STL All Sports

Experts differ greatly as to the position one should take when serving. Some advocate standing with the body sideward while others recommend facing almost squarely toward your opponent. One expert goes so far as to say that the right foot should be slightly in advance of the left foot. One should take the serving position which feels most natural to him and yet permits him to readily come into a good position for receiving the return shot which will usually be to his backhand.

There is also a difference in opinion as to whether one should lean over or stand fairly erect on the service. Leaning over slightly seems to be a more natural position but many contend that since, on the service, one cannot strike the bird above the waist he should take advantage of his height, stand fairly erect and get the bird across the net as quickly as possible. Bending over lowers the shoulders and makes the line of flight over the net longer and more acute.