Let’s talk about a common serving mistake that even some intermediate players make. Have you ever found your serve heading cross-court towards the fence?
Here’s what’s likely happening and how to fix it.
The Common Mistake
Picture this: you’re on the court, ready to serve. You hold the ball directly in front of you, thinking it’s the perfect position. But as you follow through, your body gets in the way, and the ball veers off towards the fence.
Sound familiar? This is a mistake many players make, and it all comes down to ball positioning.
The Simple Fix
To avoid this, hold the ball slightly to your right (if you’re right-handed). This positioning keeps your body out of the line of the serve and helps ensure a straight, accurate shot.
Make sure your front foot is at a 45-degree angle to the court line, and your hand holding the ball should align with this angle.
For left-handed players, hold the ball slightly to your left, align your front foot at a 45-degree angle to the line, and position your hand similarly.
This adjustment helps maintain balance and power in your serve, making it more consistent and accurate.
Take a look as pro player Catherine Parenteau shows you the perfect way to hold the ball before serving.
Serve Position Checklist: Practice Until It’s Automatic
Here’s a serve position checklist to go over and over again in training until your position becomes second nature. This will help ensure your serves are consistent and powerful every time you step onto the court.
1. Feet Position
Position your front foot at a 45-degree angle in relation to the court line, and keep your back foot either parallel to the line or slightly tilted towards the line.
This stance allows you to twist your hips forward during the swing, generating more power. Any other foot position can reduce the power of your serve.
2. Ball Positioning
Hold your arm out straight (not bent, not slightly bent), aligning the ball with your left foot (if you’re right-handed), which should be at a 45-degree angle to the right. Avoid holding the ball straight in front of you to prevent misdirection.
For left-handed players, align the ball with your right foot at a 45-degree angle to the left.
3. Swing Path
Use a continental grip for your serve. Keep your paddle arm aligned with your back foot. When swinging, aim to have the tip of your paddle end up pointing towards your target. This helps maintain a consistent and powerful serve.
By following these tips, you’ll improve your serve consistency and accuracy. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep working on your technique and soon you’ll see great results on the court.
Be sure to check out our article on advanced serve techniques to keep your opponents on their toes!
Happy serving!
The featured image is courtesy of the APP.
