Racquet Drop to Contact point

[crash1929]

Hi all,

I've been experimenting with the following on my serve and would like to know everyone's thoughts.

From the racquet drop I start the racquet up slower than normal. I guide the racquet frame up to the ball and then "find" it. Then only when very close to the ball do I speed the racquet up and hit the ball.

 

[Topspin Shot]

Like Oscar Wegner teaches? If the mental cue works for you, go for it.

 

[onehandbh]

I think you'll gain consistency but have a slower serve.

The most important thing in a throwing motion and a service motion is the correct firing sequence of the kinetic chain and then each segment is as relaxed as possible when the previous segment is firing. This will maximize the "whip" effect.

A big determining factor of how hard you can hit your serve is how fast you go from trophy position to contact.

 

[crash1929]

Like Oscar Wegner teaches? If the mental cue works for you, go for it.

Yeah that's what gave me the idea. Not sure if it is correct. Need to coordinate with the pulling down of the off arm and the opening of my body. Feels like Federer's warm up serve. That's the image I have in my mind at least. Have you ever experimented with this?

 

[crash1929]

I think you'll gain consistency but have a slower serve.

The most important thing in a throwing motion and a service motion is the correct firing sequence of the kinetic chain and then each segment is as relaxed as possible when the previous segment is firing. This will maximize the "whip" effect.

A big determining factor of how hard you can hit your serve is how fast you go from trophy position to contact.

Exactly. I get more control. Feels like I would get a bit less power if i swung out on it (only practiced 3/4 serves today so as not to kill my knees / arm etc.)

As I mentioned to Topspin the kinetic chain is what I'd have to consider if I continue to implement this feeling and use it in match play. I have to say I feel like this technique would help get more first serves in and lessen the gap between the consistency of the practice first serve and the match first serve - so to speak. Any way it felt pretty good. Have you ever tried to do it onehanded?

 

[onehandbh]

I've noticed some people sort of do this when they are choking on a high pressure point. Their approach to the ball becomes slower and more deliberate. I've seen this lead to double faults.

A full swing is on one end of the spectrum. On the other end is the beginner serve where they hold the racquet up and "tap" it over the net, almost like a high volley. I've also seen plenty of rec players use the following technique:
1) blast flat first serve waiter tray style with about 10-15% going in.
2) use the abbreviated tap second serve.

I'm not saying you should swing 100% each time, but think of the serve more as a "whole body" shot. If you have bad knees, the knees and lower body will just contribute less.

 

[GuyClinch]

I've noticed some people sort of do this when they are choking on a high pressure point. Their approach to the ball becomes slower and more deliberate. I've seen this lead to double faults.

A full swing is on one end of the spectrum. On the other end is the beginner serve where they hold the racquet up and "tap" it over the net, almost like a high volley. I've also seen plenty of rec players use the following technique:
1) blast flat first serve waiter tray style with about 10-15% going in.
2) use the abbreviated tap second serve.

I'm not saying you should swing 100% each time, but think of the serve more as a "whole body" shot. If you have bad knees, the knees and lower body will just contribute less.

Very good advice.. I think that the serve is also a shot that you have to learn to trust. So go out and hit some serves - but at a speed that feels comfortable to you.. If you miss - don't get stressed - just adjust your technique till they start going in by changing the contact point or kind of spin.

A lot of people learning tennis become paralyzed by fear on their serves. Since they think it will go out they often go through the motions but then slow the racquet down..and try to tap it in.

This is terrible - at the very least the Oscar tip gets you out of that rut..