SERVING ESSENTIALS
The serve is widely regarded as the most difficult shot in tennis and the only one where players get two attempts. It requires the coordination of the entire body to maintain balance and rhythm, making it essential to take advantage of the time to set up to control the serve, and hence the point.
Before serving, players should bounce the ball a minimum of three times to establish their serving stance and maintain balance for a consistent ball toss. The ball toss is typically in line with the player’s right shoulder for right-handers (1 o’clock) and left shoulder for lefties (11 o’clock). This may change for the more advanced player seeking to hit a kick or slice serve. It is important to take advantage of the time between bounces to set up the serving toss.
For the actual hit, the average player typically uses a two-speed motion, with a slower “school zone” for a consistent ball toss and a faster motion to accommodate a higher or lower toss. To ensure a smooth weight transfer, players should use a soft grip that is similar to throwing a ball, avoiding the temptation to lock the wrist. There’re additional variations of serve used by the pros.
By focusing on these techniques, players can improve their serving and gain an advantage in the game. With practice, the serve can become a potent weapon in any player’s arsenal.
Ensure Consistent Ball Toss and Weight Transference.
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