How to Serve
Serving is one of the most important aspects of the game. It is a shot that can be used to control the tempo of the game, and can even win you the match. However, serving is also one of the most challenging shots in tennis. It requires the right technique, power, and accuracy to execute properly. Let’s go through how to serve in tennis, step by step.
Step 1: The Grip
The first step to serving is to grip the racquet properly. There are several different grips you can use, but the most common is the Continental grip. To use this grip, place the base knuckle of your index finger on the third bevel of the racquet handle. Your thumb should be placed on the opposite side of the racquet from your fingers, forming a V shape.
Step 2: The Stance
The next step is to get into the correct stance. The most common stance for serving is the Platform stance. In this stance, your feet should be shoulder-width apart, and your toes should be pointing towards the net. Your weight should be evenly distributed between both feet, and your knees should be slightly bent. This will help you generate power and balance on your serve.
Step 3: The Ball Toss
The ball toss is crucial to the serve. You need to toss the ball at the right height and in the right location to ensure a good serve. The ball toss should be high and in front of you, with your arm fully extended. The ball should be released with a slight upward motion, so that it reaches its peak height when it is in front of you. This will give you the best chance of hitting the ball at the perfect contact point.
Step 4: The Knee Bend
As the ball is tossed, you should bend your knees and coil your body. This will help you generate power and momentum for your serve. The amount of knee bend you need will depend on your height and your serve style, but you should aim to bend your knees enough to get your body weight behind the ball.
Step 5: The Racquet Backswing
As you coil your body, you should also bring your racquet back in preparation for the swing. Your non-dominant hand should be used to guide the racquet into position, while your dominant hand should be holding onto the handle of the racquet. The racquet should be in line with your non-dominant shoulder, and your elbow should be bent at a 90-degree angle.
Step 6: The Contact Point
The contact point is the most important part of the serve. You need to hit the ball at the right spot to get the best result. The ideal contact point is slightly in front of your body and at the highest point of your ball toss. Your racquet should be moving upwards at the moment of contact, allowing for maximum power and spin on the ball.
Step 7: The Follow-Through
After making contact with the ball, you should follow through with your swing. The follow-through should be a smooth motion, with the racquet finishing high above your shoulder. Your weight should be transferred to your front foot, and your body should be facing the net.
Step 8: The Recovery
After the follow-through, you should recover back to your ready position. This involves taking a step forward with your front foot and getting back into the ready position. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, and your weight should be evenly distributed between both feet.
In conclusion, serving is an essential shot in tennis, and mastering it requires the right technique and practice. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can improve your serve and become more confident on the court.
