Wrong strategy but what if it works

Sometimes in a match I will serve straight top spin down my forehand (my opponent's backhand assuming we are both right handed). This will often bounce on the line and the bounce will be near the end line. I serve this like a beginner might serve top spin - it is just a swing of my forehand. Now I know that usually no one serves just plain top spin especially with no disguise. But I have found this serve will trouble many players and will make them take a half step towards their backhand. So next serve is from the same position but is back spin short to the forehand. The essential thing is that the serve is fast with plenty of top spin and accurate down the white line. I would only use it sparingly but even so not a single opponent has attacked this.

Now should I stop using this serve as it 'breaks the rules'. I also serve regular pendulum, shovel  (punch), tomahawk and backhand serves. I am also learning to use a high toss for some serves. So its not a great loss not to use it. Have you ever seen anyone try a similar serve or have you even tried this in practice?

Hi Nigel,

If a strategy works then keep using it.  The plain topspin serve is something we recommend you don't use but I guess we are talking about a higher level of competition.  However, if you find that it is working against a certain type of opponent then there is no reason to change.