brushing-technique-for-service-action
Graham Mackenzie asked 3 days ago
Hi, coaches! I am hoping that you can help me to clear up some confusion about how to generate the most spin with my service action (in this case, on the backspin or pendulum serve), specifically related to the wrist and forearm. I have heard each of these three methods being advocated for by coaches that I believe know what they’re talking about:
1) accelerate forearm and wrist toward contact, at contact the forearm stops as if hitting a wall, and the wrist only continues to swing forward to generate an extra whipping action.
2) accelerate forearm and wrist toward contact, but right at contact, stop both the wrist and forearm (the argument being that this will ensure maximum speed at contact).
3) accelerate forearm and wrist toward contact, but have both the wrist and forearm follow through past the contact (kind of like a backhand topspin action, but underneath the ball).
I can make any of these work somewhat, but as I work on making these serves consistent it would really help to have some guidance as to what technique will give me the best results with more focused practice. Thanks!
Dan Academy Coach answered 1 day ago
Hi Graham, I would say that the first style here is the best way to generate spin and do it consistently. If you stop the wrist and the forearm then it’s hard to generate spin as you don’t have much acceleration through the contact which you do need to create spin. Also if you bring both eh wrist and the forearm though the contact you will have good acceleration but there isn’t that same whipping effect. So method one is the most effective and also the wrist is a key part to having good serves so the focus on this will help you generate more spin and quality. I hope that makes sense and if you have any questions on this just let me know. Thanks, Dan 🙂
