75% Of Your Tennis Serve Speed Comes From THIS

75% Of Your Tennis Serve Speed Comes From THIS
Can you guess what the secret is to almost all of the power you can generate on your serve? Find out in today's video...
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About John Craig:
☑️Former Collegiate Competitor (Palomar College and San Diego State University)
☑️4 years of inter-collegiate competition in both singles and doubles
☑️Competed in 5.5 and open level tournaments through Southern California, in both singles and doubles, from 1978-2000
☑️Former Director of Tennis at the legendary John Wayne Tennis Club
☑️Player Development Manager For Junior Program At Newport Beach Tennis Club
☑️35+ years of teaching & coaching tennis to all ages, from beginners through advanced players
#PerformancePlusTennis #PPT

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

If you missed part 1 check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4OqmpSPlMt-gLc&ab_channel=PerformancePlusTennisPerformancePlusTennis

[@kumarsabaratnam4787]

Hi John I'm unable to open this link. Appreciate if you can resend it.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

@@kumarsabaratnam4787 Hi Kumar, you will find all the serve videos in the "Playlist" here on the channel. Thanks, John

[@imateapot51]

The majority of power certainly comes from your arm, supinating and then explosive pronating. Water polo players throw the ball 50 miles per hour while treading water. I am not against the rest of the serve movement, but what I see often from high school players who could not afford a coach is bending and then springing forward and doing everything except supinating and pronating - usually the waiter serve with a western grip. I am pretty sure I could tread in water and serve over 80. I can sit on my butt and serve over 90. The kinetic chain is great but the most important part is left out by most kids. I believe the coaches who say most of the power comes from your arm are not advocating against the full kinetic chain but trying to show people how to use their arm correctly.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Thanks for your comments and perspective! I think what we can all agree on is that stability is required, whether you are a water polo player treading water to create stability or on your knees. The arm alone doesn't create power. It requires stability and then torso/ shoulder rotation that is then transmitted to the arm/ When sequenced properly, the arm will lag and catch up without effort. Thanks again for your contribution to the video! Kindly, John

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Be sure to check out my follow-up video on this topic...just released this morning.

[@willkittwk]

@@PerformancePlusTennis you have to have fast arm motion to have fast serve. Also loose and flexible shoulder and wrist. In serving or throwing you can gain an extra push by a running or catipult like maneuver from legs but that is of course secondary. ie Roger pushes up with legs into jumps up and out into a serve, Aaron Rodgers running and launching into a 70 yd Hail Mary pass the fact a pitchers mound is elevated to get more velocity driving down throwing a pitch. However all this is way way secondary to the said individuals natural throwing (arm motion) ability.

[@tennislessonsreview8350]

@@willkittwk Thanks for your comments and perspective. Best, John

[@ql3670]

You are spot-on about Hingis' serve.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Oh yeah. Thanks! Best, John

[@carlosbedoya1954]

At 4:01 you talk about getting a good strong balance with your feet. I'm working on this as it is a weak point of mine during the toss where I'm off balance while tossing and I slightly lean forward on my front leg. I find that if I consciously don't lean forward and I feel my weight on the back leg then the toss is easier to control vertically and the upward movement of body and ball become more vertical. This helps to use power and the body and toss become more effortless. The back leg is important and gives me that balanced feeling

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Thanks for your comments and contribution to the video! Best, John

[@BobSmith-rr8rw]

Good instruction. It really helps! Many thanks.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Thanks Bob. I am pleased to know the video lesson was helpful to you! Best, John

[@NN-rn1oz]

I like how you're never afraid to go against what other online coaches say. I agree with what you say here. People who try to prove the opposite by serving from their knees don't realize that they're just using their knees in the same way they'd be using their feet on normal serves.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Thanks so much! Love the support! Kindly, John

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Be sure to check out my follow-up video on this topic...just released this morning.

[@Yungdil]

how are players using their knees the same way if they were standing on their feet. lol it makes 0 sense

[@tomsd8656]

Ok, what about wheel chair tennis? You're saying those guys use their butt the same way you use your legs? Watch how fast they can serve.

