TENNIS SERVE | How To Add More Power On Your Serve

[@TennisEvolution]

Serve myths debunked: Former Top 100 ATP Pro, Jeff Salzenstein, is exposing 3 common myths that could be crippling your serve potential. Most players make at least 1 of these 3 mistakes... Do you? goo.gl/ee3fWQ

[@abderrahmenramdani5220]

Backhand

[@erichpfenninger6053]

What a privilege to have a (former) ATP top 100 player as a "private" coach who is revealing the secrets which the pro's are working out every day on the practice courts. THANK YOU, JEFF!!

[@TennisEvolution]

Erich Pfenninger what a nice thing to say! Thank you :)

[@funfoot1]

What a pleasure to sit back and be given the truth about serving. I'm in harmony with your instruction. Can't wait until my next match to put these serving ideas into motion!!! Awesome. Your videos make my day better. Jeff

[@jazzmaster349]

Hi Jeff, though I practice my serve weekly, once and a while I get into this serve power zone. Your tip on holding the racquet closer to my head has revealed to me that's what I was inadvertently doing. That with now moving from the BH the continental grip has made a hugh & immediate difference ...……….Thank you so much!!

[@TennisEvolution]

You're welcome Gregory! Thanks for your comment. Keep up the good work ;) Jeff.

[@selvis4118]

hi I am a visually impaired tennis player and paly with soundballs, it is great to have a lesson so well explained as I cannot see you very well, so thanks for all the verbal explanations! I will be practicing!

[@PeterJChrist]

The comment about moving the continental grip JUST SLIGHTLY to forehand is brilliant. I've only heard one other professional mention this and I find it is incredibly important if you want to blast a serve. I find I need to re-think where my serve will go with this technique as it tends to land just a bit more to my right (I'm a rightly) than with a classic continental grip. thanks so much

[@TennisEvolution]

Hey, you're welcome Peter! If you can send me a video and I can analyze it for you! Email my support center and they will have you assisted. Here’s the email add >>> [e-mail]

[@zuchao]

Hi Jeff, I just can't praise you enough. All the WTA players and 99% of the ATP players could take serve lessons from you.

[@caioplata]

Just to let you know, after what several of your videos and bookmarking a dozen of them, I went from 1-7 (win-lose) games to 14-9 in my tennis club league... You sir.. Are awesome! Thanks for the easy to grasp tips and particularly the exercise to practise the endless serve motion. It helped ALOT!

[@TennisEvolution]

Caio Plata thank you for the awesome feedback and congrats 🎉

[@terryscoffeestuff]

I'm re-building my serve based on the several serve videos of yours. Seeing some improvements already. Keep up the good w... coaching!

[@geoffhess2267]

I've been struggling with getting smooth, comfortable power on my serve. Even when my serve speed is decent, it still feels too forced. As I'm watching your video, I'm checking off each tip: Yeah , I got the continental grip, hand position on grip is good, gripping the racket without tension? yeah. Racquet dropping deep? yeah. Whoa...shoulder turn? Pretty sure I'm not turning my shoulders and hips as you described on the take-back. My take-back is very linear. Can't wait to get back to serve practice to incorporate this rotation. Amazing how one component missing can affect power. Thank Jeff!

[@TennisEvolution]

You're welcome Geoff! Happy to help ;)

[@MD-of2xv]

Really great instruction. Precisely explained every crucial element comprising entire serve motion. Thanks and regards

[@TennisEvolution]

You're welcome!

[@Cameron-ue7lu]

Thanks, very helpful to go back and remind yourself of the key components. I find focusing on bending the elbow makes it more intuitive for others to understand. Like pulling a slingshot. So many players get caught up in a hard grained motion that is hard to unpick. This really helps.

[@TennisEvolution]

Cameron you are very welcome! Please share this video and channel with others.

