Serving Types and Key Teaching Points
Serving is arguably the most important aspect of the game, as it is the one shot which has to be in every single rally. You have as much time as you need to get ready for it, so there is no excuse for not getting it right. Good serves put opponents under pressure, and give servers a better opportunity for success.
High Serve
This type of serve is most commonly used in singles matches, sometimes known as a long serve. the aim is to send the shuttle high and long and make it drop as close to the furthest back line as possible. This will make it very difficult for an opponent to hit an effective return.
Low Serve
This type of serve is most commonly used in doubles matches. Aim to hit the shuttle so it just clears the net and lands as close to the service line as possible, but it must touch the line at least, if it drops short it will not count. Keeping the shuttle low and short will make it very difficult for an opponent to hit an attacking return.
Flick Serve
This serve is most widely used in doubles. It is more common to use the backhand serve than the forehand one.The flick serve starts off in the same way as a Low Serve, but a last minute change of pace and flick of the wrist should take the shuttle over the opponents reach, but should not allow them much time to run back and hit an effective return.
Backhand Low Serve
This type of serve has several advantages. It is played from in front of the body so it has a shorter distance to travel, which means it gets to the opponent quicker giving them less thinking time.
Drive Serve
The drive serve is best used when it is unexpected, because it is hit hard, low and flat so the opposing player has little time to react to it. For the drive serve to be most effective it should be hit to the backhand side of an opponent.
(Teach PE, 2017)
High Serve
This type of serve is most commonly used in singles matches, sometimes known as a long serve. the aim is to send the shuttle high and long and make it drop as close to the furthest back line as possible. This will make it very difficult for an opponent to hit an effective return.
Low Serve
This type of serve is most commonly used in doubles matches. Aim to hit the shuttle so it just clears the net and lands as close to the service line as possible, but it must touch the line at least, if it drops short it will not count. Keeping the shuttle low and short will make it very difficult for an opponent to hit an attacking return.
Flick Serve
This serve is most widely used in doubles. It is more common to use the backhand serve than the forehand one.The flick serve starts off in the same way as a Low Serve, but a last minute change of pace and flick of the wrist should take the shuttle over the opponents reach, but should not allow them much time to run back and hit an effective return.
Backhand Low Serve
This type of serve has several advantages. It is played from in front of the body so it has a shorter distance to travel, which means it gets to the opponent quicker giving them less thinking time.
Drive Serve
The drive serve is best used when it is unexpected, because it is hit hard, low and flat so the opposing player has little time to react to it. For the drive serve to be most effective it should be hit to the backhand side of an opponent.
(Teach PE, 2017)