How fast should a student in high school be serving?

Question

I can serve around 80 mph. Is this normal for a high school student to be serving? My forehands are usually 40-50.

Answer 1

Serve speed depends on your size, age and skill level. 80 isn't bad, better than most HS players i've met, but your serve is weak when compared to ranked juniors.  I'm 5'8" and serve in the 90's consistently: can fire it up to 100 if i need to.  I know a guy who is 6'4" and can get it up to 130.

Answer 2

There's no speed that would classify you as 'normal' for a high schooler. It all depends on your skill level and more importantly your style of play.

I'd go into explaining but really at 4 months in of practice this really shouldn't be a concern.

Just understand that contact and mechanics are more important. When you see Roddick hitting 145+ mph serves it's not because he is trying to kill the ball it is because his mechanics are perfect.

The more you practice the better your mechanics and contact will become and as a latent effect your pace will increase. In other words don't Try to hit hard, just focus on getting the motions correct.

People who consciously Try to hit the ball very hard are the same ones with 30% serving averages.

You've been asking a lot of questions, it's great you're taking such an interest in tennis, keep it up!