[@BowWowProductionsLTD]

Insightful and instructive as usual, Jeff. You are a super coach. As my mobility is poor I only play doubles and concentrate mostly on my return of serve, my vollying and my serve. Over the last two years I keep a record and apart from playing have currently done over 25,000 practice serve. Just naturally working on my own I have gradually leaned towards some of the tips you teach in this video - including a lower ball toss. I wish I'd seen this video 2 years ago but better late than never! Tony Costa. Tennis Wales Ambassador.

[@badbeans3341]

Incredibly helpful, as I was watching I actually realized that I've made it a habit to do these exact things, I just need to work on my actual power serve cause my default is a slice serve that I kinda taught myself

[@fidelisbonye6152]

thanks. very helpful. cleared my serving mistakes

[@TennisEvolution]

You're welcome Fidelis! Thank you for watching, that's awesome to know. What other type of lessons would you like to see next in our channel? Jeff.

[@fidelisbonye6152]

@@TennisEvolution Thanks so much for the feedback. Am having challenge in dealing with high balls (Pushers). A lesson on high ball forehand/backhand will be appreciated

[@TennisEvolution]

@@fidelisbonye6152 You're welcome! Check out this lesson on how to crush the high forehand ;) kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaHKp4R3i76XptU

[@allencovert2360]

Finally- someone who knows what they are talking about! Terrific!

[@antrenn]

Thank you so much, Jeff! What an honour to learn from you. I've been struggling to perfect the leg bend because I've been taught before that's the proper way to get more power. I always found it difficult to do. Since I gave so much emphasis to my posture I'd have the tendency to hold my racket too tight and it became counterproductive. Thank you so much for this lesson! My serve is much better now!

[@bazza2540]

Jeff, your serve videos are by far the best on the internet, and have helped me immensely

[@TennisEvolution]

skip tow thank you for that endorsement. Means a lot :). Please share this video and my coaching with others!

[@shibavideos1563]

Amazing!!!! I have an 11 year old daughter and her videos have helped a lot. God bless you, hugs from Brazil !!!

[@TennisEvolution]

Anderson Chalub so awesome to help you in Brazil!

[@deshpandenakul1]

Jeff, you are a blessing. Literally! I have improved my game so so much just by watching your videos

[@TennisEvolution]

Thank you, appreciate your nice comment!

[@wscottiewible]

Jeff, do put anything into how the front foot is aligned? Parallel or perpendicular to the baseline? I like to be perpendicular to the line. I feel like I get better shoulder turn. Almost like a pitcher.

[@marcosandrada555]

thanks for the tips, the grip one helps me understand what's going on whit my serve.

[@TopSpinWilly]

Bin playing 45 years. Your forehand semi open stance and now this video. Crikee I should be able to hit 4.0 on a regular basis with these suggestions. Thanks, Wm. In Vancouver

[@TennisEvolution]

William Williams that’s amazing! Let me know how it goes

[@bluewaterhorizon]

This is one of the most useful videos i have ever seen on serve

[@robinhoodwink9345]

The point you made is true. I thing the best way to explain the legs to left from the ground to make that last movement of the lebow coming out. This is were hit on the upper part of the ball for more power

[@TennisEvolution]

Robin Woodward thank you for sharing !

[@amigagauchita]

Greetings from Uruguay Jeff, excellent video! I will try all the tips, but my doubts begins with the toss. I'm not sure about the path of the tossing arm should follow after the rotations of the shoulders completes. Is it parallel to the service line? Do you you habe a drill to learn the toss? thanks a lot

[@TennisEvolution]

Thank you for watching Juan! Please see my KZbin lesson on 5 great drills to master the toss kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y52wYp-Fn5qLiq8 What other type of lessons would you like to see next in our channel? Saludos! Jeff.

[@tonycuip]

Excellent tip, Jeff! I've been your student/customer many years before, but I still have trouble to master the power/speed. I am a 4.5 player, the serve has been my worst skill. What's the most critical factors to be able to bounce the ball to the back fence (above waist height). In order to progress to 5.0, this is the most important skill for me now...