[@grantdelmege2724]

Hi John awesome serve lesson. You're the only coach on KZbin who's properly explained the body movement and shoulder over shoulder motion and clearly showed that the power comes from the energy created in the legs. Keep up the great content👍

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Hi Grant, Thanks so much for your comment and contribution to the video. This is an interesting topic that has certainly spawned interested and various viewpoints, all which are appreciated! Thank you, John

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Be sure to check out my follow-up video on this topic...just released this morning.

[@VigneshDhakshinamoorthy]

Nicely done!!! Thanks for sharing your perspective.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Thank you! Appreciate your feedback! Kindly, John

[@Phil-kv7rk]

So refreshing to have an honest and informed opinion from a truly knowledgeable coach concerning the instant panacea merchants who pop up online. Really good advice about shoulder rotation, and not forcing the racket drop. If there is one thing which I have learned as a relatively late starter in the game, it is that development of a good service action is an incremental process, which requires patience and dedication. As they say, enjoy the journey!

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Thanks Phil! Kindly, John

[@kumarsabaratnam4787]

Great content. Thanks John.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

You are very welcome! Kindly, John

[@mike2176]

Good stuff. Thanks for the lesson!

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

You are welcome, Mike! Best, John

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Be sure to check out my follow-up video on this topic...just released this morning.

[@JoJo-Mo-63]

Great video. Thank you!

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Thanks Tony! Stay tuned for a lot more coming on the channel! Best, John

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Be sure to check out my follow-up video on this topic...just released this morning.

[@erikschaepers]

Very good and convincing, excellent explanation. Subscribed !

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Awesome! Thanks Erik! Kindly, John

[@rtalac]

John, 75% of your tennis serve speed comes from your core. Specifically, it is generated by side-bending of player’s spine. This creates axial torque necessary for throwing or serving. Arm provides leverage and add speed to racquet. Legs are not important for this. Volleyball player can spike the ball hard without ground contact. Similarly, water polo players can throw the ball hard without ground contact. The legs are used only to elevate the player to appropriate height so he or she can strike the ball from higher point to get it into service box. This is simple court and net geometry. Otherwise, great video channel.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Hi Robert, thanks for your comments and contribution the video. I appreciate your perspective. Best, John

[@Better_Call_Raul]

"Specifically, it is generated by side-bending of player’s spine." Good point. I think this side bending of spine is also called left side lateral trunk flexion. But it is also critically important, if not more so, to extend the spine (chest up to the ball, also known as thoracic extension). This thoracic extension greatly increases the shoulder stretch and sets up a far more poweral internal shoulder rotation. So it is not just the side bending of spine. Thoracic (upper back) extension is very important too. 🎾

[@Arefmshammoud]

great explanation. Thank you

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Thank you! Kindly, John

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Be sure to check out my follow-up video on this topic...just released this morning.

[@eduardodorumian829]

excelente explicacion!!!estare trabajando en ello,gracias!!!

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

gracias!!! gracias!!! Kindly, John

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Be sure to check out my follow-up video on this topic...just released this morning.

[@eduardodorumian829]

@@PerformancePlusTennis lo hare,gracias!!!

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

@@eduardodorumian829 Gracias, Eduardo! Kindly, John

[@parv100]

This is an awesome analysis. Very nice, and clearly explained. :)

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Thank you so much! Keep any eye for the update on this video coming out next week. Best, John

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Be sure to check out my follow-up video on this topic...just released this morning.

[@Better_Call_Raul]

Great lesson. 🎾 We see the two images of Roger at 02:35 with the shoulder over shoulder rotation. Very steep downwards tilt at contact. So as long as we get the starting upwards shoulders tilt correct, and take care to stay sideways, the downwards shoulder tilt at contact should happen naturally. We don't have to think too much about dropping the front shoulder; it will naturally happen if the starting upwards shoulder set up and toss is correct? 🤔

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Hi Raul, Thanks for your feedback and questions. I never think about dropping my front shoulder, but I do think about stretching the tossing arm up to get into the angle, and the movement from there is driven by the legs and the tossing arm. Best, John

[@robinhoodwink9345]

Hi thanks for this you know that when you say launch at that point watch how it gives you a good racket drop that is more aligned with the shoulders, also that you come up early on edge at the racket drop.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Hi Robin, Thanks for your comments and contribution to the video! Kindly, John

