Twist serve
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A Twist serve (or American Twist) is a type of serve in tennis. It is also known as a Kick/Kicker serve, but only because the term 'Kick/Kicker serve' now refers to both the Twist and Topspin serves (this often causes a confusion when referring to one or the other).
A twist serve is hit with topspin and travels at a lesser pace than the flat serve. The ball travels in a higher arc over the net than a flat serve. It then dips quicker and bounces higher, generally away from the receiving player's backhand. The kick serve in general is safer to hit and is often employed for the second serve. A twist serve is harder to learn, however, because it is hit somewhat behind the head of the server and requires slightly more complex mechanics. It is hit with a Continental grip. The American twist serve is useful for second serves, serve and volley tactics and many other circumstances.
A Twist serve is thrown somewhat behind the server's head, and the racquet brushes the ball from the 8 o'clock position to the 2 'clock position, although more experienced and talented players can have a 7 o'clock to 1 o'clock position, imparting a combination of topspin and sidespin that makes the ball go in an angled arc over the net. Upon bouncing, it jumps high and to the side in the direction of the server's racquet arm. For example, if a right hander hits a Twist serve to the ad (backhand) court, it will jump away from the center of the court.
Due to the partial topspin and height at which it clears the net, the Twist serve has more margin for error than a Flat serve and is sometimes a common choice among top pros for a safe second serve, although some opt to use the "Kick Serve" as a potent first serve option. A player who is able to change the angle at which the racquet brushes the ball (say, 7 o'clock to 12 o'clock) can change the horizontal bounce of the ball at will, reducing the predictability of the bounce for the receiver. Also, because the topspin imparted on the ball forces it to bounce high, the receiver would be unable to hit an ideal shot in their contact zone (typically between waist and shoulder level).
A Twist serve is best countered by moving in early and striking the ball on the rise, before it can bounce high out of the receiver's contact zone.
In the Japanese anime Prince of Tennis, Ryoma Echizen uses the "twist serve" as one of his main weapons.
Pro players who are well known for their kick-serve: Stefan Edberg