[@Fernwald84]

Wonderful video lesson, Jeff! You packed a boatload of information in the 9 minutes--all of it highly relevant to we serve strugglers.

[@Joffaburger]

Great advice on the grip, often neglected by many coaches. The contact area is just a giant hinge so choking the grip or using a hammer won't facilitate a powerful contact point. Also like the shoulder turn first tip but so many pro players using very straight up and down motions ie Warinka, Djokovic, Zereve. I'm big on the shoulder turn as you can release the ball very high out of the hand and still throw forward (against the wind). I also think there's a correlation between ball release height and correct leg drive (lighter). Be interested to know what you think. Keep up the great work Jeff you are cutting to the chase on each video great work!

[@TennisEvolution]

Jeff Schneider thank you! That means a lot :)

[@hermangelderblom2676]

Great video on techinque. Will definitely try this out!! My biggest issue is being to tense on my serve.

[@TennisEvolution]

Herman Gelderblom Thank you.! Please let us know how it goes :)

[@crgb2]

Nice and precise video!!!!

[@Thomas-74]

Great lession!!! My serve is getting better and better! Great Coaching Jeff!!!!!

[@TennisEvolution]

Lasse Kongo love it !

[@dannydangelo9653]

Great tip Jeff I recommend recording​ yourself when practicing your serves and watch it in SLO mo And compare it to Jeff's video or to any tennis player. I found that effective

[@TennisEvolution]

Danny D'Angelo totally agree

[@stephenomalley3616]

nice serve update!

[@danielgomezgarzon]

Great Video !!! Thank you Jeff !!

[@vectorthurm]

You are such a great teacher! Natural communicator! I’m wondering if you have any advice for people struggling to remove mental hitches? I can serve smoothly against wall but when I turn 90 degrees to serve in box I revert back to hitch. It’s a total psychology thing and it is so frustrating. I’m gradually improving by not allowing myself too many reps before I remove judgement by turning and hitting against fence or wall..getting good muscle memory reps. Just wondering if you have any other advice?

[@TennisEvolution]

vectorthurm Great question. You have to go “all in” and exaggerate even more.

[@studfinderball]

Pad of the forefinger on the bevel, not the edge, is the correct 'weak' continental. (Racket handle has two edges, two flats, and four bevels.)

[@kadirturkkan735]

Absolutely high level coaching, thanks Jeff.

[@TennisEvolution]

Kadir Turgan Thank you!

[@ts440s]

Totally agree somax doe a great analogy on why hip rotation far outweighs leg drive in serving.

[@TennisEvolution]

john metyk cool. That's what I feel

[@patrickt.4121]

Wonderful lesson, thanks Jeff. When I try to hit harder than my safe serve, I don't manage to time my toss so well, so I either end up waiting for the ball to drop back, losing momentum and power, or I swing too early and mishit the ball. Lol.

[@TennisEvolution]

You're welcome Patrick!

[@smopovianu]

Thank you! So much insight in one video!

[@colinjohnston9000]

Jeff -- excellent material, here. When not playing at CAC Monaco, I played a lot of doubles on those two courts.

[@TennisEvolution]

Colin Johnston awesome !

[@colinjohnston9000]

I miss Colorado, big-time.

[@TennisEvolution]

Colin Johnston it’s a special place

[@ravisubbarayan3503]

Awesome Tip to improve serve power! Thank you!

[@jameschoi3137]

Best serve lesson I've seen! Thank you, Jeff!

[@danielgomez9908]

Absolutely GREAT video Jeff !!! Thank you so much !!! Happy New Year to you !!!

[@noushinkananian5033]

Many thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge!

[@TennisEvolution]

Noushin Kananian welcome !

[@mtcprsv12]

Such a pleasure watching your contents thx, while you were talking about the mistake of too much space between head and racquet I thought of Nishikori, am I wright?

[@TennisEvolution]

Thank you Marco. I've got to look at Kei's serve in more detail. What other type of lessons you'd like to see from me in the near future? Jeff.

