I'm working on my second serve, which is going to be a topspin kick serve (purposely excluding the twist kick serve from this thread). I'm having trouble consistently hitting this serve. Here are some derivations from my first serve I've been trying as a result of multiple sources of information I've read on the topic:
- Slightly move to an eastern backhand grip instead of a continental
- Toss the ball slightly behind you, instead of in front of you, and a little to the left.
- Brush upward on the ball more, and go through the ball less.
The problems I have are that sometimes the ball will go really high because of the upwards stroke, and will sail long or when landing in, its a serve that looks a bit like a mini topspin lob, with little pace. Also sometimes I have trouble getting a good hit on the ball because I have to stretch my back so much to reach the toss which is in an awkward position. Any pointers?
- Slightly move to an eastern backhand grip instead of a continental
- Toss the ball slightly behind you, instead of in front of you, and a little to the left.
- Brush upward on the ball more, and go through the ball less.
The problems I have are that sometimes the ball will go really high because of the upwards stroke, and will sail long or when landing in, its a serve that looks a bit like a mini topspin lob, with little pace. Also sometimes I have trouble getting a good hit on the ball because I have to stretch my back so much to reach the toss which is in an awkward position. Any pointers?