Cracking the Whip on the Serve - The Last Serving Drill You Will Ever Need!

[@tulim7563]

Nice tip, thanks

[@Playyourcourt]

Happy to help

[@perimounagurusamy9484]

Extremely useful- straight forward simple useful guidance !! Thx

[@Playyourcourt]

Thank ya sir!

[@adrianacerqueira-sm2dk]

I love the way you show the position of the feet and toss that's the most important improvement for me

[@jambro1583]

It helped me out the behind your back technique really help.❤❤

[@Playyourcourt]

Excellent! thanks for the feedback 👊

[@stevegordonson720]

Really good video! The one thing you didn't mention , which I find really important is keeping the tossing arm up, until coming through the serve. When I drop the arm early , it removes the shoulder over shoulder motion, changing the trajectory of the racket and reduces spin and speed. I find if I am hitting into the top of the net on the serve , either I'm dropping my head ( not watching the ball ) or not keeping the arm up long enough, easy fixes when playing a match.

[@Playyourcourt]

Steve Gordonson solid insights, thanks for sharing. We did another vid all about the importance of SOS. Check it out for further instruction on creating power and consistency.

[@TonyBWO]

Toss arm isnt important

[@mb-shadow-f2v]

excellent instruction on a key serve movement that many coaches struggle to convey or emit entirely from their online teaching. love the sock drill that's a game changer for finding the correct feel of explosively whipping the racket through the ball. nice job & thanks!

[@Playyourcourt]

Thanks for the kind words, they're much appreciated!

[@fabiopellicano4116]

The serve is the most difficult and articulated shot in tennis. Watching videos to understand biomecanics and filming our serve it is the way to go to improve.

[@ericquiroz2443]

Excellent. I have taught the serve for many years. I appreciate your eye for detail!

[@Playyourcourt]

Eric Quiroz thanks for the kind words, much appreciated coach!

[@TennisTrollChannel]

Great video. The slow motion examples are useful.

[@TheRealDrJoey]

It's all about that knee-bend! For one thing it gives you more time, but mainly it let's you explode UP into the ball and get good top spin. And all you have to do is take a little off the same motion, and, if you keep your head up, you'll almost never double fault.

[@raquelrich7920]

Great video instruction, thanks so much!!!

[@Playyourcourt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@muhannadobeidat]

By coincidence a few weeks ago I paid close attention to how Federer does it and it really improved my accuracy imitating that. Thanks for breaking this down and why it works. Great video!

[@Playyourcourt]

Happy to help! Thanks for watching and the feedback

[@pjakobsen]

Great video, thanks! Well thought out and the right level of detail with no cliches and lots of aha insights.

[@Playyourcourt]

Much appreciated! Thanks for watching and the kind feedback!

[@tomdineen7]

Best lesson from this site- nice job!

[@Playyourcourt]

Thanks Thomas, glad you enjoyed it!

[@vp82vps]

Good lesson.

[@Playyourcourt]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@adama2569]

Great lesson!

[@dropshot118]

I enjoyed today's instruction. I am guilty on the short take back. Not waiter's tray but an abbreviated motion. It works for me with pace but I will practice the fed take back behind the head and the timing of the leg jump with the shoulder turn. Thanks Nate! AKA Daddy :)

[@6daymember]

This is one of the most useful serve videos i've seen for some time. The balance between talk and show works well, and you are the first i have seen to explain the "Federer difference" which i am sure will help many. Thank you. One point which i see here that i see elsewhere too is the suggestion the the 'jump' or upward motion is primarily fired from the back leg. From my experience, and watching many slo-mos, is that most players use their front foot more to power the jump. Why? Because they have shifted their weight forward such that more is on that foot at the point of the jump, and that is related in turn to the positioning of the toss a little into the court. I see that here too (post step-in). The exception is the kick serve when the toss is more 'over the head and back'. I'd be interested in your thoughts on this.

[@Playyourcourt]

S Allan thanks for the kind words, they’re much appreciated. The back leg is critical because it is primarily responsible for firing the back hip, syncing the lower body with the upper body in the kinetic chain. In a pinpoint stance a lot of players do tend to jump predominantly off the front foot. On the platform stance both legs tend to fire more efficiently. Both are great, just comes down to personal preference. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching and the feedback!

[@luismarty7719]

Very good lesson!! Thank you so much!!

