The key for me on being consistent with my return of serve, especially in doubles, is to commit to a full shoulder turn out of my ready position (the ready position is that neutral position where you’re facing forward not knowing if you’re going to be getting a forehand or backhand as the server is tossing).

If I can get can a quick full shoulder turn to commit to either a forehand or backhand, then my chances go way up that I’ll have better spacing (distance away) to the path of the incoming serve which allows me to play the return as an approach shot and that I’ll be able to make better instinctive shot selection choices.

To be able to make a full shoulder turn, I must have soft hands on the racket as the server is tossing the ball for their serve and when they make contact.

Soft meaning very light grip tension…

And I’m telling ya, you’d be amazed at just how much strength we apply to the racket handle prior to contact by the server.

Hand strength on the racket handle also equates to poor shot selection choices.

Mai and I are playing the USTA National Husband-Wife Grass Court tournament this upcoming week of March 8 at the Mission Hills Country Club in Ranch Mirage, CA (Palm Springs), and if you’re in that area, we’d love to have chance to meet you and say hi.

Lots of WebTennis players go to the Indian Wells tournament which also starts next week, so it’d be great to say hi if you’re going to watch that tournament.

We’re currently at the Mauna Kea resort on the big island of Hawaii and practicing lots and lots of returns of serve.

(Hey, life’s tough, I know, but my prize for winning the 2009 National 60s Hardcourt Singles last April was 2 round trip tix to Hawaii on Hawaiian Airlines, and since the points expire next month, well, you get the picture…).

Anyway, check out this short video (sorry about the nasty wind the day we filmed).

Here’s the link to the Husband-Wife draw and match times for next week in Palm Springs.

Hope to see you there.

And by the way, what’s your biggest challenge, your #1 question for your return of serve?  Would like to hear your feedback.

Please detail your feedback in the Leave A Reply area below (not email, thanks)…

Brent
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Thanks in advance for your continued interest & support.  Brent

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Amazing how your little 5th finger of your racket handle hand can make such a big difference to your ability to generate more spin, especially on your 2nd serve.

When I was really getting into tennis in my early 20s, I had a chance to work for Barry MacKay helping him promote the Pacific Coast Tennis Tournament at the Berkeley Tennis Club back in the early 70s.

Barry was also kind enough to spend some time on the court with me and he gave me one of my all-time favorite teaching tips for the serve.

At that time I was working my butt off trying to get more spin on my serve with my Jack Kramer Pro Staff wood stick and I just seemed to muscle up more and more and it just got worse.

Barry said to hang 1/2 of my 5th finger off of the end of the racket handle and then go through my service motion.

I said, come on Bear, you’re kidding, right…?

Bingo…

I was able to generate more racket speed because I wan’t squeezing so tightly trying to muscle up to get spin.

I finally got the feeling of how the top guys could swing the racket with some serious speed by NOT squeezing tightly on the handle.

So, long story short, I don’t serve with my 5th finger 1/2 way off the handle, in fact I’ve got my that 5th finger fully on the butt cap, BUT,  I do serve with a light enough squeeze tension as if my pinkie is 1/2 way off the handle.

If you’re still struggling trying to get a little more of a tight spin on your serve, try this…
(Video not showing below?  If not, “Refresh” this page)

Brent
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Thanks in advance for your continued interest & support.  Brent

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One of the biggest challenges I have with my game is when I create choices for my next shot…

You know, should I play this shot cross court, up the line, drop shot, approach shot, and on and on.

And the more time I have, the more choices I seem to have and the longer it takes to decide which one I’m to play.

For my game, choices = low confidence which = inconsistent shot making.

If I can trust that first thought that comes into my mind, that very first instinct of where I should play this next shot, what type of shot, etc., if I’ll allow myself to trust that initial instinct, guess what, I play much much better.

The sooner I can commit to the shot I’m going to play, I tend to be a much more confident player.

But I have to practice being aware of that initial instinct.  And I have to make sure I’m getting in at least one practice session a week of at least 30 minutes of really being consciously aware of what my instincts are and totally committing to them.

So, check out this rainy day video below, and then let me know by following the link below the video if you can think of your #1 shot or situation where you create shot placement / type choices, where you hesitate just enough, and/or where you don’t commit until the very last moment.

I Want Your Feedback: Click this link and let me know what’s that one shot or situation where your shot placement / type of shot just might be too late.

Brent
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Enjoy This Tip From Brent? If so, why not pass along a token of your love in the form of small contribution to WebTennis?  That’s right, show a little love…!

Click This Link To Show Your Love For WebTennis!

Thanks in advance for your continued interest & support.  Brent

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