[@alvaro947]

Great video 👍👍👍

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Thanks!! Kindly, John

[@chrisdesilva4665]

The power comes from completing a cycle, it relies on your body shifting to create momentum from a deadball situation, the more seamlessly you do this, the more power is generated, if you are still standing where you started your serve after you have struck it, you're doing it wrong, you need to be at least a foot inside of the baseline after striking your serve to know that you are moving forward to create that momentum and it all starts with a good toss because it's the toss that leads your feet to meet it. Anyone that says it's in the arm is up the wazoo because to generate a power shift you have to load from the bottom up in all serve stances.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

You got it, Chris! Much appreciate your contribution to the video! Kindly, John

[@LordStanley94]

You are 100% correct @Chris de silva

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

@@LordStanley94 Thank you! Be sure to check out my follow-up video on this topic...just released this morning. Best, John

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Be sure to check out my follow-up video on this topic...just released this morning.

[@augustblood6810]

Great lesson. Please can you make a reliable slice serve lesson. I have tendonitis so can nolonger do the flat serve without injury so I have to rely on slice.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Be sure to check out my follow-up video on this topic...just released this morning.

[@santinojessieavilapreslie9851]

Great point.Every Dynamic thrust has to have A foundation,in this example he is right .Utilizing the ground with both feet .Just like when you leap in Volleyball. With a overhand smash. 😉😎

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Thanks Santino for your contribution to the video and discussion. Stay tuned to PPT! Thanks, John

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Be sure to check out my follow-up video on this topic...just released this morning.

[@scottbrekken4898]

Vic Braden disproved this, he had one of his assistants hit a serve from his knees, 120mph! Standing up using leg drive only added 5mph. You cannot jump up faster than 3-5 mph.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Hi Scott, I knew Vic quite well. We co-chaired a large tournament for 5 years and I also worked for him coaching but mainly marketing. He also did a study where he tested the pressure of the legs/ feet on the court surface with Roscoe Tanner. Conclusion: Leg drive! And he also was a big proponent of the kinetic chain. I filmed an update on this topic that will be released next week. Stay tuned! Thanks, John

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Be sure to check out my follow-up video on this topic...just released this morning.

[@scottbrekken4898]

@@PerformancePlusTennis there is a kinetic chain but it is additive. 5 mph is less than 7% of the power on a serve.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

As I mentioned, I knew Vic quite well. Worked with him when he conducted numerous tests, one of which verified the leg drive on the serve. Something has to be the catalyst for the arm to move. Shoulder rotation is it, and stability is required to create shoulder power. Watch my follow-up video on this topic (released on June 1st) for additional clarification, including how the leg drive elongates the upward swing to contact. Thanks, John

[@kevinle5460]

amazing coaching

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Thanks Kevin! Kindly, John

[@kevinle5460]

@@PerformancePlusTennis I tried your simple "left hand pulls down to lower the left shoulder, which raises the right shoulder tip". It's completely changed things for me. I always had an issue dropping left hand early. Now I'm starting to keep it up cos of your tip 😊

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

@@kevinle5460 Awesome, Kevin! Keep up the great work and keep me updated on your progress. For more content and instruction, please get your free serve fundamentals lesson subscribe to my website: performanceplustennis.com/?ff_landing=10. Best regards, John

[@nikosa4943]

Nice Lesson once more and thx for the importancy of the legs also at the serve! Funny thing also that now that you have your focus on something else you literally "shave" your hair on the back of your head with your very awesome serve motion, so pls notice that this is only what Ryan is trying to achieve to amateurs that struggle with their serve movement sequence. No offence, just much respect to you both, i am watching your both videos and you both helped me improve a lot in the last past months of this season. Keep up the good work.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Hi Nikos, Thanks for your comments, feedback and contribution to the video. I appreciate it very much! All the best, John

[@talesara74]

