This is great because it emphasized the correct position where the swing goes from slow to fast - with the racquet hand pointed down and the arm ready to uncoil.
Thanks James for the drill. I'm a little confused as to how to lead with the elbow. I see two options: (1) do you rotate your core upward so that the right elbow also moves forward and upward as a by-product, or (2) do you actively move your elbow up and forward without rotating your core? I find that the first option is easier. The second option is very difficult for me.
I agree no. 1 Is correct, that lead by elbow exercise is actually wrong I feel as it encourages no. 2 with too much bending of the elbow vs the core like the pros do
Thx !!! Can u teach the direction the elbow point facing to is ready just before the power release (reaching the ball)? And the ball tossing is 1’clock??
Have to be a bit careful with this one as it can lead to opening early. It doesn’t work as a drill, but ideally the ball would hit the elbow up while the shoulders are still perpendicular to the target direction.
What about the opposite problem? My elbow starts to move forward too early and slowly as my racquet moves up … I think it’s shoulder mobility issues I can’t get good external rotation and maybe also weak rotator cuff muscles . I have to remind myself to keep my elbow back almost like I’m drawing a bow
Yes that's also a very common problem. A great way to get that elbow back in the correct position is to ensure you're also turning your upper body away from the target. Many players remain too frontal to the net and simply try to hyper extend the elbow back into that position. This can be problematic and put unnecessary strain on your shoulder. we do also have videos on this. check them out below: 1. ruclips.net/video/FWLx8txawRI/видео.html 2. ruclips.net/video/K2V-XeuECvg/видео.html if you have any further questions just let us know
I have a continental grip and still have problem leading with elbow. My problem is getting in windmill position with shoulders. Front shoulder higher than back shoulder then reverse positions with back shoulder rising which will also raise elbow.
Every time I think I have good form one of your videos comes out and puts me in my place 🙂....thanks!!!!
thanks for the feedback Kevin :)
Your video's are great!
Thanks to the video's I step by step understand how a serve should look/feel.
This is great because it emphasized the correct position where the swing goes from slow to fast - with the racquet hand pointed down and the arm ready to uncoil.
exactly! thanks for the feedback Matthew :)
Nice tip. This enforces an aggressive shoulder rotation for the flat and slice serves as well.
Exactly Dwight :)
I struggle with it too! Nadim showed me when I worked with him in person.
that was exactly my problem! great tip and content!
thanks sir, i was struggling... great tip it produces rubber band effect
Excellent video and drills !
Thank you Rui! :)
Great tip. How does the hip drive fit in? Which comes first-hip drive or leading with the elbow?
Great elbow drills James, pity I am a slow learner! I'll keep trying.
James dropping bombs! Great vid guys.
thanks Jeff :)
Thanks James - just the advice I am looking for. Looking forward to trying it out on the practice court.
That's great Phil! :) thanks for the feedback. let us know how it goes
Thanks James for the drill. I'm a little confused as to how to lead with the elbow. I see two options: (1) do you rotate your core upward so that the right elbow also moves forward and upward as a by-product, or (2) do you actively move your elbow up and forward without rotating your core? I find that the first option is easier. The second option is very difficult for me.
I agree no. 1 Is correct, that lead by elbow exercise is actually wrong I feel as it encourages no. 2 with too much bending of the elbow vs the core like the pros do
Thx !!! Can u teach the direction the elbow point facing to is ready just before the power release (reaching the ball)? And the ball tossing is 1’clock??
Amazing!!!
Excellent advice. One quibble: during his demonstrations (not his actual hitting) is James' elbow bent too sharply?
well instructed off line coach
hi coach when precisely is thrust applied for racket speed ?
Is that court in Sarasota, FL? It looks familiar.
The courts are in Rhiwbina, Wales. Hard to believe with that sunshine haha :)
Have to be a bit careful with this one as it can lead to opening early. It doesn’t work as a drill, but ideally the ball would hit the elbow up while the shoulders are still perpendicular to the target direction.
What about the opposite problem? My elbow starts to move forward too early and slowly as my racquet moves up … I think it’s shoulder mobility issues I can’t get good external rotation and maybe also weak rotator cuff muscles . I have to remind myself to keep my elbow back almost like I’m drawing a bow
Yes that's also a very common problem. A great way to get that elbow back in the correct position is to ensure you're also turning your upper body away from the target. Many players remain too frontal to the net and simply try to hyper extend the elbow back into that position. This can be problematic and put unnecessary strain on your shoulder.
we do also have videos on this. check them out below:
1. ruclips.net/video/FWLx8txawRI/видео.html
2. ruclips.net/video/K2V-XeuECvg/видео.html
if you have any further questions just let us know
1:58 The drill
Rafa & Roger do serve like in this video.
yep George, all the great servers will lead with the elbow on their serves. thanks for the feedback :)
leading with the elbow is not the problem. the problem is that many people have an open face when the elbow leads.
I have a continental grip and still have problem leading with elbow. My problem is getting in windmill position with shoulders. Front shoulder higher than back shoulder then reverse positions with back shoulder rising which will also raise elbow.
Except most pros lead with the shoulder stretch instead of the elbow for a good reason...this is a bad drill