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 ground-strokes 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 breaking down under pressure in matches. Therefore, it’s important to understand the key elements of the serve so that, under pressure, you can focus on one or two things that will make it work for you.

Here are the 2 key elements I recommend you focus on when under pressure in matches. If done correctly, each of the two elements 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, the player's left foot 
will begin to dominate the 
service action and supply 
timing and power to the wrist 

If this 'Bridge' is weak or ineffective, 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.  Helping Balance



THE WRIST

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

The wrist also transfers the energy within the swing into the ball. Much like throwing a ball or cracking 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 to transfer the energy sent to it by the Front Foot efficiently.

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


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

During practice sessions, focus on isolating these two important elements to solve any problems.




Location: Sagaing Region, Myanmar (Burma)

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