Hi John, I was trying to put what you said in the form of a physics equation which is basically conservation of momentum. Momentum = mass * velocity so precisely its M1V1 = m2v2 + M1 v3... M1 body weight and v1 is racquet speed m2 v2 ball weight ball speed v3 body speed after serve. Lets assume v3 is almost zero after serve. Any tension in body from leg to arm will reduce your M1 here...the lose you are the more M1 you would impart to this equation. What many recreational players do is increase v1 by tightening muscle but M1 supplied almost becomes 1/15 of body weight eventually taking away the biggest contributor of serve.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Thanks so much for your scientific contribution to the video! We have a pretty intelligent community here on PPT, so I think will appreciate this! Kindly, John

[@talesara74]

@@PerformancePlusTennis thanks John, you are the reason I am able to serve better every next day.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

@@talesara74 Thank you so much! Kindly, John

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Be sure to check out my follow-up video on this topic...just released this morning.

[@sportscastercanada]

I know the importance of using the legs after sustaining calf injuries and trying to serve. The kinetic chain is very important and many try to ignore it.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience with the channel and video! Kindly, John

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Be sure to check out my follow-up video on this topic...just released this morning.

[@js4844]

Hi John I am finding your serve videos really helpful and I now have a much better understanding of what I’m meant to be doing and why. Could you please explain whether or not you should bend back your head and neck as you toss the ball and reach the trophy position? I’ve been getting a sore neck from looking up at the ball. Many thanks.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Hi J S, Thanks for your feedback and question. I will definitely cover this topic in the near future. Thanks, John

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Be sure to check out my follow-up video on this topic...just released this morning.

[@js4844]

@@PerformancePlusTennis Hi John Could you clarify something for me, please? When you rotate the racket into contact - is this movement initiated from turning the shoulder inwards and engaging all the arm simultaneously, or is it achieved by just rotating the forearm? It seems to me you can do it both ways. The first way results in the top part of the arm ending up closer to your head. Many thanks.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

@@js4844 Hi and thanks for the great question. The movement is initiated through long-axis rotation from the shoulder, and the energy is transferred through the forearm. Attempting the movement from the forearm alone would greatly reduce the power. I will clarify this in a video soon. Best, John

[@js4844]

@@PerformancePlusTennis Thanks John. I have a further question, please? How should you look at the ball as you swing up to contact? For example, if the ball were flat like a plate, would it be horizontal so you’re looking at the underneath of it, or vertical so you’re looking at it from the side? If vertical, would it be facing down the court or towards the side fence? I hope my question makes sense - I’m just a bit confused about where to aim the contact point and I’m guessing it should be to the back of the ball and not to the right or left side of it as you rotate the racket.

[@williamsannuto8239]

Hi John, how do you know if during the trophy position that you could be rotating too much with your torso ? and your approach to teaching is excellent very informative, extremely knowledgeable and has helped me alot. Love your style ! calm, clearly explained and relaxed. Thanks !

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Hi William, Thanks for your kinds words and great question. The degree of rotation depends on a number of factors, and everyone is slightly different. If you experiment, you will likely determine what feels comfortable and delivers both power and control on the ball. Without seeing your serve, I really can't offer too much more. if you are interested in a complete evaluation, click here to learn about this service I provide: performanceplustennis.com/serve-video-analysis-description/ This is a good topic for a future video...thanks! Kindly, John

[@williamsannuto8239]

@@PerformancePlusTennis For sure John. Like you said you would have to see my serve and also it is based on feel. I am relating the feel to my point of contact as sometimes i am making contact too late which is leading to the serve landing long i think - (for example reaching back for a little extra and making an exaggerated turn.) I usually watch your videos just before going out and practicing my serve Thank you so much !!! not sure if you said this on a previous video but i can always find my forehand and backhand within a match but the serve is the hardest stroke to master it is elusive - its there then its not.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

​@@williamsannuto8239 It sounds like you need clarity and guidance. With out seeing your serve, all I can do is recommend my Serve Foundation Course. If you invest in the course, you will also get all supporting courses and all future updates and new material. I will also provide a video review of your serve...quite a good value! Kindly, John

[@williamsannuto8239]

@@PerformancePlusTennis i will probably grab the course as i am sure its Excellent. To me the clarity is what the ball does. Of course doing it efficiently is important to minimize injury.

