The kick tennis shot is usually called a kick serve: a serve hit with heavy topspin that jumps high after it bounces. Instead of skidding through the court like a flat serve, it can force a returner to hit from shoulder height or move sharply to the side.
It is especially useful on second serves because the spin helps bring the ball down into the service box. Learning it takes time, though. A reliable kick serve comes from a loose swing, a brushing contact and a controlled toss—not simply from hitting the ball as hard as possible.
What Is a Kick Serve?
A kick serve is a type of topspin serve. The racket brushes up and across the back of the ball, making it rotate forward and sideways. When it lands, that spin makes the ball jump upward and often move away from the receiver.
The amount and direction of the bounce depend on the contact, spin and court surface. On a hard court, a strong kick serve can leap toward the receiver’s shoulder. On clay, it may bounce high and give the server more time to move into the court. The kick serve is most often used as a second serve, but a player can also use it as a first serve to change the returner’s rhythm.
Players sometimes use “kick shot” to describe a high-bouncing topspin groundstroke, too. In most tennis discussions, however, the term refers to the serve.
How to Hit a Kick Serve
1. Set up with a balanced stance
Start with your feet in a comfortable serving position and your body turned partly sideways to the net. Keep your grip relaxed. Many players use a continental grip, which makes it easier to swing up and brush the ball. A tight grip can make the arm stiff and limit racket speed.
2. Toss the ball slightly behind you
For a right-handed player, the toss is usually above or a little behind the head, rather than well out in front. This gives you room to swing upward through contact. A left-handed player can use the same idea, adjusted to their hitting side. Keep the toss consistent: if you have to chase it or lean far backward, the serve will be harder to control.
3. Brush up and across
Reach up to contact the ball, then move the racket quickly across its back while brushing upward. A useful cue is to think about creating spin rather than driving the ball flat through the court. The exact brushing path varies between players; forcing your wrist or copying a clock-face angle can make the motion uncomfortable.
Let your shoulder and arm turn through the swing, and allow the racket to continue across your body after contact. You should not need to snap your wrist sharply to create spin. If your shoulder feels painful, stop and check your technique with a qualified coach or medical professional.
4. Land under control
Finish balanced enough to prepare for the next shot. A kick serve that lands in but leaves you falling sideways can give the receiver an easy reply. The goal is a repeatable serve followed by a ready position, not a spectacular bounce at any cost.
Where to Aim and When to Use It
The kick serve is valuable because it changes the receiver’s contact point. A high bounce can push an opponent behind the baseline, while a serve aimed toward the body can jam them and make it difficult to swing freely.
- On a second serve: Use topspin to create a safer margin over the net and bring the ball down into the box.
- To the backhand: A high, wide kick can make a one-handed backhand especially uncomfortable, though the receiver’s skill matters more than any rule about which side is weaker.
- At the body: The bounce can crowd the receiver and limit their options.
- As a change-up: Mix it with flatter or sliced serves so the returner cannot settle into one timing pattern.
Placement matters as much as bounce. A predictable kick serve down the middle may be easier to attack than one that moves the receiver away from the court. Watch where your opponent stands and how they handle high balls, then adjust your target.
Kick Serve Compared with Flat and Slice Serves
| Serve type | Main spin or action | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Kick | Heavy topspin with a high, often sideways bounce | Reliable second serve; disrupts the receiver’s contact point |
| Flat | Less spin and a more direct path | First serve aimed at speed or a quick point |
| Slice | Sidespin that curves and moves away from the receiver | Pulls the receiver wide or changes the direction of the rally |
These are broad patterns, not fixed outcomes. A well-placed slice can be difficult to return, and a kick serve can be attacked if it sits up in the middle of the box. Good servers vary pace, spin and location.
Common Kick Serve Mistakes
- Trying to hit too hard: Extra effort often reduces control. Build a smooth brushing action first, then add pace gradually.
- Tossing too far forward: This can encourage a flatter swing and make it harder to get under and across the ball.
- Using only the arm: A rushed arm swing without a balanced body turn can lead to inconsistent contact. Coordinate the legs, trunk and shoulder comfortably.
- Expecting a huge bounce every time: Spin, placement, ball condition and court surface all affect the result. Aim for a dependable serve, not a highlight-reel bounce.
- Practicing without a target: A serve that lands anywhere in the box may not help much in a match. Choose a target area and track how often you hit it.
Simple Drills to Improve Your Kick Serve
- Spin-first practice: Start close to the service line and serve at half speed. Focus on a clean brushing contact and a comfortable finish. Move back gradually as your control improves.
- Target-box drill: Pick a corner or a wide target in the service box. Hit sets of ten serves and count how many land in the target area, not just how many go in.
- Second-serve routine: Hit a first serve, then a kick second serve to a chosen location. This helps you practice the serve in the sequence you will use during a match.
- High-bounce check: Ask a practice partner to note whether the ball jumps high and moves away from them. Use their feedback alongside your own feel; a high bounce is useful only if the serve also lands reliably.
Keep practice sets manageable and take breaks. Repeated serving can put stress on the shoulder and elbow, particularly when you are learning a new motion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a kick serve good for beginners?
Yes, but beginners should first build a comfortable service motion and learn to get the ball into the box. Start slowly and focus on brushing the ball. A dependable second serve is more useful than a powerful serve you cannot control.
Is a kick serve the same as a topspin serve?
A kick serve is a topspin serve with enough spin to create a noticeable high and often sideways bounce. The terms are sometimes used loosely, but “kick” usually suggests a more pronounced bounce.
Why does my kick serve go into the net?
Common causes include a toss that is too far forward, contact that is too low, or a swing that drives forward without enough upward brush. Slow down, check your toss and aim with a comfortable margin over the net.
Can I use a kick serve as a first serve?
Yes. It can be a smart first serve when you want a high bounce, a different look or a safer target. Many players vary it with flatter and sliced serves rather than relying on one serve type.
Final Thoughts
The kick tennis shot is best known as a spin-heavy serve that bounces high and can move the receiver out of position. To develop one, focus on a consistent toss, a relaxed swing and an upward brushing action. Add placement and pace only after you can land the serve reliably. With practice, it can become a useful second serve—and a valuable way to make your serving pattern less predictable.
