Mental Toughness - Serve it Good

 

Players holding serve isn't always about having the biggest, and fastest serve. The key to the best servers is they have very good second serves. The placement keeps the opponent off balance, or off the court. The serve also keeps the opponent out of there strike zone so advantage goes to the server. When you have a great second serve it automatically allows you to go for more on your first serve, and get free points. A common saying "You're only as good as your second serve." This saying is the truth.

 

The second serve can only be good if you have great confidence in it. The confidence comes from practice, and routine. Players need to practice the second serve more than any other shot because it starts 1/2 of the points you play. It is also the only shot you have complete control over. Practicing serves requires only you and a hopper of balls. Serve practice must be done properly though and in three stages.

 

Practice serves in progressions. Start with the second serve and at a #1 speed. This is to get the body loose, taking very easy swings working on placement. Once you are making 3 serves in a row to a targeted position move to second serve to #2 speed. Increase the length of your shoulder and hip rotations which in turn will speed up the swing. Make sure to see the sky at contact, again 3 in a row, and move to speed #3. Speed #3 is 70% of full power on the second serve. Add more legs with knee bend, extend further up to the ball, and into the court. If at any speed you are having trouble getting 3 in a row, or placement becomes a problem go back to a lower speed.

Now that you have warmed up your second serve move to the first serve. You should be loose, and the added spin from the second serve should make your first serve more consistent. First Serve is speed #4. This means you stay at 70% of full power but your toss is now out to your serve side, and further into the court. This takes away spin, and adds power. Once you make 3 in a row move to speed #5 80% full power. Swing speed will increase with a longer take back, and hip separation, make sure to use the legs and keep contact above the head. Speed #5 is at 80% full power. 80% is all that you can control otherwise your consistency will be so low that your first serve will just be a throw away shot. Before every match warm-up with progression, and start where you feel comfortable with your first, and second serves. You may even hit #2 or #3's as your first serves it all depends on where the warm-up takes you. It is better to have your opponent beat you than you beat yourself.

As you get used to practicing your serve prepare (3) rituals along with the serve, and add these to your practice. Jump up and down to add spring in your step. This will loosen and ready your body for the serve, and point. Second look at your strings, and decide what serve you are hitting. Last the ball bounce use this to make sure you are ready. During the bounce is your final check point if bad thought enters your mind, your breathing is hard, the wind is blowing, or the sun is in your face back off and take time before coming back to the ball bounce again.

The ritual practice is as important as the serve practice, add it into your practice routine and don't forget it. The last step is serve and recover behind the baseline, in front of the baseline, and into the court. This is practice for serve and volley, serve and stay back with a deep returner, or serve and stay back with short replies from the returner.

 

As a summary first learn the progression, and the difference between first and second serves. Second add the rituals, understand the importance of them if not you will forget and not use them. Last practice getting ready for the return. This will allow you to follow the serve up with a solid second shot.

 

Best of luck get working if you want a good serve this spring.

 

Contact: Beth McCaskill

http://www.TennisPlayersNetwork.com