For the next two weeks we will focus on the serve. It is the only stroke that you initiate, and as such, it is a source for errors and missed opportunities. Today we will look at the service toss. If your toss is bad it’s hard to get the ball in the box, much less, get the full benefit of this stroke that you have 100% control over.
The service toss yips are very frustrating and hard to cure, mainly because the problem is usually mental. If you toss the ball fine when you’re practicing or playing for fun, but have problems when the pressure is on, you’ve got the yips.
As far as the mechanics of the toss, keep these points in mind.
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keep your tossing arm straight
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hold the ball with your finger tips
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don’t flick your wrist, the only joint in motion should be your shoulder
That’s it for the mechanics. Now for the mental issues. Try the following.
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relax, catch any bad tosses and remember, it’s just tennis
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visualize tossing the ball straight up a chimney
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if the toss problems continue resolve not to let it affect the rest of your game
- lastly, practice, practice, practice-strokes that are ingrained will be more reliable
Above all else, have fun out there and enjoy the process not just the outcome. Next time we work on getting the most benefit from your serve.