How to Break the Big Server’s Grip on a Match

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How to Break the Big Server’s Grip on a Match

At this year’s Australian Open, Carlos Alcaraz and Elena Rybakina demonstrated how a dominant serve—especially when paired with a decisive serve +1 game—can dictate tempo and apply constant scoreboard pressure. Their opponents, Iga Świątek and Alex de Minaur, were often left reacting, unable to find traction as service games passed quickly and decisively.

After her win, Rybakina was clear:  “Most important for me is to be focused on my serve, since it’s a big advantage if it works.”

The question is, what could Świątek and de Minaur have done differently?

Beating a big server isn’t just about returning well—it’s about constructing a return game that disrupts rhythm, accumulates pressure, and reshapes the match dynamic.

1. Disrupt Rhythm and Repetition

Big servers—and especially those who rely on serve +1—depend on tempo. Disrupting that rhythm narrows their comfort zone.

  • Adjust return position. Move forward on second serves to pressure timing; drop back to read pace and spin. Varying positions forces constant recalibration.

  • Vary split-step timing. Small shifts in timing can unsettle their toss or motion, making it harder to find rhythm.

  • Control tempo between points. Take your time after quick points. Routines help reset focus and interrupt momentum.

2. Pressure the Second Serve

Second serves offer the cleanest entry point to shift initiative.

  • Step inside the baseline. Early contact compresses their time and limits the setup for their next shot.

  • Target the body or corners. Jam them or stretch their court coverage to disrupt serve +1 patterns.

  • Prioritize depth. A deep return neutralizes the third shot and reduces their ability to dictate.

3. Make Return Games Cumulative

Breaking doesn’t happen in one point—it builds over time.

In my own playing days, I faced servers pushing 140 mph. My goal? Reach 4–4 in the second set with a message: I’ll get this return back when it matters. More often than not, that pressure produced the one break I needed.

Extend Early Games

  • Force more second serves

  • Reveal serve +1 tendencies

  • Increase cognitive load

Apply Consistent Pressure

  • Prioritize reliable, deep returns

  • Keep them from dictating early

  • Force decisions on the third shot

Neutralize the Three-Ball Sequence

  • Take away the short return

  • Use central, shaped returns

  • Extend beyond three shots—where execution becomes less certain

Return games are investments. When the payoff comes, it can decide the set.

4. Expose Movement and Transitions

Many serve +1 players excel in linear patterns. Ask them to move or transition, and their control often drops.

  • Change direction with depth. Crosscourt-to-line sequences stretch positioning and delay their ability to set up.

  • Bring them forward. Short slices test their footwork and decision-making in transition.

  • Use height and spin. High topspin—especially to the backhand—pushes them off the baseline, softening the serve +1 edge.

5. Manage Your Psychology

You will get aced. You will lose quick points. The match often turns not on those moments—but on how you respond to the next one. Stay composed long enough, and your opportunity will come.

  • Expect, don’t overreact. Treat aces and unreturnables as part of the job. They’re not personal—they’re neutral.

  • Stick to routine. Between-point habits help regulate emotions and reset focus. They anchor you when momentum swings.

  • Prioritize execution. Did you hold your return position? Did you hit your target? Did you disrupt their rhythm? These are your metrics—not just the scoreline.

  • Play the long game. Pressure accumulates. The longer you resist clean holds, the more doubt you create—and the more likely your moment arrives.

Wrap

Big servers thrive when they’re allowed to repeat serve +1 sequences uninterrupted.

Świątek and de Minaur—both strong movers and disciplined tacticians—found themselves defending more than constructing.

Turning that around requires clarity and intent:

Disrupt rhythm.
Pressure second serves.
Extend games.
Change the geometry.
Manage your mindset.

These aren’t shortcuts—they’re sustainable levers for long-term resistance. And against the modern power server, they might be your best chance.

De Minaur 3.0: A Smarter Blueprint

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De Minaur 3.0: A Smarter Blueprint

De Minaur’s Breaking Point

Heartbreak for Alex de Minaur again last night — another valiant effort, another Australian Open loss to one of the game’s elite.

Even tougher to watch was the visible despair on court, compounded by the flat, disengaged body language from his player’s box.

His career record against Alcaraz and Sinner now stands at 0–19 — a brutal reminder of the razor-thin margins at the top of men’s tennis.

De Minaur gave everything. But let’s be honest — the current strategy isn’t working.

The push to hit bigger may have added muscle to his game, but it’s playing straight into the hands of opponents like Alcaraz, who feast on pace.

He won’t win by trying to out-hit or out-muscle the tour’s most powerful players.

What he needs is a shift in mindset — and a shift in tactics.

De Minaur 2.0: Power Play Misfire

Over the past year, the focus has been on bulking up and hitting a bigger ball. Understandable — but also a departure from what makes De Minaur dangerous.

His body isn’t built to go toe-to-toe in slugfests. His edge lies in movement, timing, precision, and disruption — not raw power.

The “power play” phase may have looked like progress, but it’s now clear: it’s time to pivot. Time for a new coach?

Peer Snapshots

Here’s how he stacks up against the rest of the ATP Tour based on rolling performance statistics

Category De Minaur ATP Leaders Comparison
Serve (Aces) ~3.8 aces/match 12–16 aces/match (Opelka, Perricard) Lacks elite serve firepower
Return Game Estimated Top 6 Djokovic, Alcaraz, Baez One of the tour’s best returners
Break Conversion ~45.1% (elite range) Alcaraz, Baez Converts at a world-class rate
Pressure Points Outside Top 10 Sinner, Djokovic, Alcaraz Solid, but not a consistent closer

De Minaur 3.0 — The Tactical Blueprint

1. Rebuilding the Serve – From Compensatory to Complete

What to Change Why It Matters
Move beyond junior-era compensations Arm-dominant habits limit power, disguise, and reliability under pressure
Increase leg drive and vertical force Activates the full kinetic chain from the ground up
Load hips and core more effectively Stores rotational energy instead of forcing arm-generated pace
Improve sequencing through shoulder release Converts stored energy into racquet-head speed with efficiency
Stabilize toss and landing balance Improves stability and repeatability under pressure while expanding control and variation
Cue: “Build the chain — legs to core to racquet.”

