Serve speed cage

[5263]

Originally Posted by Kevo

I've hit over 110mph on my speed trac quite often. My best was 115mph. Does that mean I really hit over 130mph? This is with the radar behind the net on the ground. I'm a bit skeptical that the ball is really going 130mph off my racquet, but maybe it is.

I think measuring the ball right off the racquet face accurately is a bit of a tough nut to crack as well, and I don't know that I would agree with that method for use in practical training. I think the ATP does it that way because the numbers are bigger. I mean 100mph is pretty good, but when Roddick or Karlovic crack one above 140mph people really ooh and ahh.

Serve speed is really not that important once you get it to a certain level. If I place even a 95mph(speed trac measured) serve well, it's either a service winner or an ace. An well spun kicker at 80mph on the returner's weaker side is money all day long. I think speed is not worth as much as people think it is.

Your serve must be up there pretty close to that.

The purpose here is about comparing Apples to Apples.
Your points are all valid otherwise.

[J011yroger]

Originally Posted by raiden031

I have a question for those who have knowledge on good serve technique. I'm trying to be careful to word this correctly.

When hitting a hard flat serve, should the racquet motion be such that the racquet is swinging a little bit to the right of my head (such that the head of the racquet swings kinda over my shoulder), or should it be swung directly over top of my head?

One thing I already knew is that I often have a bit of an erratic toss, which explains why sometimes I can crush the ball, and other times I hit it less cleanly and softer. I think I have most of the serve motion pretty good such as the legs, body turn, and back-scratch portions, but I've just been trying to figure out what makes the diff. between between a good serve and a bad serve.

I started experimenting and noticed that when I swing the racquet head directly over my head and can hit harder serves than if its a little to the right over my shoulder. I didn't know if this is not the right way to serve, or basically a no-brainer that you should be doing this. I'm self-taught and watched some FYB videos months ago, but haven't refreshed myself on this. Any help would be useful.

This is me. Dunno if you would consider my serve good or not. But on a nice warm day when my back doesn't hurt, it makes a big noise and goes like hell.









J

[5263]

notice in each of these photos how the shoulders make a nearly a straight out to the elbow and even on out to the wrist. Also notice the V formed by the head and arm that is nearly 90 degrees that gives the rotator cuff room to operate safely. When you look at top pros, they usually have more upper body tilt which puts the ball more over the head area, but still retaining the important V.

[J011yroger]

^^^ Yup, usually I toss more to my left, either dead in line with, or just left of my front (left) foot.

J

[raiden031]

Originally Posted by 5263

notice in each of these photos how the shoulders make a nearly a straight out to the elbow and even on out to the wrist. Also notice the V formed by the head and arm that is nearly 90 degrees that gives the rotator cuff room to operate safely. When you look at top pros, they usually have more upper body tilt which puts the ball more over the head area, but still retaining the important V.

ahh thanks.