Often considered the most important shot in tennis, the serve not only puts the ball in play but can also be a lethal attacking and point-winning weapon.

Statistically, 60 to 65 per cent of the whole game of tennis involves the serve and return.

Learn how to hit it in this third and final lesson of The Sunday Times' Pick It Up...Tennis series.

At your service: national coach and former ATP Tour pro Daniel Heryanta Dewandaka, 38, and Singapore tennis star Stefanie Tan, 15.

While players can serve with spin or slice by altering grip, ball toss and/or swing, Dewandaka decided to focus on teaching the flat serve.

It is, after all, the fastest serve in the book.

Get it right, and we are certain you will have service - with a smile.

For more tips and a video, go to www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/sp/pickitup

See also: The serve grip