[@mtcprsv12]

@@TennisEvolution mmm..difficult question may be I'd like to watch on your own channel the remake of the lesson you made for crunch time tennis.

[@TennisEvolution]

@@mtcprsv12 Got it, thanks for your feedback. Jeff.

[@FredYang]

This is gold, can't believe it is free! Thanks Jeff.

[@TennisEvolution]

You're welcome J Y! Thank you for watching. What other type of videos would you like to see from me in the near future? Jeff

[@FredYang]

I would like to see more footwork video and the drill that I can practice off court. Thanks

[@TennisEvolution]

@@FredYang Great, thanks for your feedback.

[@dm7170]

yes, you explain it succinctly. I found myself nodding while watching - best tutorial for serve I've seen yet.

[@TennisEvolution]

david mccrea thank you so much 😊

[@coopersimmsvlogs498]

This is great Jeff! Just what I needed. Also, I love your live streams! Keep it up! :)

[@TennisEvolution]

Drums Mesic thank you so much !

[@coopersimmsvlogs498]

You're welcome!

[@kurtisclarke3380]

Priceless info provided there coach!

[@changpowen4970]

非常有幫助，It helps me a lot

[@TennisEvolution]

Awesome Chang! Thanks for watching. What other type of videos you'd like to see from me in the near future? Get access to a free course inside our Tennis Evolution app including lessons to improve your serve. This is like having a coach in your pocket when you’re on court. Click here to register tennisevolutionapp.com/register/

[@jamespeters9012]

Jeff this is awesome. I have played competitive tennis since 15 or so an your tips are so helpful. I use them myself as well as teaching!

[@TennisEvolution]

James Peters awesome to hear:). Thank you for the feedback

[@kenyick2745]

Awesome instruction....

[@rajeevprv2057]

really cool and technical video

[@willkittwk]

How come when you dry run your serve you simulated finishing away from your body as if you'd be throwing a change up or screw ball as a pitcher and when you demo your serves you finish across your body in a proper throwing motion?

[@bhurivithsukasem2777]

Thank you Jeff. This is an awesome video. :)

[@svarodzic]

Nice tips man! I'll try them all next time I will practice my serve!

[@TennisEvolution]

Сварожічъ Х'Арійскі thank You !

[@jayjayp9618]

jeff does the racket drop not start from the pushing off ur legs upwards

[@ryan_jane4257]

How do you get the racket face side ways during the swing motion? does it have to do something with your forearm?

[@waqasmood]

That's true when i use my legs i lose power on my serve because my technique goes wrong don't know why.Now i am serving without using my legs and i have so much power and control on my serve that it has become difficult to break my serve.

[@harryharrison4749]

Great video, thanks for doing it Jeff. When you spoke about the grips would a continental grip be the same as a 'chopper' grip? And did you mean you move it very slightly towards a forehand grip? Thanks again, appreciate you doing the video 👍

[@hehehehehahahaha2025]

Did Sampras really use a weak continental grip? I always thought it was a strong continental, and there are pictures of him in the trophy pose where he sometimes has the "trigger finger" grip, while other times his fingers are more together to the point where his index finger actually makes contact with the tip of his thumb. Made me wonder if he alternated his grip for different types of serves.

[@TheDrakulie]

do you have tips on the Toss as well ?

[@cn7abc]

Beautiful video, you sure know what you're talking about! Thank you!

[@TennisEvolution]

cn7abc thank you

[@NoRoads2AllRoads]

Well you would think a guy that was ranked in the top 100 ATP would know what they talk about :D

[@toullioujean-luc9399]

Thanks Jeff,very useful VDO for coaches!great one!

[@armandgallanosa]

Very well broken down, hitting KEY elements of successful service techniques... thanks Jeff!! Keep up excellent work!!!

[@TennisEvolution]

Armand Gallanosa happy to help ! Please share this video with others

[@dm7170]

I'll look for your slice serve tutorial as this is pretty effective on the surface I play on.

[@TennisEvolution]

david mccrea on we will make on!