[@Playyourcourt]

Out pleasure Luis, thanks for watching and the feedback!

[@joeharrington6645]

Absolutely brilliant advice! Thanks so much for explaining it in such a straight forward way!

[@Playyourcourt]

Joe Harrington appreciate the kind words my man. Glad to hear you enjoyed the instruction. Thanks for watching!

[@Christfollower48]

I see many pros using your pinpoint stance, not easy for me, but still working on it, I think elbowing the enemy is a goal also for me, keeps the elbow in a good power position, my toughest obstacle is relaxing when I toss the ball and my toss is good usually, my racket gets stuck in the drop,served wrong for many years and trying to break bad habits, I have great shadow swings, no ball!

[@Playyourcourt]

John Smith sounds like a problem that many players face. Check out the instruction linked on a method to keep the hand relaxed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6vdeoarfp5rjMU Hope it helps, thanks for watching,

[@Ormsby504]

Showing to try the Fed technique, being in my 60's flexibility is an issue. Fed technique might be better for me. Also I often wondered what should happen with the shoulders and leg drive. Good explanation here. Thanks

[@Playyourcourt]

Julian Mitchell glad to hear you enjoyed the instruction! Players with flexibility issues often benefit from the Federer motion as the swing path is more direct. Let us know if it helps if you decide to implement the technique. Thanks for watching!

[@ElSupremo5]

I think the timing aspect is very hard for many. The racket doesn't drop and then you go up and out it actually drops as you are beginning that motion lagging behind. If you drop then go it will be more of a push

[@franciscomanrique4979]

GRACIAS

[@common12]

I was taught using the two finger grip- it’s works. It’s impossible to hit unless you turn your arm into a wet noodle or whip!

[@mowghlee]

Excellent video Could have been divided to multiple steps not to confuse beginners Can separately elaborate Importance of continuous motion Drills How to practice each part and then add up. Do you consciously drive from hip ???

[@instinctualbeasts7494]

great insight, thanks sir

[@Playyourcourt]

Instinctual Beasts glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching and the feedback, it’s much appreciated!

[@robinhoodwink9345]

Hello thanks for this is a valuable lesson. When you bring the racket back in the up direction you can time it easier with that shoulder turn and angles back to get the hip and leg drive. Then all is you have to do for power is come over the fount shoulder in a more linear direction. This is a good way to use the arm so you can keep it looser.

[@Playyourcourt]

Robin Woodward glad you enjoyed the instruction. Solid insights / contributions to the instruction as well. Thanks for watching!

[@Errk2G]

Nate rules!!!

[@Playyourcourt]

Thanks, appreciate the kind words! 🙌

[@kenialalora6535]

I love this guy.

[@Playyourcourt]

Kenia La Loca right back at ya! 😚

[@howardspector2480]

After your follow through which leg comes down first into the court. One video thought that for right handed player the server should come down on their left leg and then take step into court. Please explain how this happens. Thank you in advance.

[@Playyourcourt]

Howard Spector as a righty we should be landing on the left leg and then allowing our momentum to follow through to our right leg. Hope this helps, thanks for the question!

[@Christfollower48]

I see you do a pinpoint stance which most academy kids are being taught, i believe it is harder to do as i have tried both, either way i stil cant get the racket drop as arm and hand must be too tight, do great shadow swings, the ball tightens me up, also struggle starting out slow with arm

[@Playyourcourt]

Hey John, thanks for the feedback, the pinpoint and platform stance really comes down to personal preference. Getting tight while the ball is in play is common, try removing your bottom two fingers to train your hand to loosen up and then go through the swing during practice. Hope this helps, thanks for watching!

[@KH-ks7si]

I really like the pinpoint, I can’t serve platform

[@xcz_matthew]

How do youget a rating

[@francisremedios2530]

Great video! Is the toss at the same time as the racquet drop? Or before the racquet drop?

[@Playyourcourt]

Francis Remedios before the racquet drop. The tossing arm should lead the motion. Great question, thanks for watching!

[@chasebethersonton5169]

What are the 8 moving parts? Thx.

