The serve is often described as the most crucial shot in tennis game, as it sets the tone for the point and can dictate the course of the game. There are several types of serves, each with its own techniques and advantages. In this tennis blog, we'll explore the different kinds of serves and outline a coaching procedure to help you improve your serving game.
4 Types of Powerful Serves:
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Flat Serve: The flat serve is a strongest powerful, direct shot that travels quickly through the air, making it difficult for opponents to return. To execute a flat serve, toss the ball slightly in front of you and make contact with the ball at the highest point of your reach. Use a continental grip and aim for a flat trajectory over the net. Proper way of grip is important to get perfect strong shot.
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Kick Serve: The kick serve is a high-arching serve that bounces high and moves away from the opponent, making it challenging to return. To hit a kick serve, toss the ball slightly to the side and behind you. Use a pronation motion with your wrist to create topspin, causing the ball to kick up and away from the opponent.
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Slice Serve: The slice serve is a serve that curves to the side, making it difficult for opponents to anticipate and return the ball. To hit a slice serve, toss the ball slightly to the side and make contact with the ball on the outer edge of the racket. Use a continental grip and brush the side of the ball to create sidespin.
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Topspin Serve: The topspin serve is a serve that combines power and spin, making it difficult for opponents to return. To hit a topspin serve, toss the ball slightly in front of you and make contact with the ball at the highest point of your reach. Use a pronation motion with your wrist to create topspin, causing the ball to dip quickly over the net.
6 Coaching Procedure to Remember:
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Grip and Stance: Start by teaching the correct grip and stance for each type of serve. For flat and kick serves, use a continental grip and a pinpoint stance. Change of grip is important for adjustment of the return. For slice and topspin serves, use an eastern backhand grip and a platform stance.
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Toss: Emphasize the importance of a consistent and controlled toss. Master your toss distance to get the perfect angle. The toss should be slightly in front of you and to the side for kick and slice serves, and slightly in front and to the side for flat and topspin serves.
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Swing Path: Teach the correct swing path for each type of serve. For flat serves, the swing should be straight through the ball. For kick serves, the swing should come from low to high, brushing up the back of the ball. For slice serves, the swing should be across the body, brushing the side of the ball.
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Contact Point: Emphasize the importance of making contact timing with the ball at the highest point of the toss for maximum power and accuracy to get a strong serve.
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Follow-through: Teach players to follow through on their serves, extending their arms and racket towards the target.
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Practice Drills: Use a variety of drills to help players improve their serves to make a improvement, such as target practice, serving to specific areas of the court, and serving under pressure.