[@francisremedios2530]

Excellent video! The key is using left arm to press against the body to stop the rotational force and make the racquet arm like a whip.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Hi Francis, Thanks for your positive comment and contribution to the video! Kindly, John

[@gerdgoehler4470]

Hi Craig,did you ever see a Waterpologame in dep water with great shuts, goals?...Body,Armaction ....

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Yes, I sure have! And the ability to throw with power is created through counter balance, which I will cover in a future video.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Be sure to check out my follow-up video on this topic...just released this morning.

[@AditasSmash]

The bigest power source is the core. Power comes from your hip when you twist. The quicker you turn the quicker it goes. 20%arm, 15%leg,and 65%core. If you can serve over 120mph then you know. You can jump all you want, but without the twist, there be no shoulder over shoulder.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Try moving your hips or core without stability and drive from your legs...you can't. The only thing that moves the hips are the legs...pretty simple, really. Try serving (or throwing a ball) when you are in deep water, where your feet are floating vs shallow water where your feet are touching and you can push with your legs.

[@rharrell1]

With this type of motion isn't the aim to create tension in the mid section core and store it until the very last moment almost as if you are trying to keep the racquet arm from hitting the ball for as long as possible.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

This is certainly an interesting perspective. Most everyone is focused on the swing, etc., but your idea of storing the power in the core should not be overlooked. Thanks for your contribution to the video! Kindly, John

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Be sure to check out my follow-up video on this topic...just released this morning.

[@at1838]

John, you are one of the few or only coaches who emphasizes stability and good posture at the trophy phase. From my experience, this along with synching the drop w the shoulder turn are the most fundamental. Stable, strong torso plus timing a loose racquet drop with shoulder turn (move on the ball) are the key. The arm virtually automatically does the right thing If the other two elements are there.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Hi A T, You are spot on! A great balance with an accurate ball placement, and it all falls into place from there. Appreciate your comments and contribution to the video! Kindly, John

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Our popular serve playlist kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmTTgqapjtuWjLs

[@papaburger]

I guess it is like a whip . You shake one end of the whip and the energy transfer to the other end of the whip to strike ... at supersonic speed ... Am I right in saying that ?

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Hi, I think the analogy of whip effect is a good one! Thanks for your contribution to the video! Best, John

[@Mickey_McD]

Well, in that video he does demonstrate hitting from his knees and still hits a 90 MPH serve. So, I don't know.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Hi Shawn, The key is stability in the lower body to create movement in the upper body. I just filmed a new video today that will present this concept, along with a challenging drill! Stay tuned! Best, John

[@jlook6070]

The coach in question still is using his core while rotating his body. Pushing off the ground for kinetic chain while on his knees. If he was not rotating and all arm then yes. I'm pretty sure he meant that you don't need to jump to get big mph.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

@@jlook6070 You are right...he is using his core and rotating his shoulders. Be sure to watch my latest video (Tuesday morning) for more clarification on this topic and video. Thanks, John

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Be sure to check out my follow-up video on this topic...just released this morning.

[@deeone01]

Interesting, considering how many slams Hingis won - without proper service. Good call

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Thank you! Kindly, John

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Be sure to check out my follow-up video on this topic...just released this morning.

[@tomsd8656]

I think you should do more research. Without over thinking this, would you agree that the speed of the ball is directly proportional to the speed of the device that launches it, and that's the racquet head swing speed at contact. So, you are saying that 75% of racket head speed is from the legs? If that's the case, how do wheel chair tennis pros reach 100 mph? And they do. The fastest wheel chair tennis serve recorded is 105 mph. That's pretty much the same as Edberg's first serve. If 75% comes from the legs, then you'd expect wheel chair players to reach only 25% of the speed of players with legs. And that's like serving 30 mph. But watch wheel chair tennis and see how fast they can serve. The bottom line is that speed comes from rotation of the entire body along the longitudinal axis, which is why we stand side way and we want the shoulder to shoulder "rotation" that you mentioned in the video. Players with legs can hit faster serve because they have better stability to control the toss, and the legs also participate in the body rotation. But the difference is definitely not 75%. If the fastest wheel chair serve is 105 and the fastest serve with leg is 147, let's say, the difference is just 40%, but it's probably more like 30% if you look at average serve speed of wheel chair and normal tennis.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Hi Tom, Thanks for your comments, insight and contribution to the video! Of course there are a number of ways you can evaluate this, and wheelchair example is a very good one. When the wheelchair is stationary (which is it when serving) it creates stability. For another example, imagine serving from the deep end of a pool with no leg stability. Then I think the power would for sure be 30% or less with no accuracy. So stability in itself creates the ability to generate power and control. The addition of leg drive increases the stretch/ lag racquet drop and therefore increases the range to contact, which creates a lot of racquet head speed. Thanks again, John

