Hi Dobbie,

If you are looking to “cut down the angles” for the returner of your serve, then serving to the T, or near the T, is the most obvious way to “reduce the angles”, because it makes it more difficult to get the shuttle past the server. However, there are lots of other things to consider.

Varying the location of your serve is very important, as it stops opponents being able to anticipate where it is coming and play good replies – this does not mean varying it for the sake of variation. If you serve exactly the same, every time, and get a weak return every time, do not bother changing anything. If the short serves are working, don't flick it for the sake of it, just keep on going! THIS, in itself, adds pressure to the returner, as they are now worried about what to do.

However, a variation of a couple of inches in either direction can massively change the ability of your opponent to receive serve. A little bit closer to the forehand or backhand, can take away a favourite or effective return, and turn it into a very awkward situation (Ian did this to me at Lilleshall once… very unnerving!). I find that the use of a “body” serve is particularly useful for “cramping” your opponent and limiting his options. Hitting the serve more towards the centre of the court can severely limit the shots your opponent is comfortable playing, because the shuttle will come at him, not to the side. Also, serving further into the court (onto your opponents feet) can completely ruin their rhythm and cramp their return. When they come charging forwards at your short serve, only to see it was a little quicker and now coming at them, not in front of them, that can make it very awkward to return shots!

This is just talking about WHERE to serve, let alone what to do and what to cover just afterwards. I will say more on this later, but lets hear from everyone else!