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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About Brent
Hi Brent, I’ve been on your website quite a bit recently and am now recieving your email tips as well. They have all been very valuable not only to me as a player but also to my husband who doesn’t like to listen to my tennis advice!
The 5th finger tip is brilliant and without even knowing it I actually do this already. These are my best serves and they feel great when I hit the ball. My husband tends to have a lot of pressure on the handle when he serves so hopefully I can explain this tip to him and he’ll start to loosen up a bit!
Thanks again for all your tips.
Wendy
thank you really good vedio
Hi Brent
I am trying to develop my topspin serve. When tossing the ball should it be thrown out in front of you or above your head. Also is it important not to throw the ball too high?
Thanks
Peter
Brent I have done this for a long time. If fact I build up the end with layers of tape so that my other fingers don’t slip off easily.
Question: what is the best way to build up more swing speed on my ground strokes, especially the forehand?
Joel, Memphis
Thanks Brent, this is a really good tip!
Absolutely right Dr Mac Kay….also works with the index finger off the handle(Agassi’s advice therefore probably Brad Gilbert’s??..)
Have a nice day Brent.
Patrick,
Hi,
I am not sure that you convey the basically very sound idea about beeing loose = not too tight = not cramped the right wqay here.
To have the fifth finger halfway is a good idea generally – but the pro’s – as you can see have a good/firm grip aournd the handle, they really grasp the handle as they go into the service motion. The clue is: that the grip is firm, but the *wrist and arm* is loose/flexible, can go into the big loose swing.
You can see this – Rodick, Federer, Bartoli, Sharapova, Nadal – they all lock the fingers around the handle, but the wrist+arm is loose.
The spin comes naturally as the left arm gets up, knees beend and you – like a panther before the attacking jump on the prey – focus the ball, builds the dynamic tension and so swing up the rackert. The best point in your service lessons – and that few others have is the big loose swing. Look at fuzzyyellowballs how loose wrist+arm Federer have when he practices serve!
A loose grip – no that’s not the key here, rather firm grip – not before starting the serv.mot.
I think also you should stress the small jump and full body strech – a natural consequence of the loose swing.
All the best
Anders, Norway (55 years – started playing tennis four years ago – and have learned a lot from Internetbased tennisinstruction)
Dear Master Brent,
I love the tips u,d mailed me. I think u’r the best instructor i got to know. Hope u’d continue emailing me more tips and technique in tennis.
THANK YOU!
Ferdz