The serve is a fundamental weapon in tennis, setting the tone for the entire point. Here, we’ll break down the steps to a powerful and consistent serve, along with some tips to elevate your game.
The Serve Breakdown:
Stance and Grip: Stand sideways at the baseline with your non-dominant foot pointing towards the net. Stagger your dominant foot slightly behind. Hold the racquet with a comfortable grip that allows for wrist movement. This grip is called the “continental grip.”
The Trophy Pose: Raise your racquet head behind your head, elbow high, creating a “trophy” position. This prepares you for the swing.
The Toss: Toss the ball slightly in front and above your non-dominant shoulder with a straight arm. Aim for a consistent toss height for better control.
The Unit Turn: As the ball reaches its peak, shift your weight forward and initiate a coil by turning your upper body away from the net. The racquet drops down your back.
The Swing Up: Explode upwards, transferring your weight to your front leg as you swing your racquet arm up in a hitting motion. Your strings should be facing the back of your head at this time!
The Contact Point: Aim to hit the ball at its highest point in front of your body for optimal power and control. Brush the ball with the racquet face for a flat serve or angle the racquet slightly upwards for a slice serve.
The Follow-Through: After contact, continue the swing across your body, finishing with the racquet pointing towards the opposite service box. This is where “pronation” of the wrist is important to do!
Serve Like a Pro
- Focus on Consistency: Before power, prioritize a consistent toss and swing mechanics. This will lead to more accurate serves.
- Practice Different Serves: Master the flat serve for power, then explore variations like the slice for better control and deception.
- Develop Leg Drive: Push off the ground with your legs to generate power that transfers to the racquet head.
- Maintain Body Balance: Keep your core engaged throughout the serve to maintain stability and prevent injuries.
- Always have a target: Don’t just serve, pick a corner of the box and aim accordingly.