The Beautiful Biomechanics of the Power Serve: Part 1

[johnyandell]

Let's discuss Chris Lewit's article, "The Beautiful Biomechanics of the Power Serve: Part 1"

[stotty]

I am familiar with Mark's 8 stage model for building and analysing a serve. It's good but it will miss things on an already established serve in terms of fault finding - it will miss forward entry for example. I slightly prefer Brian's 4-key-stages for building a serve. Plus, Brian has become more hands on about how to apply mechanics, which is important, it's one thing giving knowledge, but quite another when it comes to applying it. Common problems, common fixes is what the majority of coaches tend to want in their coach education.

I am really looking forward to your subsequent articles on the serve. I will be the first to dive in an take a look.

[clewit]

I am familiar with Mark's 8 stage model for building and analysing a serve. It's good but it will miss things on an already established serve in terms of fault finding - it will miss forward entry for example. I slightly prefer Brian's 4-key-stages for building a serve. Plus, Brian has become more hands on about how to apply mechanics, which is important, it's one thing giving knowledge, but quite another when it comes to applying it. Common problems, common fixes is what the majority of coaches tend to want in their coach education.

I am really looking forward to your subsequent articles on the serve. I will be the first to dive in a take a look.

Thanks very much. Yes I am actively synthesizing both Kovacs and Gordon’s work as much as possible and my focus is practical tools to fix the serve too! The last 25 years I’ve been building serves in the trenches. You can ask me anything.

What are the 4 key stages for Brian in your view? Why not use his advice and combine with Mark’s key points?

[stotty]

Brian divides the serve into four main phases:

1. The Wind Up
2. The Back Swing
3. The Upward Swing
4. The Follow Through

It's a good way to tackle serves when working with students and I have become accustomed analysing serves in this way. Brian's videos on Tennisplayer are very informative and his articles are eloquently written.

I’m always on the lookout for practical methods to develop effective serves and am looking forward to your insights and take on the serves.

Your Tennis Technique Bible Volume One has been a valuable resource for me over the years.

[bryaandy]

You have to compare each of Chris' stages of the service motion with something or somebody, and I prefer to compare his "Acceleration" stage with that of the GSOAT, Pete Sampras, compared to whom almost every tour player Men and Women have abbreviated Pete's full and fluid rotation, that is coordinated with his extra knee bend.

[clewit]

You have to compare each of Chris' stages of the service motion with something or somebody, and I prefer to compare his "Acceleration" stage with that of the GSOAT, Pete Sampras, compared to whom almost every tour player Men and Women have abbreviated Pete's full and fluid rotation, that is coordinated with his extra knee bend.

Thanks very much. Pete for sure had one of the greatest serves of all time but Mark Kovacs argues it’s a not a great model for most people because most normal people do not have his mobility and flexibility—which was extraordinary.

[clewit]

Brian divides the serve into four main phases:

1. The Wind Up
2. The Back Swing
3. The Upward Swing
4. The Follow Through

It's a good way to tackle serves when working with students and I have become accustomed analysing serves in this way. Brian's videos on Tennisplayer are very informative and his articles are eloquently written.

I’m always on the lookout for practical methods to develop effective serves and am looking forward to your insights and take on the serves.

Your Tennis Technique Bible Volume One has been a valuable resource for me over the years.

Thanks! You will enjoy the new book Winning Pretty even more than the bible. Stay tuned for upcoming chapters on the serve where I explain my practical five stage approach.