Serve: Tossing arm

[tennis_hand]

The question:

Should the tossing arm straighten or bend when you are tossing the ball?

Henin changed to bending arm and she became better. If it is so obvious truth, why don't the rest of the pros do so?

 

[Punisha]

bent arm would be more consistent i believe

 

[migjam]

bent arm would be more consistent i believe

See, I would disagree with this. With a bent arm you are more bound to end up with an inconsistent toss. Unless you are talking about a bent arm at the start of your service motion and then a straight arm as you are tossing.

 

[TennsDog]

See, I would disagree with this. With a bent arm you are more bound to end up with an inconsistent toss. Unless you are talking about a bent arm at the start of your service motion and then a straight arm as you are tossing.

I agree. A bent arm allows for varying degrees of flexion and possibly changing it during the toss. Most players keep their tossing arm straight through the toss (Henman is another exception i can think of).

 

[ucd_ace]

In my opinion, the straight arm is more consistent. I've never heard anyone say that a bent arm is the way to go. With your arm straight, you have less moving parts so there's less things that you have to time correctly when you're tossing the ball.

 

[tennis_hand]

What about Henin's change then?

 

[TennsDog]

What about Henin's change then?

As with any - other - part of tennis, there is no ONE way to do it. There are standards and basic ways that work better, but there are always exceptions and personal preferences. Obviously, the bent arm works for Henin-Hardenne. Try it for yourself if you want. However, in general, straight arm will provide more consistency in toss.

 

[Nickswh]

straight arm definitely because you will have more consistent tosses plus good arm extension when you hit the serve

 

[treo]

Mauresmo's arm also bends when she tosses. I think with both her and Henin their arm stays straight until the ball releases, then it bends. That would help keeping your upper body loose which of course helps the serve. Many players keep their arms straight way after the release which helps delay the upper body rotation for more power but it also keeps more tension up there.

 

[T_S_N]

My tennis pro told me to keep my arms straight

 

[VolklVenom]

this is a no-brainer. straighten up guys!

 

[tennisfanatic]

bent arm would be more consistent i believe

it's the other way around.