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.
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Things You'll Need
- Tennis Shirts
- Tennis Shoes
- Tennis Shorts
- Tennis Socks
- Tennis Bag
- Tennis Balls
- Tennis Racquets
Instructions
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1
Hold the ball with your thumb, index finger and middle finger. Gently cradle the ball rather than squeezing it.
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2
Lower your arm directly in front of you.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Comments
View all 12 Comments-
buzzbuzzbuzz12
May 20, 2008
You're a **** -
buzzbuzzbuzz12
May 20, 2008
You're a ****
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Aug 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.
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Aug 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.
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Mar 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).