This rebuild won’t deliver instant results, and it will require short-term discomfort. But without it, the serve remains a liability rather than a platform. With it, De Minaur gains the one thing missing from his game against the elite: a serve that supports his patterns instead of undermining them.

2. Controlled Returns – “Djokovic Deep”

What to Change Why It Matters
Return deep and central, even at slower pace Removes angles, neutralizes early aggression
Start neutral to gain rhythm Prevents opponent from dictating the point early
Use depth as a weapon Blunts first-strike attempts, sets up longer exchanges
Cue: “Start neutral, then grind control.”

Against elite servers, controlling the return phase isn’t optional — it’s survival. These returns may not earn winners, but they tilt the first shot battle in De Minaur’s favour, where his legs and patterns can take over.

3. Re-engineer the Approach

What to Change Why It Matters
Replace topspin floaters with low slice approaches Keeps ball below the hitting zone — harder to attack
Target the backhand or body Shrinks passing angles, especially vs semi-western grips
Approach to disrupt, not just finish Turns net play into a pressure tactic, not a desperation move
Cue: “Slice low, approach tight — don’t feed the forehand.”

De Minaur has the hands and the speed — what’s missing is the decision-making. Approaching isn’t about flash; it’s about forcing rushed decisions. With better setups, his volleys become match-changers, not afterthoughts.

4. Rally Height Disruption

What to Change Why It Matters
Use loopy topspin and skidding slices Changes contact height, disrupts opponent’s rhythm
Keep ball high or low — never mid-zone Denies clean hitting opportunities
Play outside their comfort zone Forces opponents to generate pace and adjust timing
Cue: “Never feed the strike zone.”

Against Alcaraz and Sinner, rhythm is deadly. Letting them load from the same contact point is asking for trouble. Disrupting height and shape is De Minaur’s best path to making their power work against them.

5. Volley-First Mentality

What to Change Why It Matters
Treat net play as a weapon, not a fallback Uses De Minaur’s speed and hands as offensive assets
Close off deep or neutral balls, not just short ones Adds pressure early, takes time away from opponent
Build a rhythm of proactive net movement Prevents rallies from becoming predictable and passive
Cue: “Create pressure, don’t wait for it.”

Volleying isn’t just an endgame — it’s a mindset. De Minaur doesn’t need to be a serve-and-volleyer, but a net threat who forces decisions. When his opponents sense he’s always lurking forward, their ground game starts to leak.

Wrap

De Minaur doesn’t need to reinvent himself — he needs to double down on what already sets him apart: world-class movement, relentless mental toughness, and the ability to disrupt rhythm like few others on tour.

The solution isn’t to hit bigger — it’s to play smarter. That’s De Minaur 3.0: not built to match firepower, but to systematically break it down.

The Three Phases of Your Serve: Why What Worked Then Will Fail You Later

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The Three Phases of Your Serve: Why What Worked Then Will Fail You Later

Why the Serve Evolves—and How to Stay Ahead of the Curve

The serve is the most complex stroke in tennis. It demands coordination, mobility, timing, and explosive force—delivered under pressure with millimeter precision.

But the way a player serves doesn’t stay constant. In fact, it goes through a predictable three-phase evolution over a player’s lifespan. Understanding each phase—and how to navigate it—can help you build, maintain, and even recover a world-class serve.

1. Childhood Serve (Compensatory Phase)

At the earliest stages of development, the serve is shaped not by optimal biomechanics—but by necessity. Young players simply don’t have the physical tools to execute a full kinetic chain: their legs aren’t strong enough to drive, their core can’t stabilize rotation, and their neuromuscular system hasn’t yet learned to sequence complex movements.

So the body improvises.

This phase isn’t defined by poor coaching or bad habits—it’s a natural motor solution to a temporary physical limitation. The child learns to get the ball in using the tools available: the arm, the wrist, and simplified swing patterns.

But while these compensations are effective in the short term, they become deeply ingrained. If not consciously retrained during adolescence, the body holds onto these inefficient patterns well into adulthood—even after strength and mobility have improved.

The childhood serve is functional, but fragile. It works until the level of play demands more power, spin, and disguise—at which point its limitations become exposed.

What’s Happening Neurologically?

The childhood serve is built on local control: simple, isolated movements that avoid complex sequencing. It works for early success, but it isn’t scalable.

As players mature, their nervous system must shift toward integrated motor control—coordinated, full-body movements that drive power from the ground up. Without this shift, the player remains neurologically stuck in a juvenile serve pattern.

How Transition Fails—and How to Spot It Early

Many players hit physical maturity, but their serve doesn’t evolve.

Common Pitfalls:

  • No intervention: Serve “works,” so no one touches it

  • Delayed strength/mobility: Body can’t support a full kinetic chain

  • No feedback loop: Player never sees or feels what’s wrong

  • Fear of regression: Technical upgrades are avoided to preserve short-term results

Early Red Flags:

  • Shallow knee bend, minimal leg drive

  • Flat contact or low toss

  • Sidearm swing and poor rotation

  • Collapsed or off-balance landing

  • Serve speed plateaus despite strength gains

These signal a player has outgrown their mechanics—but hasn’t replaced them.

2. Adult Serve (Optimized Kinetic Chain Phase)

This is the golden window for serve development—when the athlete’s body and brain are finally in sync.

By this phase, the player has the strength to drive vertically, the mobility to coil and rotate, and the neuromuscular coordination to link it all together. It’s no longer about “getting the serve in”—it’s about turning the serve into a weapon.

What sets this phase apart is the emergence of a true kinetic chain, where energy flows from the ground up in a seamless, explosive sequence. The serve becomes a dynamic, full-body motion—efficient, powerful, and sustainable under pressure.

In this stage, mechanics shift away from isolated arm action and toward complete integration. The legs, hips, core, and shoulders all contribute, creating a fluid system that delivers high-level results with minimal strain.

3. Aging Athlete’s Serve (Reversion Phase)

With age comes wisdom, experience—and the slow erosion of physical capability. Mobility tightens, reaction time slows, and power generation declines unless actively maintained. What often goes unnoticed, however, is that the serve starts to regress—not just in performance, but in form.

