How to Toss a Ball When Serving in Tennis

Whether you've picked up a racket for the first time or have been swinging away for years, a great tennis serve isn't just about strength. Technique is just as important, starting with the toss.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tennis Shirts
• Tennis Shoes
• Tennis Shorts
• Tennis Socks
• Tennis Bag
• Tennis Balls
• Tennis Racquets

1. Hold the ball with your thumb, index finger and middle finger. Gently cradle the ball rather than squeezing it.

2. Lower your arm directly in front of you.

3. Raise your arm in front of you, letting the ball go when your arm is fully extended above your head. The toss should be gentle.

4. Toss the ball an arm's length in front of you and slightly off to the right (or the left, if you're left-handed). The toss should be about 2 to 3 inches higher than the vertical reach of your racket, and never below it. The higher the toss, the harder it is to time the serve.

5. Keeping your eye on the ball, rotate your shoulders and drop the racket behind you as you prepare to unload the rest of the serve.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay consistent with the toss. Think of the toss as a constant introduction to your ever-changing serves.
• Before the toss, many players bounce the ball to stay loose.
• Make sure to position yourself at the baseline before every serve.
• Make sure you have a firm grip on the handle. Both the eastern and continental grips are used for serves.

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on 5/20/2008 You're a ****

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on 5/20/2008 You're a ****

on 8/18/2006 Although, your tossing arm may bend slightly on the way down, it should be straight on the toss up. Imagine lifting your tossing arm straight up from the elbow, as if a string was pulling your elbow straight up. Or imagine a hand cupping underneath your elbow to help push up your tossing arm.

on 3/21/2006 Think of these three steps for a successful serve every time:

1. Sweep the floor (drag your racket back). Toss the ball at this stage.
2. Scratch your back (with the racket head).
3. Throw the racket at ball (not literally).

on 11/22/2005 We all know when tossing the ball to serve, it should be at the 1 o'clock position (11 o'clock position for lefties). To ensure that your toss is straight, visualize tossing the ball up a chimney stack and you'll see your toss and serve improve dramatically.