March 2008

Coach Shannon Rogers - 15-Blue Coach

A great serve is more than a luxury; it's a necessity especially when you are going up against top competition.  When you have a good consistent serve you are giving your team the opportunity to score.  Below are tips that are great no matter what level you’re at.

1. A great serve begins with your toss.  If the toss is bad, your whole serve will be off. Always need to make sure the toss in front of your serving arm, arm’s length away and the height of the toss is in proportion with your body. 

2. Get a ritual that helps you focus on your serve. A ritual is a simple motion, action, or even a phrase you say to yourself every time you serve to keep your mind on the action. It helps calm nerves!! 

3. Know your serving zones. Simple and effective.  Try to serve between the passers and along the sidelines.  This will require more work for your opponent because they will have to move and communicate to pass the ball. 

4. For the more advanced player, mix your serve up.  Everyone has a signature serve and it might work well for a while, but your opponent will adjust.   Make sure you know how to serve short, deep, topspin floater and jump!  

5. The most important thing, above all, is to have confidence.  Attitude is an important ingredient to creating a deadly serve.  You have to think about being aggressive and earning points every time you get the chance.  This is the one thing you can do solo on the court and only you can affect it!  Take advantage of the spotlight!

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January 2008
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