i'm lost with my serve

[andyroddick's mojo]

Whenever I serve, I always feel uneasy.

My toss is never always in the same position.
I end up hitting long when i don't want to, or hitting TOO much spin when I don't mean to. All I want is a consistent (same over and over again) serve, not some wild unpredictable serve.

I just don't feel like I can control my racket very properly. I also feel like I've lost my "style". I always watch pros, especially fed, and try to mimic their style, but its difficult. I try using my own style, but it feels awkward and different.

I don't know how to fix this problem. It could be a one time thing, I'll have to see next time I hit the courts. About not feeling in control of my racket, I think I need more wrist muscle to feel more comfortable with swinging my racket. What does everyone think?

[West Coast Ace]

First thing: Relax. Consciously think about relaxing all your muscles before you start. If you're having trouble getting the toss in the same place, it's probably from tension.

Don't try to mimic the pros - figure out the motion works for you.

Once you figure out what that is, practice.

[OK.]

Practice Makes Perfect. Just keep trying and practicing and you'll get there :D

[skraggle]

First thing: Relax. Consciously think about relaxing all your muscles before you start. If you're having trouble getting the toss in the same place, it's probably from tension.

Don't try to mimic the pros - figure out the motion works for you.

Once you figure out what that is, practice.

Great advice. If you're not relaxed, you can't generate the whipping motion most great serves employ.

A couple more things:

1) Hit up into the ball, and let your wrist snap through.

2) Make sure you're getting under the ball, best accomplished by moving forward under your toss, bending your knees and back.

3) For the toss, try making it high enough that you have to wait for it to crest, giving you time to coil and propel yourself up to hit the ball. Also, release the ball it like you would a bird. Finish with your palm up and arm extended.

4) Never, ever drop your head.