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| Ask the Pro: How do I get
a consistent service toss? |
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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.
(c) Rob Muir, USPTA |
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.
(c) Rob Muir, USPTA |
| 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.
(c) Johnson Brown, PTR
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| Q: Where should I look when I'm at the
net? |
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Don't look back |
Watch the opposing
net player instead |
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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.
(c) Rob Muir, USPTA
| 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.
(c) Rob Muir, USPTA |
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