This regression isn’t dramatic at first. It begins with minor adjustments: a slightly lower toss, a shallower knee bend, a shorter follow-through. These changes are often subconscious—subtle attempts to protect joints, compensate for lost leg drive, or simplify timing. But over time, they compound.

Eventually, the serve begins to resemble the early, compensatory version developed in childhood. What was once a powerful, fluid motion becomes arm-reliant again—flattened, rushed, and vulnerable under pressure.

This phase isn’t inevitable, but it is common. Without deliberate effort to preserve power, mobility, and neuromuscular sequencing, even high-level players can drift into preservation mode—where safety and simplicity take priority over explosiveness and efficiency.

The good news? With targeted training, the adult serve can be maintained—and even refined—well into later years.

Regression to Preservation Mode

What looks like technical decline in aging players is rarely the result of laziness or poor discipline. More often, it’s a form of neuromuscular conservation—a subconscious shift toward movement patterns that feel safer and more stable, even if they’re less effective.

As the body senses diminishing strength, reduced mobility, or joint vulnerability, it quietly begins to simplify. These adjustments aren’t deliberate—they emerge as protective instincts to reduce complexity and perceived risk.

Common regressions include:

  • Lower tosses to reduce timing demands

  • Flatter swing paths to ease joint loading

  • Less leg drive or hip rotation to avoid instability

  • Arm acceleration replacing full-body sequencing to compensate for lost force

These modifications feel more controlled—but they’re deceptive. The more the serve relies on the arm alone, the more it overloads small joints and soft tissue structures.

Injury Implications

The shift from a full-body kinetic chain to an arm-dominant motion dramatically increases the risk of:

  • Shoulder impingement

  • Elbow tendinopathy (especially tennis elbow)

  • Lower back strain due to poor trunk decoupling

  • Chronic overuse injuries from repetitive micro-loading

When the big engines (legs, hips, core) shut down, the smaller ones (shoulder, elbow, wrist) are forced to overwork—and they simply aren’t built to carry that load long-term.

Bottom Line

Without proactive training, the adult serve doesn’t just regress in performance—it becomes a liability. The mechanics that feel safer in the moment often lay the groundwork for pain, inefficiency, and time off the court.

The only real safeguard? Keep the chain connected—through strength, mobility, and smart practice.

Wrap: Evolve or Regress—The Choice Is Yours

The serve is not static. It changes—because you change.

Your strength, mobility, coordination, and confidence all shift across your playing life. But here’s the key:

You get to decide how your serve evolves.

  • Will it stagnate in childhood mechanics, limited by outdated patterns?

  • Will it peak in adulthood and stay there through purposeful training and refinement?

  • Or will it quietly regress—simplifying, protecting, compensating as the years go on?

Understanding the three phases—compensatory → complete → sustained—gives you the power to break the cycle.

Because with the right plan, your serve doesn’t have to age out.

It can age up.

Tracking the Serve

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Tracking the Serve

What Tennis Players Can Learn from Steve Smith’s Vestibular Struggle

A week before captaining Australia at the MCG, Steve Smith faced a challenge that few elite athletes ever talk about: he couldn’t track the ball. Not due to rust or mechanics—but because of a vestibular issue that blurred vision and disoriented him every time he raised his head to face the bowler.

Sound familiar?

Tennis players often describe moments when they “lose the ball” on the toss, feel dizzy when tracking kick serves, or misread the direction despite being well-positioned. While Smith’s issue was clinical, it shines a spotlight on a hidden aspect of elite performance: eye tracking, balance, and spatial recalibration.

Why Ball Tracking Can Break Down

Smith described the unsettling symptoms:

  • Dizzy head every time he looked up.

  • Sluggish eye tracking on fast-moving balls.

  • Needing to “recalibrate” each time he faced forward.

In tennis, this mirrors common breakdowns during return games, especially against:

  • Big servers with high-velocity serves.

  • Lefty swingers or players using disguise.

  • Serve-and-volley players where reaction time is reduced.

Training the Tracking System

To improve tracking and minimize “serve blind spots,” players can train their vestibuloocular reflex (VOR) and spatial timing using exercises inspired by sports science and balance training:

1. Dynamic Eye Tracking Drills

  • Use vestibular goggles or apps that force you to track lights or symbols while moving your head side to side.

  • Practice following tosses or balls with only your peripheral vision to reduce over-reliance on central focus.

2. Balance-Recalibration Techniques

  • Implement single-leg balance work with head rotation to simulate the head movement from ready position to return stance.

  • BOSU drills or dynamic balance boards train the body to stabilize while shifting vision and position.

3. Split-Step Sync Training

  • Match split-step timing to visual cues rather than anticipation. Use slow-mo serve footage and time your prep and reaction.

  • Many players think they’re tracking well, but their split-step is mistimed, throwing off their entire return setup.

Wrap

If an athlete like Steve Smith, one of the world’s best hand-eye coordinators, can be undone by tracking issues, any of us can. But the good news? The system is trainable.

By blending:

  • VOR-specific drills,

  • balance integration, and

  • timing-specific footwork,

you can significantly sharpen your ability to pick up the ball early, react quickly, and return with confidence—even against the biggest serves.

Gauff’s Spin Serve Revolution

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Gauff’s Spin Serve Revolution

New Weapon at the WTA Finals in Riyadh

After a shaky start to 2025, Coco Gauff caught fire on clay—reaching two WTA 1000 finals and lifting the French Open with signature grit and endurance.

Then, just weeks later, her serve broke down.

She made a decisive call: part ways with her technical coach and rebuild the shot from the ground up—just days before the U.S. Open. Enter biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan.

What followed was a rare transformation at the highest level: a complete overhaul of Gauff’s service motion, grounded in principles of balance, motor control, and efficient force production.

Spin Isn’t Just Safe—It’s Strategic

Gauff’s new motion now leans heavily into kick and slice serves, abandoning her over-reliance on flat power. It’s not just a stylistic shift—it’s strategic evolution.

Why it works:

  • More net clearance = fewer double faults.

  • Heavy spin disrupts rhythm, especially on second serves.

  • Kick serves push opponents back, exposing court space and buying time.

