This is the most comprehensive ball toss instruction on your RUclips I have seen. Great job! I will definitely forward it to my friends. Personally I prefer to place the ball on the palm and slightly pressed by the thumb. This way gives me the most consistent toss without interference from the fingers.
Finally I have info to work with! My serve has been the most trouble I've had playing. Thanks to your breakdown of the serve I actually have the the correct tools to work with! Your approach to teaching is first class, can't thank you enough! New subscriber!
Thanks for the great feedback! I hope you benefit from all the content here on the channel. