How Flat is first serve

[dminh01]

Though this forum and tennisone I know that the pro and good tennis players serve their first serve with alot of spin. So the question is that should we hit the first serve as a top spin serve but with more forward action and less spin than the second server?I saw many pro stroke video and see that their follow through and contact point look like the top spin server action.By that I mean the racket face look like it hit from 7 to 1 but with more forward action than straigh up.I try this idea but cannot hit the ball as powerful as the flat that I usually hit.I am about 4.0 and my first serve is about 90-100 mph however I serve out pretty much on my first serve(My topspin second is always consistent).Should I practice more about the first serve with more spin added to it.BB and other would be appreciate.Thanks
P.S Sorry about my low level of English because I am a international student.Hope you guys can understand what I mean

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Well you want to hit your first serve with some spin to help you with the margin for error. Like what Coach Braden used to say, unless you're 6' 4", you have to have some arc to the ball or you risk hitting a lot of first serves in the net (provided you have good mechanics).

It is an eye illusion to think the net is lower then it is at the baseline. That is why people don't understand why they need to hit up on the ball. I have research videos from Braden that proves these illusions both on groundstrokes and serves. In fact, I think he has some of this research on his old videos. I think you can get them in a library or maybe order his videos on the internet.

The toss is going to help dictate how the ball responds to the brushing of the racquet as well. While the motion is 7-1 (indicating the twist serve motion) the location of the toss could make that motion produce more topspin.

The first serve will still be a little flatter then the second serve for pentration and that this is your first chance to take complete control of the point. The returner is playing defensively and needs to.

I wouldn't worry so much about speed, I know it is easy to get caught up in all of that with the speed guns used at tournaments. I would really concentrate hitting a clean first serve consistently and to various parts of the service box. Your speed and power will come by improving your toss location and your timing.

 

[vin]

I had a similar question a while ago and John Yandell was nice enough to give his input.

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/viewtopic.php?t=11792&highlight=flat+serve

 

[dminh01]

BB would you please tell me more what you mean by toss location and timing.My toss location is usually 1 o'clock.IT is good or bad.Also tell me more about the exact time in serve.Thanks alot BB.

 

[lendl lives]

Also bb, how hard should i be swinging? 100% on less on 2nd? I watch the pros warm up and some look like they're barely swinging, even during the match (fed)...though there are others that look to be exerting a huge amount of effort to produce a concussive blow.

 

[perfmode]

Also bb, how hard should i be swinging? 100% on less on 2nd? I watch the pros warm up and some look like they're barely swinging, even during the match (fed)...though there are others that look to be exerting a huge amount of effort to produce a concussive blow.

Never hit 100% on any stroke. You should hit 80% strength and build up your strength until your 80% is better than your 80% last month. Also, the second serve is swung(sp) just as hard as the first. The energy just goes into spinning the ball instead of hitting it flat. There is no reason to slow down the 2nd serve swing imo.

 

[GrahamIsSuper]

Maybe try a slice serve as a first serve. This is more of an offensive shot, and in my opinion, easier to execute. Toss location should be out front and in front of your right shoulder, assuming you are right handed (reverse for lefties). Motion is similar to someone throwing a hatchet, if you can picture that :roll:

No matter what type of serve you hit, it is imperative to have an upward motion every single time. BB, correct me if I am wrong, but i think Braden said Every serve should go up 3 feet (maybe 3 inches? Kilometers? :lol: ) after impact with your racket face.

I have not seen any of Vic's videos, however I have read his book "Tennis For the Future" as well as Jim Loehr's tapes. Both are very good and should be in the possesion of every serious player.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

BB would you please tell me more what you mean by toss location and timing.My toss location is usually 1 o'clock.IT is good or bad.Also tell me more about the exact time in serve.Thanks alot BB.

Well the most premier servers in the world will be able to serve with any kind of spin and placement from one toss. Most of my serves can be hit from one toss. But that takes a lot of practice and a lot of frustration.

Tossing the ball more towards our hitting shoulder and brushing the ball in a certain way like going from the 7 o'clock position to the 1 o'clock position will produce a twist on the ball.

The location of the toss makes it easier for you to brush the ball a certain way and apply the spin you want. If you want to hit slice your going to toss more towards your left arm and hit the ball at the 2 o'clock position, etc.

Timing simply means hitting the ball in the sweetspot of the racquet with an extended arm. If the ball drops too much you will most likely hit the ball with a bent arm. That is not ideal. If the ball is too high you might mishit or not hit the ball in the sweetspot because it gains too much speed coming back down.

The toss and your serve motion both have to work together for optimum performance.

Understand?

 

[dminh01]

Thanks BB.I think the best way to learn tennis is to practice.From the tips you give me now I will find the best place for my toss and develop my serve better.

 

[degreefanlindi]

practice

Practice does make perfect...especially when it comes to serving. I remember just taking a hopper full of tennis balls and consistently serving to one side time and again. Eventually, I developed my serve to a satisfactory level and it really payed off to practice in that way.