Despite leading the WTA Tour in double faults this year, Gauff surged to No. 3 in the world, capturing the Wuhan Open without dropping a set.

And at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, her new serve was on full display—varied, high-bouncing, and increasingly unreturnable.

“I wanted to make sure if I were to lose, it would be losing the right way,” she said.

What This Means for You

If you’re a competitive player ready to evolve your serve, Gauff’s journey is more than inspiration—it’s a blueprint.

1. Spin Creates Pressure

Flat serves get headlines. Spin serves win matches.

Kick and topspin serves give you margin, shape, and options. They buy you space to control the rally and expose returners who don’t move well off the bounce—especially on slower surfaces.

2. Build It From the Ground Up

MacMillan’s system starts at the base: lower body balance and kinetic sequencing. The goal? Not just to hit hard—but to generate efficient, reliable power through proper biomechanics.

This aligns with the principles from the Whisperer Kinetic Chain post: true serve power isn’t arm-driven—it’s built from the ground up.

Flat Power vs. Reliable Spin

“I like to go for the ace,” Gauff admitted. And who doesn’t?

But when pressure hits, it’s not just about speed—it’s about control.

Flat serves may look powerful, but spin allows you to “cover the ball” more—lifting it over the net with shape, depth, and safety. That margin lets you stay aggressive without giving away free points.

Spin doesn’t mean safe. It means sustainable. And in big moments, that’s the serve that survives.

Spin the Game-Changer

Don’t fear the kick—use it. Own the bounce.

Train your serve like a weapon: add variety, anchor it in biomechanics, and let it evolve with purpose. Mastery doesn’t come from force—it comes from form.

And as Gauff is proving on the sport’s biggest stages, spin isn’t just a change—it’s a game-changer.

Coming Soon: Serve Series Progression

A five-part series breaks the serve into its essential stages — starting position, toss mechanics, racquet drop, contact, and recovery. Each post delivers clear technical cues tailored for competitive players looking to build a reliable, powerful, and repeatable serve.  Whether you’re a baseliner looking to hold more easily or a serve-and-volleyer sharpening your first-strike game, this series gives you the foundation to serve with purpose.  Stay tuned.

Mastering the Serve Follow-Through

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Mastering the Serve Follow-Through

The serve doesn’t end at contact—what happens after you hit the ball is just as important for balance, power, and match preparation.

The follow-through phase isn’t just a mechanical finish—it’s the bridge between a dominant serve and a confident first shot of the rally. This transition dictates how fluid, efficient, and dangerous you are as a server.

Why Follow-Through Matters

A well-executed follow-through allows you to:

  • Maintain dynamic balance so you’re not falling off the serve.

  • Generate additional rotational force through your torso, enhancing power and control.

  • Position yourself for the next ball, especially critical if you’re playing serve-and-volley or recovering behind a powerful first serve.

Neglecting this phase leaves you scrambling, late to recover, and susceptible to aggressive returns.

Why the Serve Is Different

The serve is the only shot in tennis that operates on two speeds—a slow, deliberate toss followed by an explosive hit. Navigating this tempo shift requires composure, rhythm, and sequencing. It’s what makes the follow-through even more critical—your ability to stay connected through both speeds impacts everything that follows.

Four Key Elements of Serve Follow-Through

1. Balanced Finish

Land on your front foot (left foot for right-handers) with a strong, grounded base. Avoid drifting or collapsing to one side. This sets the foundation for a stable, athletic recovery.

2. Stay on the Wheel

Stay “on the wheel” to fully engage your core and shoulder, maximizing the transfer of body weight into the ball. Imagine your torso continuing to rotate as if following the arc of a wheel—this helps maintain tension through the kinetic chain and supports deeper penetration into the court.

3. Controlled Deceleration

Let your arm and racquet “wrap around” naturally after contact, without forcing it. A tight, jerky finish disrupts rhythm and can compromise shoulder health. Think of it as “finishing your story”—fluid, complete, and unhurried.

4. Integrated Footwork

Seamlessly transition into your cross-over or first step recovery as part of the follow-through. Use the momentum from the serve to carry you forward, whether preparing to hit a groundstroke or move in behind the serve.

Tactical Recovery Tips

  • Against aggressive returners: Bias your follow-through to a more upright, neutral finish so you can react quickly off the mark.

  • Serve-and-volley play: Accelerate your recovery with a sharp first step and balance yourself with prep steps before the first volley.

  • On clay or slow courts: Extend your follow-through slightly and allow for a more measured recovery, emphasizing positioning over speed.

Visualize Your Target

Build your serve follow-through into your pre-serve routine and visualization. See it, feel it, and own it before you toss the ball. This sharpens your mental edge and aligns your movement with your tactical intent.

Wrap

Your serve isn’t complete until your body is balanced, your core engaged, and you’re ready for the next shot.

Stay on the wheel. Land strong. Move with intent.

The Underarm Serve: Errani’s Masterstroke

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The Underarm Serve: Errani’s Masterstroke

Most of Howie’s midweek group are appalled at Errani’s serve.  They are purists, to say the least. Some even question whether it’s legal.

But the results speak for themselves: Sara Errani, at 38, remains a force on the pro tour, a Golden Slam-winning doubles specialist who has mastered a serve few dare to try.

Sara Errani stood at match point in the Billie Jean King Cup semifinal, staring down Iga Świątek, one of the world’s best. Then, she served—underarm.  What followed was not a gimmick or an act of desperation. It was a masterclass in adaptability, executed by a player who has turned a perceived weakness into one of the game’s more potent weapons.

Michael Chang: The Original Underarmer

Long before Sara Errani brought the underarm serve into the women’s spotlight, Michael Chang executed one of the most famous underarm serves in tennis history—on match point, no less. It was the 1989 French Open, and Chang, just 17 years old, was battling severe cramps in a fourth-round clash against world No. 1 Ivan Lendl. Barely able to move, Chang pulled out an underarm serve late in the fifth set. It caught Lendl completely off guard. Chang went on to win the match and ultimately the tournament, becoming the youngest male Grand Slam champion in history.

Reframing Weakness into a Weapon

Errani’s story is unique. Standing at just 5’5”, she lacks the height and power of today’s big servers. For years, her serve was mocked, criticized, even meme’d. But instead of hiding from it, she embraced the challenge, building a tactical repertoire around placement, variation, and surprise.

