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MANLY LAWN
TENNIS CLUB

Belgrave & Raglan Streets
PO Box 162
Manly NSW 2095
(02) 9977 6023
Email Manly Lawn
Tennis Club

USPTA Video Tips

Ask the Pro: How do I get a consistent service toss?

A: M & B have been having trouble with their serves, and in particular maintaining a consistent serving motion to build confidence.

The key to a good serve is a regular and reliable service toss to allow you build rhythm in your service motion - irrespective of serving styles.

For an accurate, consistent service toss, hold the ball in your finger tips and simply extend and open your hand to release the ball a la Venus Williams. This way allows you to give the ball a gentle ride upward, lifting it consistently into the same place with your arm fully extended.

You do not want to hold the ball in the palm of your hand and have to flick your wrist to toss the ball.

You can vary the target for the ball toss depending on whether you want to hit a flat, slice or kick serve.

Q: What are the 'keys' to hitting?

A: Regardless of your age, your ability, or your strokes, there are 3 simple keys to hitting: ball watching, balance, and rhythm.

And they form a pyramid on which to build your game -- if you can't watch the ball, you'll be off balance with your footwork, and you'll rush your shot. So remember build from the base of your pyramid and when all else fails, slow down so you can try to keep your head steady to at least watch the ball.

Q: Are you having trouble returning booming first serves?

A: If you find yourself getting caught late on returns, try keeping your elbow tucked into your side, and turn with your shoulders instead of taking your racket back. A shortened back swing will also help.

Q: Where should I look when I'm at the net?

Don't look back

Watch the opposing
net player instead

A: The typical doubles pattern is a crosscourt rally between the two back court players or an advancing server. Until the service return passes the opposing net player, focus on the net player – you'll have more time to react if the net player hits a shot at you.

Q: How do I serve in the sun?

A: Whatever you do, try to avoid looking at the sun else you'll be blind on the next shot. You have 3 choices to move your ball toss out of the sun: 1) move your toss to the left or right, 2) move your position to a different spot on the baseline, or 3) change your stance to move your head away from the sun. Sometimes, it's better to hit two second serves to ensure you get the ball in play -- this way you will not give your opponents free points because of the sun.

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