Would love to get your thoughts on my article, "Tour Strokes: Alexander Zverev Serve"
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John -
As always, you are spot on in your analysis. Hopefully he can work through his case of the yips. The difference between his first and second serve is incredible, that's why getting kids at a young age and drill in proper technique is so important. I've always lived by the creed, "Technical deficiencies limit tactical options". Keep up the great work.
Sean
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John, it is a coincidence to me that you have brought this up in this month's issue. I and other forum members were just chatting about the Zverev serve on the "forehand downward flex" thread back from July 2019. You and another forum member brought up some very valid pointers. My suggestion was for Alex to simply start his motion Brian's "probation serve" set up position. To me, Alex has a good motion which is evident in his overhead. I think he tends to lose his way in his full motion.Comment
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Yeah I don't remember much about 2019.... I'd been planning this one for awhile though. His arm action from drop thru extension is good. But he has that open starting position with his shoulders. Many of the women have more turn away from the ball than he does. He's wide open with the shoulders at contact. So starting stance and body turn are the things in my opinion. Don't think he needs probation just a reasonable starting stance...Comment
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In case you're tracking Zverev's adventures while serving seconds, here's last night's much delayed (my NY county healthcare) match. 11 doubles, but he is not shy, hitting them, incl one second serve winner at 132 mph.
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This gallery has 2 photos.Last edited by jimlosaltos; 09-05-2020, 11:25 AM.Comment
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He is holding 93% of the time and has the 3rd fastest serve of the tournament. But it certainly remains to be seen how it holds up at the business end of this tournament. I am still a bit unconvinced still. I much prefer Berrettini's(very close height wise) spin component options on the serve.Comment
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Platform vs. Pinpoint. As much as a pinpoint can work it just adds more complications to the equation. I used to have a pinpoint which broke down when I had to play doubles more. I then retooled and switched to platform. It took a really long time but eventually it got better. I have tried switching back and it just make my serve yip all over the place.
Does Zverev hit his very good overhead with a pinpoint stance?
Elite players are elite for a reason. But truly elite want something else. Look at how much Nadal changed his serve. Look at Djokovic who suffered horribly but eventually brought his serve up to such a high level that we don't even notice how good it is. Henin retooled her serve by switching to a platform.
I wonder if a platform stance would lead to better rotation of the body, upward movement and more spin. Armed with a serve in the high 110's and a super solid second serve, Zverev would be unbreakable. The confidence gained would be immense.
Man, I wish we could do the experiment, that players would be willing to retool their games. The greats do it but the level below are not willing to. I really wish they did!
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When Zverev won yesterday he had only 2 doubles and won 50% of second serves. The prior match he had 11 doubles but won 51% of points on his second serve. Had second serves in the 130s in both matches. He may not be concerned as long as he doesn't have batches near the end of matches. It will be interesting to see what his new uber-coach David Ferrer does in that area. Let's Google -- for his career the Little Beast won 52.4% on his seconds, without his new charges canon.Comment
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If I had an hour with Alexander on court he wouldn't have been crying after the match...Last edited by John Yandell; 09-14-2020, 05:45 PM.Comment
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Yeah for some that is true. But someone fixed Milos's backhand if you noticed... I had to laugh at that one response to my comment!Comment
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J,
I would have to agree...Comment
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My goodness! I commend this site for such brilliant timing of this article!
Zverev indeed had 2 DFs in the deciding tie-breaker and there was almost a third one, a 68 mph serve that barely went over the net.
It's a shame for somebody with such a well-rounded game overall to still have this glaring flaw holding them back.Comment
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