The underarm serve wasn’t born from whimsy—it was born from necessity. When her regular serve began collapsing under pressure—most notably with severe yips in 2019—Errani made a radical decision: she would serve underarm entirely during a tournament in Paraguay. The reaction was brutal, but the outcome was revealing: she reached the final.

A Strategic Statement, Not a Trick Shot

While players like Nick Kyrgios and Alexander Bublik deploy the underarm serve for flair, Errani does it with a surgeon’s precision. Against Świątek, it wasn’t about showmanship. It was about starting the point on her terms—controlling tempo, rhythm, and positioning.

As she explained:

“I don’t try to make winners. I just try to make kick, make slice… sometimes is better for me to serve not that fast, because if you serve fast the ball is coming back faster.”

Is It Legal Under the Rules?

Yes—the underarm serve is completely legal under the rules of tennis. The only requirement for a valid serve is that the ball must be hit before it touches the ground and must land in the appropriate service box. There is no rule that requires the server to strike the ball overhand. As long as the motion is continuous and the ball is not thrown and allowed to bounce, the underarm serve is fair game—even in professional play. That’s what makes it such a disruptive, underutilized weapon.

Why It Disrupts Timing

What makes the underarm serve so difficult to return is that it fundamentally breaks the rhythm most players rely on. At every level of tennis, returners are trained to read toss height, racquet swing, and body rotation to time their split step and initiate their backswing. The underarm serve removes all of that. It comes slower, lower, and earlier than expected—often before the returner has even completed their split.

This plays havoc with players who “quick hit” the return—those who rely on the ball’s pace to time a sharp, early contact. Suddenly they’re forced to generate their own power on a floating ball that arrives below knee height, with no predictable trajectory. The result? Mis-hits, awkward footwork, or mistimed aggression. Even top pros like Daniil Medvedev and Taylor Fritz have been caught out by Errani’s underarm, proving that disruption can be just as deadly as power.

Expect Scorn

Even so, if you decide to use the underarm serve, be prepared for derision and scorn. Tennis purists often view it as unsportsmanlike or beneath the standards of “proper” play. You might face eye-rolls, muttered comments, or even outright ridicule—from opponents, spectators, and yes, even your own teammates. But as Errani has proven time and again, winning changes the narrative. If you’re confident in your intent, unbothered by tradition, and smart about when to deploy it, the underarm serve can be a bold, effective answer to pressure—not a sign of weakness.

From Panic to Process: The Psychological Shift

Errani’s journey with the serve reflects the essence of mental resilience. Her coach advised her to serve underarm for a full tournament to liberate her mind. That decision echoes the “Practice Under Pressure” and “Adaptive Strategies” discussed in sports psychology: face the fear head-on, and reclaim control.

She also leans on breathing routines and visualization, managing match-day nerves that once crippled her ability to toss the ball.

For Competitive Players

The underarm serve isn’t a shortcut. It’s a reminder that tennis intelligence can outplay raw firepower.

Errani’s decision to lean into discomfort turned her serve into a disruptor—a shot that rattled Świątek, flummoxed Fritz, and helped Errani secure a Golden Slam in doubles.

Want to Try It? 

  • Practice under pressure. Don’t save it for matches. Test it during high-intensity drills.

  • Pair it with variety. Mix it with slice and kick serves to create unpredictability.

  • Use it selectively. Against deep returners or when protecting a second serve.

  • Own the moment. Confidence is everything. Commit, don’t hesitate.

Wrap

The underarm serve isn’t weak—it’s wise.  Errani didn’t just revive a controversial shot—she redefined it.

How to Really Watch the Ball in Tennis

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How to Really Watch the Ball in Tennis

Stats don’t lie. Over 90% of tennis errors stem from not truly watching the ball. That number might seem exaggerated—until you break down what it actually means.

Most players see the ball in their peripheral vision, but they’re not watching it. Seeing is passive. Watching is intentional. It’s about tracking the ball with purpose, depth, and anticipation. And it’s one of the most overlooked, yet most critical, skills in high-level tennis.

To build this skill, you need more than just advice. You need mechanics. Here’s how to turn visual tracking into a trained performance habit.

Use Both Eyes — Break the Dominance Trap

Many players unconsciously rely on their dominant eye. That creates imbalance and limits depth perception—especially when tracking fast or spinning balls.

You can train both eyes to work in sync:

  • Patch the dominant eye during warm-up drills to strengthen the non-dominant side.

  • Use our ball can exercises to practice using both eyes—not just the one your brain prefers.

Depth perception, tracking accuracy, and timing all depend on full binocular function. One lazy eye costs you clarity, especially at speed.

Learn more about eye dominance

Watch the Seams — Focus on What Matters

The best players don’t just track the ball. They zero in on the seams.

That level of visual focus does several things:

  • Sharpens timing by forcing precise eye discipline.

  • Enhances contact quality by narrowing focus to the ball’s spin and rotation.

  • Anchors attention under pressure, reducing mental noise.

You can develop this focus by shadow swinging with a suspended ball. Try to follow the seams as the ball swings, and then replicate that focus during hitting sessions.

Seeing spin isn’t a magic trick—it’s a skill that starts with your eyes.

Move Your Eyes, Not Your Head

Turning your head to follow the ball is too slow and disrupts your balance. Every fraction of a second counts—so lead with your eyes, not your neck.

Train your eyes to move quickly and independently:

  • Practice rapid eye movements between fixed points off-court.

  • In practice, notice if you’re turning your head to follow shots—then adjust.

This alone can buy you precious time, improve footwork efficiency, and help you stay balanced through transitions and recovery.

Sync with Prep Step and Cross-Over Step

Elite vision only helps when it’s aligned with movement.

  • Use your prep steps to keep balance and mobility while watching the ball in detail.

  • Execute your cross-over step as your opponent strikes, so your eyes and body arrive at the next move together.

When your vision and footwork are synced, anticipation improves dramatically. You’re no longer reacting—you’re reading and moving early.

Wrap: Eyes First, Body Follows

If you want fewer mishits, better timing, and smarter court coverage, train your vision like any other weapon in your game.

