Lesson 1: "The Serve"
By David Kramer

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Our first installment, "The Serve," is brought to you by David Kramer. David’s serve has been clocked at 128 mph, so watch closely!

There is a definite fundamental concept on how to hit each stroke in tennis. For the serve, the universally accepted technique is as follows:

1. Grip: Continental grip.
2. Stance: Front foot pointing at a 45-degree angle towards the net post and both feet a shoulder width apart. If you’re a righty, your left foot should point towards the right net post. If you’re a lefty, your right foot should point towards the left net post.
3. Toss: A couple feet in the air and slightly in front of you.
4. Motion: Create a loop (scratch your back).
5. Point of contact: Hit the ball with your arm extended to its highest point above your head.
6. Follow-through: After hitting the ball, your follow-through should end with the butt of the racket facing your opponent.
7. End result: The result of hitting the ball out in front of you combined with the momentum of your swing should take you into the court.

Within the basic framework of the serve, there exists a substantial amount of room for individuality and creativity. This is how you develop, refine and eventually master the mechanics of the stroke.

This means experimenting with various components of the serve such as:

• Grip changes
• Footwork positions
• Knee bends
• Back arch
• Toss (both height and location)
• Wrist snap
• Service motion
• Weight shift
• Follow-through
• Racket speed
• Firmness with which you grip the racket.

As a result, what works for me, may or may not work for you. And vice versa.

In this 2-minute cyber lesson, I will demonstrate my serve and give you specific tips on how to improve yours. With the proper mix of practice and discipline, you’ll be on your way to turning your serve into a major weapon.

Enjoy...dk

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