[@tomsd8656]

@PerformancePlusTennis I think we can do an experiment (perhaps I can do it too) where the server's legs are not getting any support from the ground, but body rotation is not compromised. You could stand on a floating device in a bucket of water ( We can't be in a deep swimming pool because then you have to keep kicking to keep yourself afloat. ) I will bet that 70 to 75% actually comes from upper body rotation and not the legs. Remember that in the wheel chair example, they have the chair touching the ground, but they receive no muscular help from the lower part of the body. And yet they can still hit the serve at 70, 80 mph (I saw the AO open) over the same net height. If the net is lower to account for a reduction in height, they could reach 100 mph or more with less spin. I would not claim anything until experiments prove the claim. Right now my theory is the opposite of what you claim, but that's still a theory.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

@@tomsd8656 My whole point about being in deep water is having no support in the legs, similar to floating in mid-air. Even the wheel chair, although it is not moving, provides a base of support to which the server can rotate the shoulders, so it (the wheelchair) plays a role in allowing movement and therefor power to be created.

[@tomsd8656]

@PerformancePlusTennis That's why I suggest you do an experiment where your legs are not supported by the ground at all, but at least they don't have to drain your energy by treading water in a deep swimming pool. Without that experiment, I don't think that your claim that the legs are responsible for 75% of the power is valid. However, it wouldn't matter since your instruction on the overall mechanics of serving is good, and the whole body operates as a unit. No one will care how much percentage the legs add. The overall serve speed is what matters.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

@@tomsd8656 Agreed, and all good! Thanks for your comments and contribution to the video! Best, John

[@jacksurtees8577]

Well I can promise you all this guy is legit because my back, shoulder, and arm don’t hurt anymore when I serve, and best of all, the serve goes IN…… Thanks John!! Now I kind of want to go back to half-a-dozen or so “coaches” in high school and thump them on the head with a racket lmao

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Thank you so much, Jack! I am so glad to know my instruction has helped you! Kindly, John

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Be sure to check out my follow-up video on this topic...just released this morning.

[@shabzone]

I think I saw the video about arm power you were referencing, and in his demonstration he pretty much bent his knees down and had as much leg drive as your demo. I think they just wanted to ignore it to get a more click-baity title.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Yes, click bait. Or perhaps that is his true theory. Either way, people are drinking the cool-aide. Thanks for your contribution to the video. Best, John

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Be sure to check out my follow-up video on this topic...just released this morning.

[@TeamTennisfr]

I don't agree. If you use your legs but you have no pronation, you'll have no power. The most important is racquet acceleration through shoulder internal rotation+forearm pronation. And in that case you can have big power without the legs. Then it is maximised by legs explosive push, which is better to include of course.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Thanks for your comments and contribution to this video. I agree the

[@leokovacic707]

Most of the power is from the arm, at least over 50 percent is just internal shoulder rotation and pronation.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Thanks Leo, but I disagree. Try standing and not moving your body with your hand/ arm above your shoulder and create a powerful shoulder rotation. Perhaps I will create a follow-up video to clarify. The shoulder over shoulder rotation (which is initiated thru the legs and non Dom arm) creates the energy that is transferred into the playing shoulder (long exit rotation).