[@Playyourcourt]

Chase Bethersonton 1.) Start 2.) Release 3.) loading 4.) Cocking 5.) Acceleration 6.) Contact 7.) Deceleration 8.) Finish. For a full explanation of the biomechanics of the serve check out the link below. Thanks for watching. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3445225/#!po=0.819672

[@motownspiders]

@@Playyourcourt Anyone that references the Marc Kovacs Noble 8 Fold Path to Serve Enlightenment is a boss. Nice video, even if we've been putting balls in socks since Lendl was in short pants.

[@Playyourcourt]

motownspiders glad you enjoyed the instruction. Marc is the man when it comes to sports science. Anyone still using the simple tool of weighted socks/stockings is a boss in my book as well....even if they still wear short shorts 😉 Thanks for the feedback.

[@carolynhealey7246]

Using a fantastic tool called the Serve Master is heaps better as you have a proper grip .

[@bogdanm4447]

Cut an old racquet handle, drill a hole thru the top part closest to where the throat would start and add the stockings or elastic band, or even tennis string.

[@jackspradlin4183]

latest obstacle is racket drops with palm down, but it is isolated movement end up hitting back with racket, the ball messes me up, shadow swings great, crack the whip on shadow swing but elbow doesnt lead when I do a real serve, seen that much?

[@Playyourcourt]

Hey Jack, appreciate the feedback but it's really hard to diagnose the issue without seeing the serve. Perhaps try keeping the racket tip over the head as it will give you a visual confirmation that your elbow is the in the right place. Be sure to rotate (coil) the hip as well as the shoulder as well. If you're interested in video analysis from Scott or I checkout our PYC Plus membership on the website!

[@Fernwald84]

It looks like, to me, that the forward swing from the racquet drop position is initiated by pulling the non-dominant arm down and across the body with the legs then assisting in this explosive movement.

[@twinwankel]

I don't use Federer's take back. I use an abreviated take back but it seems to me that as long as you get to trophy you should be able to whip the take back. I just don't see the benefit of using Fed's arm swing because you need to pause slightly no matter what take back you choose.

[@jackquinnes]

I don't know about that. Fed's circular full length take back & up to the trophy is a master class in fluid natural motion. Letting you keep on moving seamlessly through the serve motion connected (to the Source, the Well: effortless power). Actually, I don't quite get the point of this video regarding Fed (or the "two options". WHAT two options??) He is doing what? A classical smooth backswing, yes. I try to mimic/imitate its as much and as authentically as possible. It is the way to go, wu wei, guys, tao te chi right there. Let it whip and flow.

[@MainBizoh]

That video quality is insane

[@Playyourcourt]

Thank ya sir, much appreciated! 👊

[@EvKris12]

this sounds like something isner would use lmao absolutley amazing gonna try this feels like whenever i watch this channal i learn something new keep up the good work!

[@Playyourcourt]

KartikPlayz glad you’re enjoying the channel. We appreciate the support. 🙏🏻💪🏼 💯

[@kylerstephens5873]

How do I get a hold of you guys?

[@Playyourcourt]

Kyler Stephens hi, feel free to send a message via Instagram or Facebook. Happy to chat.

[@Dr-Jamie]

Thanks for the video, but the Trophy position of your actual serve at 7:51 is totally different than your demonstrated trophy position at the beginning in 6:23. In your serve, and in most professionals proper services I've seen, it is starting across your chest (clearly visible at 7:51, 7:57) and then coming over your shoulder -- is this the federa take-back you mentioned? as it looks like that's what's being demonstrated is totally different to what you showed in the beginning. Best wishes, Jamie

[@sanz8607]

I still like the cone method from previous lesson!

[@xcz_matthew]

Did addidas sponsor you?

[@jonathanchen1026]

@1:38 this is the part where when I try dropping the racket behind my head, i hit my head on the way down or up with the racket 🥲 @3:02 “some pantyhose” saying it so casually like we all have some at home 🥲🤣

[@Playyourcourt]

There's no comfortable way for a dude to say "panyhose" period. lol. Thanks for watching Jonathan!

[@homeropalacios9937]

Primer canal que declara la verdad sobre lo que se nos dice de las culturas prehispánicas, solo versiones de españoles acompañados de indígenas, pero "nuevos indígenas ", que ya son cristianos y hablan español. Y por eso cada quien hacía su versión, pero no sabemos cuál será cierta o incluso si alguna es real.

[@mikecbrblue]

Have you ditched the Pure Strike?

