Developing a strong and consistent serve is
one of the most simple and valuable things
you can do to improve your game. This
article focuses on some common mistakes
that players make in executing their serve—and how to
properly address them.
The serve is considered one of the most important
shots in the game for two reasons: First, you can only
score points when serving; and second, the serve dictates
how your opponent responds to the point.
Oftentimes, players just want to drop the serve
in—without a real plan. By planning and simplifying
the service motion, you can greatly impact your
effectiveness. In this article, we’ll discuss how the serve is
an extension of the rest of your game. We’ll also go over
contact point, weight transfer, swing, etc.
Here are the most common service mistakes I’ve
seen, and how to address them:
Contact Point and Ball Release
Ideally, the contact point for your serve is well in front
of your body so you can swing your paddle into the ball
using the momentum from your shoulder. If a player
is bent over from the hips (often due to trying to make
contact below the waist), the paddle contact is often close
to the hips instead of in front of the player. You’ll want
your arm to relax and fully extend on contact instead
of having to scoop the ball from behind your body from
elbow or wrist.
A player will often hold on to the ball for too long and
release it too low. When releasing the ball, take your
non-dominant hand and extend it in front of you so your
paddle will create speed and acceleration through the
ball on contact. Your contact point would be about an
arm’s length away in front of the body. This will allow the
ball to stay on the paddle longer—creating consistency
and depth.
Moving the Head While Swinging
If you’re looking down at the ball with your head
and moving it up as you swing (to follow the ball), it
will create issues connecting with the ball properly
and moving your weight through it. If your ball release
and contact point are in front of your body, you can
look down with your eyes while keeping your head still
through contact. It is ideal to keep your chin away from
your chest for added stability.
Positioning and Moving Prior to Contact
A lot of potential issues are created when a player is
turned sideways before hitting the serve. In general, it’s
more difficult to time the transfer of weight with your
arms, hips and body if you begin your swing from a
sideways position. Stepping before you swing can also
cause timing issues.
If a player is having
trouble with direction or
distance (missing serves
long or wide), the preserve
movement could be
the issue.
When setting up for a
serve, point the tips of
both your shoes in the
direction of your target—
with your opposite
leading in front (left
leg in front if you are
right-handed). This will
set your hips and chest facing the direction you want
to swing.
Next, your weight should move from the back foot to
front with your hips finishing toward your target. If your
back foot lifts up and the undersole points toward the
back fence, that means your weight transferred forward.
This will allow for more consistency with direction and
more paddle head speed as you swing. It will also create
the same motion on the left or right side of the court,
increasing consistency and paddle control.
So take an honest look at your serve and the results
you’re getting. Then begin utilizing your whole body to
create more consistency, range and power. •
Sarah Ansboury is PPR’s education consultant and lead
clinician, and she is a Head pro player.
JUNE/JULY 2020 | MAGAZINE 35