Most players don’t lose points because of bad technique—they lose because their eyes are late, lazy, or misdirected.

Train both eyes. Watch the seams. Let your eyes lead.

What Is Your Pre-Serve Routine?

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What Is Your Pre-Serve Routine?

The serve is the only shot in tennis where you have complete control before the point begins. It’s your chance to set the tone, dictate strategy, and apply pressure right from the start. Establishing a consistent pre-serve routine is one of the simplest ways to improve your focus, composure, and execution under pressure.

The Serve: Your Moment of Mastery

Unlike the unpredictable rhythm of rallies, the serve gives you total command. Nothing happens until you initiate the point. That means you have the opportunity to be deliberate—deciding where you want the ball to land, visualizing the spin and trajectory, and committing to your motion.

Biomechanically, this is where the setup dictates the outcome:

  • Palm up on the toss allows the scapula (shoulder blade) to release upward, lifting your body into the strike.

  • Knuckles up collapses the tossing arm, pulling the shoulder down and breaking the chain before you even swing.

  • In the trophy position, strings should face the sky—this opens the shoulder into external rotation, preloading it for the whip-like release.

Respect the serve. Practice it like it’s the foundation of your game—because it is.

The Two-Serve Structure Reflects the Challenge

Tennis is one of the few sports that gives you two chances to get your serve in. That’s because it’s incredibly complex: blending power, spin, timing, and precision in one motion.

  • The first serve is your opportunity to go on the offensive, using pace or placement to gain the upper hand.

  • The second serve is a test of both biomechanics and psychology. To hit it confidently, you need a reliable toss and a racket drop that flows naturally—no stiffness, no hesitation.

A strong second serve comes not just from mental toughness but from trusting the mechanics you’ve rehearsed.

Bouncing the Ball: Ritual and Rhythm

Some players bounce the ball three times. Others bounce it six or more. The number doesn’t matter—but consistency does. Those bounces aren’t just physical movements; they’re psychological anchors.

Use each bounce to get mentally and physically in sync. Think of it as your body rehearsing balance and rhythm before you send the toss skyward.

The Pause: Settling into Execution

After your final bounce, take a short pause—just one to three seconds. This isn’t idle time; it’s the moment to:

  • Center your breath

  • Steady your posture

  • Feel your balance

This pause is where biomechanics and mindset intersect: if your body is still, your toss will rise clean, your scapula will release upward, and your shoulder will be free to whip. Too short, and you rush. Too long, and you lose rhythm. Find your tempo.

Loading Tempo: Fast vs. Smooth

Your loading phase—the transition from ready position to upward motion—should reflect your athletic strengths.

  • A quicker load favors players with natural explosiveness and fast-twitch timing. It can generate more pace, but it demands precision.

  • A slower load suits players who value rhythm and control. It builds consistency, though it may sacrifice raw speed.

Biomechanically, both tempos work—as long as you keep the toss palm-up and the racket strings skyward in the trophy. Those two details ensure your shoulder mechanics stay efficient regardless of rhythm.

Building a Routine That Works

A strong pre-serve routine should be:

  • Personal: Tailored to your rhythm and mental process.

  • Consistent: Repeated the same way each time to build reliability.

  • Focused on mental and biomechanical cues: A trigger for clarity and execution under pressure.

Typical steps may include:

  • Deep breath behind the baseline to center yourself.

  • Visualization of your serve target and desired outcome.

  • Grip check to ensure your hand is set correctly (usually continental).

  • Rhythmic ball bounces to establish tempo and focus.

  • Short pause in ready position to commit mentally and keep your toss palm-up, racket strings skyward.

The goal is simple: clear your mind, commit to your target, and trust your motion.

Wrap

The serve is more than a stroke—it’s a biomechanical and psychological advantage waiting to be claimed. A strong pre-serve routine anchors your mind and body, ensuring your toss, shoulder motion, and racket angle align every time. In a sport where margins are razor-thin, that consistency can be the difference between holding serve or giving it away.

Own the moment. Use your routine to step into each point with purpose—and with biomechanics on your side.

Sinner’s Wimbledon Masterclass: Serve +1 Strategy

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Sinner’s Wimbledon Masterclass: Serve +1 Strategy

Jannik Sinner’s first Wimbledon title was a clinic in modern tactical execution.  Facing Carlos Alcaraz — a player known for variety, finesse, and improvisation — Sinner imposed a relentless baseline rhythm built around the Serve +1 strategy, bending the match to his terms with clinical precision.  But this wasn’t just a tactical win. The unusually hot English summer fundamentally reshaped the court conditions — transforming Wimbledon’s grass into something far more familiar to Sinner: a fast, hard-hitting surface.

Hard-Court Conditions on Grass

Wimbledon’s grass typically favors short points, touch volleys, and low slices.  But under the blistering July sun, the courts dried out and hardened, accelerating ball speed and flattening out bounce. This shift muted the effect of Alcaraz’s signature variety — especially his drop shots and low slices — while increasing the pace of play.

Result? A grass-court match that played like a hard-court.

Serve +1: Designed for Speed and Precision

Sinner capitalized with a textbook Serve +1 formula:

  • First-serve percentage jumped from 55% to 67%

  • Forehand aggression off the return became automatic

  • Court positioning stayed tight to the baseline, robbing Alcaraz of time

With Alcaraz unable to disrupt rhythm through touch or angles, the match became a banging contest.

The Turning Point

Despite a near-flawless first set, Sinner found himself a set down. Alcaraz’s ability to conjure magic from awkward positions — especially with slices and drop shots — initially left Sinner reacting.

Then came the shift.  Sinner’s first-serve efficiency surged, and he began hunting forehands immediately after serve, flipping the dynamic and taking control of rallies from the outset.

The numbers back it up.  As the match progressed, Sinner’s Serve +1 efficiency became even more pronounced. He increased his attack percentage from 25% in the first set to 38% in the second and 40% in the third, reflecting not just a rise in first serves landed, but also in how effectively he followed them up with aggressive forehands.

By the fourth set, he was winning 47% of baseline points, a figure that flipped the script on Alcaraz, who had previously dominated grass with variety and control.