[@Playyourcourt]

mikecbrblue due to arm issues I had to investigate a different balance and weight. Enjoying the blade at the moment.

[@JanitorIsBack]

well I can see a lot of black eyes happening with the whip tennis stocking thingy

[@Playyourcourt]

JanitorIsBack 🤕

[@kylerstephens5873]

Please reach out

[@mariodeb]

is there a risk of hurting your head?

[@Playyourcourt]

Hi Mario, I suppose in theory with incorrect form it is possible to bonk yourself on the head. With the limited motion and weight of the tennis balls there's not much to fear though. Just take it nice and slow when starting out! Thanks for watching.

[@Playyourcourt]

Want to meet new players & play more tennis? Try PlayYourCourt for free here: bit.ly/2HjZ0Gj Want to win more points with your serve? Grab our Serve Mastery Course for free here: bit.ly/2FNSMhG Want to work with Scott & Nate? Check out upcoming live events and workshops here: bit.ly/36UGkXV

[@enematwatson1357]

Sooo... We have "wrist snap", then we have "pronation" and now we "crack the whip". I'm now eagerly waiting for the video that adequately explains that these three are one and the same. 😁

[@Playyourcourt]

"Cracking the whip" simply refers to a loose arm, wrist and hand that enables you to "snap the wrist". snapping the wrist is antiquated coaching though...pronation is often referred to as "snapping the wrist" bit it is simply the byproduct of a good contact point with the arm at full extension. Hope this helps.

[@johnzuniga1966]

Muestras de una forma y ejecutas de otra

[@marvindent3742]

I totally agree with the concept but I was disappointed that he did not know how to actually use a whip which would have demonstrated how to create and use lag.

[@Playyourcourt]

Marvin Dent the concept of the bullwhip and serve is similar but not entirely the same, hence the demo not resembling the actual methodology of a bull whip. (Not that I’m exactly Indiana Jones as it is 😉) This Demo was really about keeping the arm relaxed and getting the racquet into the back drop position and finding extension. Thanks for watching and the feedback.

[@TKRM2007]

What have you got for us 80 year old?

[@BrookviewLabs]

Ekspecially

[@bbjonas4233]

Im gonna need a helmet. I can see myself wacking my head a lot 😂

[@Playyourcourt]

🤣

[@tberry79]

The video is titled "Cracking the Whip on the Serve - The Last Serving Drill You Will Ever Need!": Does this mean you promise to not ever upload any more serving videos on this channel?

[@marcodeluca4068]

We are missing a lot more to what he is suggesting. 1st to explain the components and what is happening and why?? etc etc

[@jackdaniels2905]

Less talk, more show

[@Playyourcourt]

Jack Daniels it’s the holidays, and the content is free. Lighten up 🎄 (see what I did there with the tree, “lighten up” 😉.

[@jackdaniels2905]

Sorry, I'm just adhd.

[@haroldmunt3507]

I'm

[@jarosdav]

You are sooo.... wrong with this method. Federer DOES NOT have a motion as you describe. Look at the KZbin Video "Australian 2011 Fed Slow Motion Serve". There is no such thing as cracking the whip. Bolleterri corrected this myth years ago. Practice core fundamentals of serving not these gimmicks. It will pay dividends in the long run of not having to change your serve motion...again!

[@Playyourcourt]

D J “Flexibility throughout the arms and chest muscles allows the energy to build in a sequence of movement, stretching, and releasing in a transfer of energy like the crack of a whip. This also occurs in the serve, sending energy up the racquet head for contact” -Nick Bollettieri The Tennis handbook

[@patrickweston3293]

Never say "there's some technical stuff, but you wouldn't understand it." Don't condescend, please. I would like to learn more about the respective kinetic chains of pitching and serving. Don't assume you're smarter than your audience.

[@Playyourcourt]

Patrick Weston Hey Patrick, sorry if it came across condescending as that certainly wasn’t my intention. What I actually said was “So instead of boring you with a bunch of sport science words that I can barely pronounce and you may not understand...” What I was alluding to was the vocabulary associated with the physics and the scientific names of the sports science not the actual technique itself. The goal was to strip down the instruction to joint position in order to avoid over complicating it....that and make fun of myself a bit for the occasional poor pronunciation of words.

[@fongyinlee4312]

Great advice. Thanks

[@Playyourcourt]

Glad it was helpful!