[@leokovacic707]

@@PerformancePlusTennis have you ever seen a flying smash "slam dunk",. There is a reason why serve is the most powerful shot by quite a lot, and it's not the legs or stability whatever that means. It's that fast movement from suoenation to pronation with internal shoulder rotation that generates such ball speeds.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

@@leokovacic707 Hi Leo, Thanks for your reply. Yes, I certainly have seen the flying smash, and their is stability in the shot...it's the counter balance in the legs that create stability to swing from. I love this topic because it is promoting thought and interest in our community here on PPT. I am going to post a follow-up video soon with some great drills and clarifications...thanks, John

[@kelvintrollol]

@@PerformancePlusTennis so I think both talking points are misleading. The other coach who says 90% of the power comes from the arm action is misleading because he pushes down on his knees. But also, if you freeze your upper body at the trophy position and only use your legs, i.e. no internal rotation of the upper arm, no wrist flexion, no pronation, you also won't get much power. I think the misconception is thinking that upper body + lower body = 100% but rather than being additive, they are synergistic. If using only upper body, you get less than 50%. If using only lower body, you also get less than 50%. I think the equation is something like power = lower + upper + function(upper and lower) where function(upper and lower) makes up the bulk.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

@@kelvintrollol Hi Kelvin. Thanks so much for your valued comment and contribution to the video and discussion. I believe you are correct! Kindly, John

[@pakchu2]

Misleading. Noone will argue that it helps to have a stable foundation when you serve, but all the evidence - from personal experience to content you read online - points to the legs not having the primary power role in the serve. Similar leg drive proportion to swimming freestyle.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Thanks for your comments and perspective! I think what we can all agree on is that stability is required. The arm alone doesn't create power. It requires stability and then torso/ shoulder rotation that is then transmitted to the arm/ When sequenced properly, the arm will lag and catch up without effort. Thanks again for your contribution to the video! Kindly, John

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Be sure to check out my follow-up video on this topic...just released this morning.

[@himmura]

Be helpful to see some examples of actually hitting the ball.

[@florianpisacreta5099]

disagree when you say dont be front leg dominant on the trophy pose

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Hi Florian, Thanks for your comment and contribution to the video. This is one of the most controversial topics on the serve. Dr. Mark Kovacs advocates the rear leg dominance. Some coaches (more traditional) prefer the font leg to carry more weight in the trophy position. I think for most players, a neutral weight distribution is a great place to start, and the individual style will evolve and from there...best, John

[@RoluLoru]

I know who you are talking about

[@sarkology]

This is false. Most of the power comes from the arm. Case and point: you can serve or throw extremely hard sitting down in a chair or from knees. Stability does not mean power. The stability is just providing an opposing force to the power from the arm. Without the opposing force . . . Well … Newton. And I’m not going to explain physics. The floating in the pool example is silly. All that proves is there’s less or no opposing force to the power of the arm. Legs add incremental power to the serve when you add thrust from the legs. You could sit on your butt and serve at least 60 mph. Legs are not the main source of power so many coaches teach this nonsense. Legs are a key difference among elite servers because they are already getting a ton of power from every other source. The ones that get a big leg drive therefore have a bigger serve than the ones that don’t, usually.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Thanks for your comments and perspective! I think what we can all agree on is that stability is required, whether you are a water polo player treading water to create stability or sitting in a chair. The arm alone doesn't create power. It requires stability and then torso/ shoulder rotation that is then transmitted to the arm/ When sequenced properly, the arm will lag and catch up without effort. Thanks again for your contribution to the video! Kindly, John

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Be sure to check out my follow-up video on this topic...just released this morning.

[@juanmontes6701]

The majority of the power comes from your arm action; shoulder, elbow and wrist using all of your levers. I dont watch your videos anymore because you bash other coaches for teaching the same concepts, just using different words. You say in your videos they are wrong, but the way I view it is your saying the same things, just in a different way.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Hi Juan, Thanks for your contribution to the video. If your perception is I "bash other coaches", I am sorry. Not sure I have ever mentioned any other coach before this last video. In any case, it was a strong statement that in itself is false, and clarification (even some controversy) is not a terrible thing. Be sure to watch the video will be released Tuesday morning for more clarification on this topic. Kindly, John

[@juanmontes6701]

Thanks for the reply, you made a video 5 years ago about the "lag and snap forehand". You said in the video that the other online coach's snap training would lead to inconsistency and potential injury. I felt then that you were both teaching the same concepts just using different words, or even a different understanding of how the words were used. It was a hot topic back then, thanks for your time.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