Serve +1 in Action: Control the Tempo

At its core, Serve +1 is simple but deadly:

  • Start with a reliable first serve to stretch or jam the returner

  • Move into the court to position for a forehand

  • Choose your target — inside-out or inside-in — and commit

Sinner executed this pattern ruthlessly and relentlessly. He didn’t wait for rhythm — he created it, repeatedly striking clean forehands off shallow returns to dismantle Alcaraz’s patterns.

Out-Alcarazing

The true breakthrough wasn’t just on serve — it was how Sinner handled second serves:

  • He stayed aggressive, both serving and returning

  • He turned Alcaraz’s second serve into a launchpad for plus-one aggression

  • His second-serve win percentage climbed, outpacing Alcaraz’s by the final two sets

Each aggressive return disrupted Alcaraz’s ability to build points — a subtle, sustained form of pressure that paid dividends.

Hard Court on Grass

Why did this strategy work so well?

  • Alcaraz’s drop shots repeatedly misfired, partly due to Sinner’s court coverage and balance

  • With touch neutralized, baseline rallies defined the match

  • Sinner’s footwork and balance — honed for hard court — allowed him to explode into shots without overplaying

Sinner didn’t just adjust to the surface — he used it to full advantage.

Wrap

Serve +1 isn’t just a strategy — it’s a mindset.  Be first. Be decisive. Be in control.

The Art of Returning Big Serves

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The Art of Returning Big Serves

Yesterday, Mpetshi Perricard fired the fastest serve in Wimbledon history – 153 mph (246 km/h) – and Taylor Fritz simply blocked it back deep.

On the women’s side, imagine Leylah Fernandez facing Aryna Sabalenka, who looks like she’s serving out of a tree. The ball explodes off Sabalenka’s racket from a towering contact point, giving Fernandez fractions of a second to prepare.

At our local Badge level, you’ll often face players with serves that feel uncomfortably big. Just ask Howie, Pam, or Coach Tim.  Back in my playing days, the record – with a wood racket – was 140 mph, and most of us could still get enough returns back to break serve from time to time.

Sure, the game is faster now with modern racket and string technology, but the principles remain the same.

Out of Your Comfort Zone

When facing big serves:

  • You’re slow to react

  • You struggle to move to the ball

  • Your eyes can’t adjust quickly enough to the extra pace

The result? You start guessing, and panic sets in.

How Do Better Returners Handle This?

Because the serve is so fast, the best returners don’t overreact.  Fritz simply moved his body out of the way and put his racket on the ball, absorbing the pace and giving it right back.

But to do this effectively, you need to read the ball, not just react. That has nothing to do with your racket – it’s all about anticipation. And yes, it can be taught.

Lorenzo Musetti, after facing Novak Djokovic, said:

“It seems like he knows minutes before where you are going to serve.”

This isn’t just talent – it’s reading ball tosses, body cues, patterns, and executing split-second decisions.

Keys to Returning Big Serves

  • No inertia
    Start moving with the ball toss to prime explosive first-step movement.

  • Reduce swing length
    Use block returns with soft hands, meeting the ball out in front without swinging.

  • Stay balanced
    Small, rapid prep steps keep your body aligned and ready to pivot or extend at the last moment.

  • Train anticipation
    Watch toss cues, shoulders, and racket face to pre-commit subtly.

  • Rehearse under pressure
    Simulate serve speeds in practice with coaches or partners to acclimate your visual and reaction speed.

Learning Progression

The first variation of developing these skills is learning how to poach in doubles.

That’s what you’ll often see us teaching on most Sundays – poaching at the net, before progressing to learn how to read volleys and serves.

Wrap

Returning the fastest serves isn’t about having faster hands.  It’s about anticipating before impact, staying balanced, and using the server’s power against them.

Because in tennis, as Wimbledon 2025 showed, the ball may travel at 153 mph…but the game is won by the speed of your mind.

How to Change a Stroke

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How to Change a Stroke

Changing a stroke is one of the toughest challenges in any precision sport. It’s not just about technique—it’s a complete shift in mechanics, mindset, and identity. The process is slow, frustrating, and often risky. Muscle memory resists, performance may dip, and the temptation to revert is strong. But when done right, the payoff can be game-changing.

Scottie Scheffler’s story is a blueprint. In 2023, the world No. 1 golfer couldn’t close tournaments despite being the best tee-to-green player on tour. His putting—once a fatal flaw—became a strength after he brought in Phil Kenyon, simplified his technique, switched to a mallet putter, and changed to a claw grip. By 2025, Scheffler was not just winning majors—he was dominating them.

Tennis has seen similar reinventions:

  • Roger Federer retooled his backhand in 2017 to counter Nadal’s topspin, leading to a career resurgence.

  • Rafael Nadal revamped his serve and return positioning under Carlos Moyá, extending his prime well into his 30s.

  • Carlos Alcaraz smoothed out his service motion before the 2025 season, improving pace and consistency.

  • Jannik Sinner adjusted his stance and preparation, unlocking more power and accuracy—key to his rise to world No. 1.

These stories all share the same process:

1. Diagnose the real issue — don’t guess or copy.
Use video and expert input to identify the actual flaw. Many players waste time changing what looks wrong rather than what affects outcomes.

2. Bring in expert help — adaptability and insight matter.
Work with coaches who tailor solutions to your game—not just general cookie-cutter mechanics. Their outside perspective helps you avoid chasing false fixes.

3. Simplify the change — focus on balance, timing, and feel.
Start with core fundamentals. Clean contact, balance, and fluid rhythm are the building blocks of every great stroke.

4. Modify equipment if needed — small tweaks, big returns.
A new racquet setup or grip adjustment can support better mechanics and feel. Like Scheffler’s switch to a mallet, or Federer moving to a 110 racket, equipment should match your new motion.

5. Rebuild identity and belief — use rituals and reinforcement.
You’re not just changing form—you’re changing how you see yourself. Use routines, cues, and positive self-talk to reinforce confidence in your new game.

6. Train under pressure — test it when it matters most.
Practice is just the beginning. To own the change, simulate match stress and play through it. That’s where new patterns get forged into reliable habits.

