How to Analyze a Tennis Serve Problem

Strong serving can put you in control of a tennis match. Poor serving can put you in a bad position. When your serve is off the mark, there are plenty of areas that are potential trouble spots. Examine each area and put in the practice time to correct any problem that pops up.

  1. Eye Contact

    • Keep your eyes on the ball. A failure to watch the ball throughout the serve is a common problem and one that is simple to correct. Concentration is a key part of tennis, and that is especially true on the serve. Maintain proper focus and watch the tennis ball as you toss it in the air. Keep your eyes on the ball as it descends, and watch it all the way to the racket as you launch the serve. During the serve, you should not be thinking about the score, your next shot or any other part of the match that can be a distraction.

    Toss Up

    • Find the right height on your toss. The proper toss is a big key to serving. The grip on the tennis ball before the toss should be loose. Practice reaching the right height on a consistent basis. Tosses often are too high or low, and that throws the timing off. The ball should be served at the time the racket is being extended forward.

    Weight Shift

    • Remember to shift your weight forward. Golfers transfer their weight from the back leg to the front when hitting a shot. Tennis servers should follow the same principal. The weight should shift back on the toss and move forward as serve contact is made. Failing to shift your weight on the serve reduces speed and accuracy.

    Fully Extend

    • Bring the racket all the way back before hitting the serve. Full extension ensures you will hit the tennis ball with maximum speed. If you do not bring the racket all the back before uncoiling for the serve, the ball is likely to travel slowly and fall short of the intended target.