quick points with a powerful serve.
Aggressive Play – Can put pressure on returners when the first serve lands.
Weaknesses
Erratic Play – Struggles with consistency.
Low First Serve Percentage – Misses a lot of first serves.
Vulnerable Second Serve – Often weaker and attackable.
Struggles in Windy Conditions – A big serve is harder to control in tough weather.
How to play against First Serve Sam?
Be Smart on Returns
Against the First Serve:
Stand deep to give yourself more reaction time.
Assess their patterns – do they favour the T, body, or wide serves?
If they can’t hit angles, send a deep, high ball back to reset the point.
Against the Second Serve:
Step in and attack whenever possible.
Be aggressive and put pressure on them early in the rally.
Make Them Uncomfortable
Mix up your return positions to keep them guessing.
Stay patient and weather the storm – they can’t keep up big hitting forever.
If it’s a windy day, use it to your advantage – they will struggle to control their serve.
Drills Inspiration From The Video Archive
Practice Drills to Prepare
Find Practice Opponents with Big Serves:
Try returning against players who serve big, even if they are older or stronger than you.
Teacher Serving Drill:
The Teacher serves from the service line or closer to the net to simulate a fast-paced serve.
Practice different return positions to see what works best.
Goal: Can you send a deep ball back crosscourt over their head?
Return Position Trial:
Experiment with standing far back for first serves and stepping in for second serves.
Find out what position gives you the best balance of control and aggression.
