2 SIMPLE SERVE BOOSTERS




If you can’t hold serve you can’t win the match.

That’s how important the serve is in tennis. Players with average groundstrokes but great serves have done well in tennis, particularly on the faster surfaces.

The serve is not a complicated stroke, but it can be prone to break down under pressure in matches. It’s important therefore to understand the key elements of the serve so that under pressure you can focus on 1 or 2 things that will make it work for you.

Here are the 2 key elements I recommend you focus on when under pressure in matches. Each of the two elements, if done correctly, will cover any problems you may be having with your serve.


THE FRONT FOOT

The front foot is the 'Bridge' for your serve. It’s the transfer point for your forward movement during the serve.

Soon after this stage, the players left foot will begin to dominate 
the service action and supply timing and power to the wrist 

If this 'Bridge' is weak, or not operating well enough, your serve will lack power, timing, and balance.

The left foot has done its work and has now lifted 
off the ground


The Front Foot is therefore responsible for…

1.   Supplying Power

2.  Is the source of Timing

3.  Creating Balance



THE WRIST

The wrist puts the ball in. It adapts within the contact zone to meet the ball early, late. Left or right. It is the steering wheel for your serve.

The wrist also transfers the energy within the swing into the ball. Much the same as you throw a ball or crack a whip, your wrist can increase the velocity of the racquet head by accelerating during the swing.

The biggest single problem with most serves is a stiff/ locked wrist. Make sure your wrist is relaxed and flowing in order the transfer efficiently the energy sent to it by the Front Foot.

The Wrist, therefore, has 2 important functions when serving…

1.   Finding your target
2.  Accelerating the racquet head

The player's wrist has "snapped", 
or pronated through the ball


Within these two techniques you have the answer to any problem you will experience.

During practice sessions focus on isolating these important two elements to solve problem issues that arise.



Watch a world-class player using the Front Foot and the Wrist

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