[@arzoo82]

brilliant info Jeff! can't wait to try these changes on the court next time ;)

[@TennisEvolution]

greentea go try it!

[@arzoo82]

Tennis Evolution your the man Jeff :)

[@DiyiTechnology]

Great video as always. I like them a lot and learned a lot too!!! I am a father/coach for my son who is 15 years old now and ranks top 15 in Florida. Thanks a lot Jeff. I'd like to meet with you and treat you a dinner if you visit South Florida some day.

[@TennisEvolution]

DiyiTechnology thank you 🙏🏻 please keep me posted on progress.

[@suresh9118]

Hi Jeff, I really like your Serve videos. Btw can I ask you if you have videos of you practicing because I like the fluidity in your Serve and how it prevents me from staying too long in the “hole”. Also, how do I get the ball to bounce on my first serves. It usually stays about hip height and I’d like it a little higher to take it away from the strike zone. Thank you

[@pupstart]

This is really technical great insight Jeff, your able to clarify some great points and steps here for me. Appreciate all of your tennis lessons. Thx!!!

[@TennisEvolution]

John F. Young thank you so much. I really appreciate it

[@dianadeeds5678]

Thanks Jeff, the best 10 min lessons i ever have! Really appreciate...

[@TennisEvolution]

Diana Deeds my pleasure :)

[@ideasofmarch]

Very useful video - the best that I have seen! Some pieces of advice as shared by my coach too - to leave legs out of the equation. Though it is REALLY frustrating to see folks like you do it so easily (but one that eludes me after weeks of practice :-( ), they way you have broken it down makes me think. I will take up one part at a time and practice!

[@TennisEvolution]

Ravishankar Sp thank you! You can do it :)

[@LuciusGreystone]

Top 3 in terms of all the Tennis videos I've seen on KZbin.

[@TennisEvolution]

Fernando Sioson ☺️ thank you so much

[@imontufo]

Wonderful advice! That has opened my eyes! Thank you, Jeff!

[@TennisEvolution]

Ibán Montufo so cool !

[@DrRonstadt]

Very clear. Top notch job.

[@TennisEvolution]

Robert Ronstadt thank you!

[@michaelgreen2493]

Awesome Jeff, you are the man! Thanks so much for this incredible instruction.

[@andreugentzen2738]

Thnks so much for sharing your knowlwdge Jeff! Great stuff. ;)

[@behroozd]

Hi Jeff Thanks for usefull video I have good power on my serve but it will always goes long. When I want to add some spin for control I lose half of my power! How can I add safety to my shot without losing power? Is pronation the key? Thanks

[@TennisEvolution]

Behrooz Daei yes and technique and ball position

[@ChaunceyDos]

Best instructor on KZbin imo.

[@TennisEvolution]

ChaunceyDos thank you 🙏🏻

[@TeamTennisfr]

Hi Jeff. I have a question about the trophy pose and the weight distribution on the legs. Do you think it should be equally distributed on both legs, more on the front or more on the back leg ? Thanks !

[@TennisEvolution]

Team-Tennis.fr at trophy pose it whoosh be about equal

[@TeamTennisfr]

Thanks for the answer Jeff. I listened to Dr Neiru Jayanthi at summit 2018 saying that there should be a bit more knee flexion for the back knee compared to the front knee to prevent some kind of injuries (at 35'43). I personaly improve my serve (I'm a former 5.5 player) putting more weight on my back leg, kinda copying Federer who slightly but clearly lifts his front foot while tossing the ball. Then at trophy pose it's a bit hard to see if he's equally on his both legs or still a bit more on the back leg.

[@TennisEvolution]

Team-Tennis.fr great point!

[@Popieldavid2]

Good to see the emphasis on the upper body. Exactly right.

[@TennisEvolution]

Thank you for watching! I appreciate your feedback. Jeff.

[@mikeso5963]

Jeff, this is awesome video.

