I noticed that Pancho Gonzales (my model for the serve), starts looking up where he wants to toss the ball prior to initiating the ball toss. I have tried it out, and found that for me it improves the quality of the ball toss on the serve. Not sure if this is mentioned anywhere in any article here...
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Regards, Phil -
Not sure if its mentioned specifically in any article here on the site, but check out the stroke archives and you'll see its quite common.
Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton -
Yes Kyle, and I feel that it is an important factor for a good toss. Also keeps the head stable... I noticed that I wasn't doing it, and am exaggerating it with good results...Regards, PhilComment
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Phil do you mean before serving...before the server does a single thing? Or do you mean during the ball toss action action is when Pancho looks up? If you mean the latter, all top players do this?
Before commencing the motion, the server should look at where he wants to serve to get a sense of direction. Once he commences the action, the server should only look at the ball again when it is about to be released.
A common mistake with juniors is they look at the ball from start to finish of the serving process, making it a myopic process...big mistake.
StottyComment
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This is what I mean...
Not only looking up during the toss, but first looking up then tossing...
Last edited by gzhpcu; 04-30-2014, 10:47 PM.Regards, PhilComment
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No comments? What I am stating is that I noticed a marked improvement in my ball toss by starting by looking up at the impact point for the serve before initiating the toss as opposed to during the toss.Regards, PhilComment
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Don't think there are any comments Phil because we all agree and the visual evidence is there in the stroke archive. I will say that for beginning and intermediate players this tip can help them dramatically if they actually can get over the preconceived notions of "always watching the ball" during the tossing arm lifting phase.
Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca RatonLast edited by klacr; 05-10-2014, 09:17 AM.Comment
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Phil,
Here is what I think may be an exaggerated example of what you are talking about. Caroline Garcia serve. A great example starts at the 50 second mark.
enjoy.
Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca RatonComment
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Thank you Kyle!
Regards, PhilComment
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I'm not keen on what happens at the 50 second mark. What's that about? You're taking your eye off the opponent too early. Where's the benefit?Phil,
Here is what I think may be an exaggerated example of what you are talking about. Caroline Garcia serve. A great example starts at the 50 second mark.
enjoy.
Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca RatonStottyComment
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Stotty,
what Phil was referring to was looking up at location of toss before the ball reaches it. The video I posted shows an extreme example. A bit too extreme for my personal taste. When I say a great example it was in reference to the hyperbole that was the motion. Rarely do you get a chance to see it that pronounced, a visual example of what Phil was talking about.
Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca RatonComment
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That's exactly it Kyle. Sure works for me...Regards, PhilComment
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