Wrap

Changing a stroke isn’t for the faint of heart. It demands clarity, commitment, and patience. But as Scheffler, Federer, and Sinner have shown, the reward isn’t just improvement—it’s transformation. Diagnose wisely. Train deliberately. Trust the process. That’s how players evolve—and how you can too.

De Minaur’s Serving Challenges

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De Minaur’s Serving Challenges

Alex de Minaur stands out on the ATP Tour for his blistering speed, defensive mastery, and strategic intelligence. Nicknamed “The Demon,” he’s known for chasing down balls others wouldn’t dream of reaching.

Yet even with this elite movement and mental toughness, one area remains a consistent shortfall: his serve.

Serve Improvements: Progress & Persistent Limitations

De Minaur has visibly worked on adding power to his serve, aiming for a more muscular delivery. However, at the Australian Open, and again in his loss to Alexander Bublik at the French Open, his serve revealed inefficiencies in one crucial aspect: rhythm.

A lack of rhythmic fluidity compromises:

  • Weight transfer from legs to core

  • Energy flow needed for power and consistency

Despite added muscle, his serve lacks kinetic efficiency, reducing both speed and accuracy under pressure.

Interestingly, his serve struggles mirror those of his mentor, Lleyton Hewitt—another world-class returner and competitor whose own serve was often considered the weakest part of his otherwise elite game.

Key Technical & Tactical Observations

1. Core Weight Transfer

A powerful serve begins from the ground up. Legs and hips load the energy, which flows through a stable core before releasing through the arm in a whip-like motion.

  • Issue: De Minaur’s core often disengages mid-motion, breaking this energy chain.

  • Result: Reduced velocity and inconsistent placement.

2. Rhythm and Timing

The best servers look smooth and unhurried—like a choreographed dance.

  • Issue: De Minaur appears to “muscle” his serve, introducing rigidity.

  • Result: Loss of natural flow and difficulty adjusting under pressure.

3. Second Serve Vulnerability

Without a reliable first serve, his second serve becomes exposed.

  • Issue: Poor rhythm and rushed mechanics limit spin and kick.

  • Result: Returners can step in and attack, shifting momentum.

Specific Mechanical Breakdowns

  • Hand Break Timing: De Minaur’s hands separate too early, disrupting timing and diminishing the serve’s coil-and-release potential.

  • Ball Toss and Balance: Starting his motion with the racquet below knee level undermines balance, leading to inconsistent tosses and poor contact points.

Performance Takeaway

De Minaur’s serve isn’t just a physical problem—it’s a coordination and balance issue. This was starkly evident in his loss to Bublik at Roland Garros, where the same serving flaws were on full display. Without reliable rhythm, energy fails to flow effectively through his kinetic chain. As a counter-punching baseliner, improving serve rhythm could unlock the next level in his game.

Pinpoint vs Platform Serve

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Pinpoint vs. Platform: Should You Switch Your Serve Stance?

I’ve noticed that both Alcaraz and Sinner have recently tweaked their serve motion, shifting from a platform stance to a pinpoint stance. What are the key advantages of this change, and should I consider making the switch in my own game?

Why the Change Matters

Great observation — the shift from platform to pinpoint by players like Alcaraz and Sinner has sparked a lot of interest, and for good reason.
The pinpoint stance, where the back foot slides up to meet the front foot during the service motion, creates greater upward momentum. This adjustment allows for a higher contact point, translating to:
  • More power
  • Improved serve angles
  • Greater margin for error
For Sinner, in particular, this change has translated to more free points, aggressive positioning, and noticeable confidence when serving under pressure.

But Should Everyone Switch?

Not necessarily.
The platform stance, with feet shoulder-width apart throughout the motion, offers:
  • Superior balance
  • More consistent timing
  • Less stress on joints
It’s a solid option for players who prioritize reliability, rhythm, and injury prevention.

So, Should You Make the Change?

Consider switching if:

  • You’re physically strong and mobile enough to handle the increased load.
  • You’re seeking more pop or higher trajectory on your serve.
  • Your current stance feels limiting or inconsistent in match play.

Stick with platform if:

  • Balance and repeatability are your strengths.
  • You have any lower-body injuries or mobility concerns.
  • Your serve is built more on placement and consistency than raw power.

Wrap-Up

Ultimately, the best stance is the one that supports your game identity, physical condition, and long-term consistency.
For most advanced players, the goal isn’t just to hit aces — it’s to start the point with control. Whether that comes from pinpoint explosiveness or platform stability, your stance should serve the purpose of helping you dictate play from the very first shot.

Stability or Power? Choosing the Right Serve Stance

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Pinpoint vs. Platform: Should You Switch Your Serve Stance?

I’ve noticed that both Alcaraz and Sinner have recently tweaked their serve motion, shifting from a platform stance to a pinpoint stance. What are the key advantages of this change, and should I consider making the switch in my own game?

Great observation — the shift from platform to pinpoint by players like Alcaraz and Sinner has sparked a lot of interest, and for good reason.

Why the Change Matters

The pinpoint stance, where the back foot slides up to meet the front foot during the service motion, creates greater upward momentum. This adjustment allows for a higher contact point, translating to:

  • More power

  • Improved serve angles

  • Greater margin for error

For Sinner, this change has translated into more free points, aggressive positioning, and noticeable confidence when serving under pressure.

But Should Everyone Switch?

Not necessarily.

The platform stance, with feet shoulder-width apart throughout the motion, offers:

  • Superior balance

  • More consistent timing

  • Less stress on joints

It’s a solid option for players who prioritize reliability, rhythm, and injury prevention.

So, Should You Make the Change?

Consider switching if:

  • You’re physically strong and mobile enough to handle the increased load.

  • You’re seeking more pop or higher trajectory on your serve.

  • Your current stance feels limiting or inconsistent in match play.

Stick with platform if:

  • Balance and repeatability are your strengths.

  • You have any lower-body injuries or mobility concerns.

  • Your serve is built more on placement and consistency than raw power.

Wrap

Ultimately, the best stance is the one that supports your game identity, physical condition, and long-term consistency.

For most advanced players, the goal isn’t just to hit aces — it’s to start the point with control. Whether that comes from pinpoint explosiveness or platform stability, your stance should serve the purpose of helping you dictate play from the very first shot.