The object of service is to obtain the maximum return with the
minimum effort. This statement holds true for all tennis strokes,
but in none so strongly as in service.

The average player hits, his first service so hard, and with so
little regard for direction, that about nine out of ten first
deliveries are faults. Thus, one half your chances are thrown
away, and the chance of double faulting increased
proportionately.

There is a well-known tennis saying to the effect that one fault
is a mistake, but two faults are a crime--that sums up the idea
of service adequately. A player should always strive to put his
first delivery in court. In the first place it is apt to catch
your opponent napping, as he half expects a fault. Secondly, it
conserves your energy by removing the need of a second delivery,
which, in a long five-set match, is an item of such importance
that it may mean victory or defeat.

I urge all players to put their service into court with just as
much speed as they can be sure of, but to serve both deliveries
at about the same speed. Do not slog the first ball and pat the
second, but hit both with average pace.

Try for service aces whenever reasonable, but never do so at the
risk of double faulting. The first ball is the ball to ace. The
second should never be risked. Your aces must at least equal your
double faults, or your service is a handicap and not an
advantage.