Okay, so today I wanted to work on my tennis serve, specifically focusing on getting more unreturned serves. Here’s how my practice session went:
Getting Started
First, I warmed up my body. I did some jogging around the court, some arm circles, and some dynamic stretches to get my shoulders and core ready. This is super important to avoid injuries, you know?
Working on Technique
- Toss Practice: I spent a good chunk of time just working on my toss. I made sure I was tossing the ball slightly in front of me and a bit to the right (I’m right-handed). A consistent toss is key, seriously!
- Swing Path: I really focused on my swing. I imagined a smooth, upward motion, kind of like brushing up the back of the ball.
- Contact Point: I tried to hit the ball at the highest point of my reach. This gives you the best angle to get it over the net and down into the service box.
Adding Power and Spin
Once I felt comfortable with my basic technique, I started trying to add more power and spin.
- Leg Drive: I remembered to use my legs! Bending my knees and then pushing up as I swung really helped generate more power.
- Wrist Snap: I concentrated on snapping my wrist at the point of contact. This gives the ball topspin, which helps it dip down into the service box and makes it harder to return.
- Different Spins: I also experimented with slice serves, trying to brush the ball on the side to get it to curve.
Target Practice
Then, I set up some targets in the service box and practiced aiming for them.
- Wide Serves: I aimed for the corners of the service box, trying to push my opponent wide.
- Body Serves: I also practiced serving straight at where my opponent would be standing, making it tough for them to react.
Putting It All Together
Finally, I played some practice points, focusing on using everything I’d worked on. I tried to vary my serves, keeping my “opponent” (which was really just the wall, haha) guessing.
I really focus on changing the ball’s position.
The Results
I definitely saw some improvement! My serves were going in more consistently, and I was getting a few more that wouldn’t have been returned in a real game. It’s all about practice, practice, practice!
I got more unreturned balls.
I will be back tomorrow to keep working at it!