[@Juncicle]

so jeff, do u have different grips for 1st and 2nd serve ? when you play matches

[@ignitingillumination9805]

Great video! I love your content and how you always help us improve in tennis :D Do you have any tips for developing a more powerful yet consistent 2nd serve? I feel people always take advantage of my second serve.

[@josegutierrez5685]

Thanks for your videos. Regards from Chile.

[@TennisEvolution]

Jose Gutierrez you are welcome

[@rafaelmarquez1315]

The best serve video I've seen.

[@TennisEvolution]

Rafael Márquez thank you 🙏🏻. Please share this video with others:)

[@FairwayJack]

great stuff

[@TennisEvolution]

Thank you!

[@skmalladi]

In one of your other videos, you were speaking about holding the racquet at the trophy pose with the strings pointing away but here you're pointing the face of the racquet down and close to your head. How are these two different? How do they come together? Thanks!

[@TennisEvolution]

sasikanth malladi which video ?

[@Damian-xc7km]

I've been watching your serve video for a little while now. They help alot. Do you watch the ball during the toss, is there a certain spot to hit on the ball? How high is the toss?

[@TennisEvolution]

Thanks for watching Damien. I'm glad you find my content helpful. To answer your question, I do watch the ball during the toss and I do not let it drop too much. This way, I can hit the ball at my highest point of contact. I honestly adjust where I hit the ball because we're always playing in different weather conditions. Typically, you want to ball to drop between 12-18 inches before making contact. If you want me to look at it or do a video analysis, you can email my support team at [e-mail]

[@angelonase]

one problem that i note is angle racket when i come down because isn't easy come out more from my right shoulder before to impact ball.I aks you if have a answer for me to that one problem.Thank you from italy

[@TennisEvolution]

Angelonase I am. It clear on the question

[@fingersm]

Excellent video

[@TennisEvolution]

frank mancuso thank you !

[@claudioprado389]

Jeff I've got a question for you, do we have to pronate in all serves, including kick serves? Thank you for your answer.

[@TennisEvolution]

Claudio Prado you do pronate to varying degrees but I don’t focus on it on every serve. It should happen naturally if other elements are in place

[@EJP286CRSKW]

I don't see how you can NOT pronate on the kick serve, and how pronating on every serve can fail to convert every serve into a kick serve, which is not what you want. My physio agrees. I don't see much pronation in any of Jeff's serves here.

[@MA-dw2yl]

This video is simply an excellent one in the kind.

[@TennisEvolution]

Thank you for watching. I appreciate your feedback. What other type of lessons you'd like to see from me in the near future? Jeff.

[@MA-dw2yl]

Thanks for asking, Jeff. I'd like to get the tips of backswing of forehand/backhand (I am a right-handed player) to hit a stronger stroke. Thanks!

[@Felipe-ll8xu]

Nice tips!

[@TennisEvolution]

Thanks Felipe!

[@felipeborda7535]

Hi Jeff, love your videos! I have s question though, I've seen your videos on the kick and the slice serve I wanted to know if it's possible to do the kick and slice serve with the weak continental grip (towards the forehand) instead of the strong continental grip (towards the backhand). Thanks!

[@TennisEvolution]

Felipe Borda yes it is!

[@kwazyviet6447]

Hey Jeff, just wanted to say ur vids are great :), furthermore ive heard that when u serve ur meant to have the continental grip and for forehand/backhand its preferrable to have semi western like most pros, does that mean in real life tennis matches when pros serve they change their grips mid rally, im a little confused. Thankyou so much

[@capricornmagic63]

Stan Wawrinka, great serve, hardly any kneed bend.

[@billblair5743]

I believe it is best to combine the knee dip and upper body motion as they are interconnected . Separating them will lead to body disconnect.The knee dip is essential not only for additional power but provides the same effect as low to high on the basic ground strokes. It is more essential the shorter you are. It is absolutely wrong to teach your method and there is not one pros who does not knee dip.

[@TennisEvolution]

Bill Blair it is not wrong. If you knew Bend within poor upper body mechanics you have no chance