It’s always unbelievably exciting when you see your coaching have a dramatic impact on a player’s technique in a single session. It’s really the stuff that we, as coaches, live for!

This side-by-side shows the BEFORE AND AFTER.

Watch the sequence below to see how we worked on the player’s serve in increments!

Increment #1

This clip shows the player’s serve action at the start of our session. Note: No build up of rhythm on the serve and no balance during or after the forward swing. Also note the grip change on the first part of her service motion.

Increment #2

We wanted to focus on the rhythm of the service action (Slow, Medium and Fast). Look out for the longer take back of the racket as she starts to understand the service action and build up of acceleration. As a result of this change, we are now able to see a smooth action to allow us to build towards out next intervention.

Increment #3

We are now able to position and secure her feet to control her balance. You will also notice how she really focuses on a consistent ball toss whilst maintaining a stable position.

Increment #4

Finally we focused on her maintaining a continental grip throughout the whole service motion.

Following on, we now have some basic fundamentals in place to be able to develop her serve.