What is a kick serve?
Alright, let’s dive into the world of the kick serve, also known as the topspin serve – a game-changer in tennis that adds a touch of finesse to your arsenal.
Picture this: you’re on the court, and instead of the usual serve routine, you’re gearing up to send that tennis ball on a topspin adventure. What’s the goal? To make that ball bounce higher and mess with your opponent’s game plan.
So, how do you make the magic happen? It’s all about the wrist action. Imagine delicately brushing the back of the ball from low to high, creating that topspin effect. No need for a power-packed smack; it’s a more refined move, giving the ball a forward spin that results in a higher bounce.
Image courtesy of https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Errani
Now, when that kick serve crosses the net and lands on the opponent’s court, it’s like you’ve thrown them a bit of a curveball. The bounce gets a bit unpredictable, especially on surfaces like clay. It’s not about overwhelming power; it’s about making your opponent work a bit harder to return the ball.
Consider the kick serve your secret sauce. It’s not just a serve; it’s a strategic move. By mixing it up during a match, you add a layer of complexity to your game. It’s like telling your opponent, “Hey, get ready for a different kind of bounce this time!”
So, the next time you’re on the court, embrace the topspin maestro within you. Master that brushing motion, let the kick serve be your silent partner, and watch as it adds a touch of finesse to your tennis game. Let’s delve further…
How do we hit a kick serve?
First Things First: Grip and Stance
Firstly, take a moment to grab your racket. We’re aiming for what’s known as a continental grip – a handshake with your racket, so to speak. Imagine reaching out to shake hands, and that’s the grip you’re after. Position the base knuckle of your index finger on the second bevel of the racket handle. It might feel a bit different if you’re used to other grips, but this one sets the stage for what’s to come.
As for your stance, let’s keep it simple. Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Turn your body sideways to the net, and allow your front foot to take a slight lead over the back one. No need for fancy footwork; we’re setting the foundation for a solid and balanced position to engage with the ball.
It’s not a dance routine, but think of it as finding the right rhythm for a smooth interaction with the ball. With the continental grip and a comfortable stance, you’re ready to approach the kick serve with confidence, so get ready for the next step.
The Toss: Where It All Begins
Let’s talk about a pivotal moment – the toss. If you’re a righty, like many of us, you’ll want to aim slightly to the the left of you. Let’s get specific here; think about 11 o’clock on a clock face. It’s not about launching the ball into orbit; we’re going for a controlled toss that sets the stage for a graceful interaction between your racquet and the ball.
Avoid tossing it too far inside the court; instead, aim for that sweet spot that allows your racket to smoothly brush up the back of the ball, so more in line with your body. We’re not aiming for the moon here, just a precise toss that complements the finesse of your kick serve. Think of it as setting up the canvas for your topspin masterpiece. So, get that toss just right, and get ready to let the topspin take effect.
Racket Drop: Setting the Stage
Now, let’s delve into another crucial aspect to the kick serve – the racket drop. As the ball reaches the peak of its toss, your racket takes centre stage. Here’s the key: let that racket drop behind you. This isn’t a lazy, nonchalant drop; it’s a deliberate move, more akin to a musician strumming a powerful chord than a rockstar smashing a guitar.
Think of the racket drop as setting the scene for what comes next – the brushing topspin action. The drop is not just a formality; it’s the prelude to the main act. It’s about positioning your racket for an effective topspin delivery. Picture it as the calm before the storm, building up the energy for that topspin surge.
Embrace the subtlety in this movement; it’s not about flashiness but about precision and purpose. So, let that racket drop gracefully, signalling the initiation of the topspin motion. It’s a pivotal step that lays the foundation for the finesse and effectiveness of your kick serve.
Image courtesy of https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Melbourne
Brush and Spin: Adding the Magic
Let’s dive into the the brushing motion – the magic behind the kick serve. This isn’t a straightforward hit; it’s all about delicately brushing the back of the ball with the strings of your racket. Picture brushing the ball from 7 to 1 o’clock.
From a lower point to a higher one, guide your racket with finesse. Imagine your racket as a paintbrush, and the ball becomes your canvas. This is your chance to create some topspin artistry on the court.
Take a moment to appreciate the precision required in this motion. It’s not about force but about feel and control, about coaxing that topspin into existence. Also, as you execute this brushing motion upwards, keep your head up and aim to see the ball at contact. This will prevent you from collapsing on the serve, which reduces the desired brushing effect.
[Why not try the Babolat Pure Aero for more spin]
The Pronation Party: Adding Flair
Now, let’s add a touch of pronation. What’s pronation? Well, it’s all about rotating your forearm and wrist. You want to lead with the edge of your racket, until the last moment before contact, when your strings open and brush the ball. Then as the ball leaves your strings, picture yourself showcasing a fancy watch as you follow through – that’s the kind of rotational wrist movement we’re aiming for.
This isn’t just a stylistic choice; it’s a functional move that cranks up the topspin volume on your serve. By incorporating pronation into your motion, you’re adding extra top spin to the ball, making it more challenging for your opponent to read and return. It’s a subtle yet powerful technique that enhances the effectiveness of your kick serve. So, rotate that forearm and wrist, and let the topspin do its thing.
Follow-Through: A Grand Finale
Complete your kick serve with the follow-through, a fundamental part of the process. After striking the ball, let your racket continue its path, and aim to finish on the same side of your body (a flat and slice serve would require you to finish on the opposite side of your body). This isn’t about style alone; it’s about functionality.
Image courtesy of Boss Tweed https://www.flickr.com/photos/bosstweed
Consider it as the final touch that ensures your body mechanics work seamlessly together. The follow-through contributes significantly to the power, spin and accuracy of your kick serve.
So, when you swing that racket purposefully and extend the follow-through, you’re not just adding finesse – you’re enhancing the overall effectiveness of your kick serve. It’s the concluding note of your serve performance, reinforcing the clarity and impact of your kick serve in every match.
Shift that Weight:
Ensure a seamless weight transfer from your back foot to the front as you navigate through the execution of your kick serve. This is a practical manoeuvre that plays a pivotal role in enhancing power and maintaining your stability during the serve.
By smoothly shifting your weight upwards and forward into the ball, you’re essentially creating a strong and stable base for your serve. Think of it as the engine that propels your shot with authority. This weight transfer not only adds force to your serve but also helps you stay in control of the entire serving process.
Consider it a straightforward, yet indispensable aspect of your kick serve routine. This weight shift contributes significantly to the overall effectiveness and reliability of your serve. So, as you execute your kick serve, focus on this deliberate weight transfer, and feel the added power and stability that it brings to your game. It’s like planting your feet firmly on the ground, ensuring a solid connection between your body and the court.
So, there you have it – the kick serve saga in all its glory. Now, go grab your racket, hit the court, and let’s turn that tennis game into a topspin masterpiece!