basicserve

The Basic Serve

The tennis serve is made up of four major components: the loading phase, the toss, the contact point and the follow through.
Each of these steps is vital to master the serve and if one of these doesn't work, the entire serve will be inacurate.

The loading phase consists of balancing your feet, faciliating yourself by bending your knees, pushing against the ground, and hips and shoulders rotate away from the net.

Usually, when serving the wind up is very slow and concentrated. There is mental preperation being made as well.
When a person serves, they begin by standing about six inches to a foot behind the base line, which is the line furthest from the net. You first must decide whether you will be serving to the left or right court. Say you're serving to the right court. Put your feet about shoulder width apart. Make your left foot be at a 90 degree angle to the base line, with your toes pointing towards the net. With your left foot, point it at a 35 degree angle with your toes to the left, pointing outwards. Distribute your weight evenly and keep your balance. (see figure 1)

In your right hand, be holding your racket. (see the Grip link). Bring the racket close to your face. In your left hand have the ball. Hold the ball against the left face of the racket. This is important to start the appropriate motion of the arms swinging out.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

When holding the ball, hold it like you would an ice cream cone, with your hands cupped around it.This makes the ball have less spin and therefore go faster. See figure 2.

Slowly begin to bring your arms back. Your left arm will begin rising, (with the ball in it.) It goes at the same slow and relaxed (yet concentrated) pace of the right arm (which has more work to do.)

The right arm begins to swing outwards, behind the person, staying bent as if it's on a pendelum. As your arm reaches its furthest extension, begin to raise it up and unbend your elbow. Twist your arm around so that as it rises, the underside of your wrist is facing the net. At about this time, your left arm should be at full extinsion. Throw the ball. (see figure 3)

Now begin turning your shoulders so that instead of facing the side, you're facing the net. Your right arm should move with this motion.

Let your racket have its head facing the floor and the butt of its handle in the air. (Therefore, your grip has changed slowly.) Slowly bring your arm above your shoulder. (see figure 4)

Toss the ball. The toss is meant to be about a foot over your head and if you're right handed, slightly to the right. Your arm should be completely extended when you through it and it should have little spin. With gaining speed bring your arm over and with a jump, make contact with the ball. Contact point should be directly in the air. (Right above your head). (see figure 5)

Go to the follow through to finish the serve.

Figure 4

Figure 5