@@juanmontes6701 Hi Juan, That's right! 5 years ago I referred to another coach on another controversial topic. We definitely were not teaching the same concepts. That coach was encouraging "snapping", which is bad information for the general tennis public. In any case, two "bashes" in 5 years/ over 110 videos. I don't make a habit of it. Thank you, John

[@Fernwald84]

I hate to say it, John, but your example of a swimmer in a pool hitting a serve is really a straw man argument. Hitting a serve without bending the legs still provides the support necessary to counter the force of the service swing (unlike your swimmer example where there is no support at all). Florian Meier's demo which you reference, where he hits a serve on his knees, really shows that without any leg action--but with the support of his legs from the knees up--he's getting most of his normal serve velocity. Leg drive certainly gets you off the ground and enables you to hit the ball at a higher distance above the ground than without that leg action and that's definitely an advantage. Regarding the vertical launch: I think it is the force of the forward swing that provides most of the vertical launch. Just imagine you throwing a ball by first launching yourself in the air and then throwing it. You would have no power. But, if you threw the ball with all your might from a semi-crouch, the force of your arm throwing the ball would send you airborne. So it is the arm action that is the major contributor to the vertical movement of the body and not the legs first launching the torso before the swing gets in full motion.

[@PerformancePlusTennis]

Hi George, Thanks for your input, which is always appreciated! I love this topic because it is promoting thought and interest in our community here on PPT. I am going to post a follow-up video soon with some clarifications as well, and look forward to your continued input...thanks, John

[@Fernwald84]

@@PerformancePlusTennis Looking forward to it, as always, John.

[@grantdelmege2724]

The way I see it, the arm is just a lever for transfering energy into the ball not a creator of racket speed. If you just use your shoulder/arm without moving your body, you will struggle to generate racket speed plus you'll kill your shoulder joint. Using your arm to generate pace on the ball is the reason who so many rec players have weak serves and suffer with shoulder pain. The power on the serve comes the energy created in the legs and back hip and how fast you can move your back hip up and out that creates the racket speed. All of the biggest servers on the tour have a great leg drive and everyone of them will tell you that the vast majority of serve soeed comes from the legs. But everyone is entitled to their own opinions👍

[@Fernwald84]

@@grantdelmege2724 Certainly the serve is a complex stroke with many moving parts. Obviously if you stand like an iron statue with your arm beginning in the trophy position and your non-dominant hand tucked into your body you would be lucky to get the ball over the net. But if you try to serve with good shoulder rotation, a well-timed and powerful downward motion of the non-dominant hand (after full upward extension from the ball toss) and a whip-like motion of the arm primarily due to the quick shoulder-over-shoulder movement you will have a pretty powerful serve. Sure, adding leg drive helps but, in my own experimentation, I only find perhaps a 10% boost in power from the legs. I'm certainly no ATP pro so maybe their mileage is different but, at the very least, I'd say my experience is relevant to the average-to-above-average club player. Also to consider: the leg drive must occur at, or slightly after, the rapid development of the forward swing. This swing is, in my opinion, initiated by the quick downward pulling motion of the non-dominant hand. The leg drive can enhance that effect by providing a counter force going in the opposite direction (that is, low to high) but its main utility is dependent on that downward pull of the non dominant hand. If you served by leaving the non-dominant hand extended upward as you begin your leg drive and forward swing I think you would see a very anemic serve. I think this is evidence of the relative importance of the drop of the non-dominant arm and it's effect on the shoulder-over-shoulder rotation vs the leg drive in relative isolation. One very important reason all great servers have strong leg drive is that it enables them to strike the ball several inches higher than if they remained planted on the court.

[@grantdelmege2724]

@@Fernwald84 you do make some good points but the pulling down of the non dominant arm is acting as merely a reactive break to accelerate the racket arm. And I do believe that you can generate a lot of power by just using your body such as your abs and obliques with a good shoulder over shoulder but this only realky works if you have good technique a strong core and great thoracic mobility so that you can point your chest up towards the ball to increase range of motion. But I just dont believe that the arm or shoulder accounts for most of the racket head speed that's just rubbish in my opinion. Plenty of scientific studies have been done of the serve and the majority of the power comes from the ground up as you can store so much energy from the ground that can be transferred up through the body into the arm. But I guess you've just got to do what feels best for your serve.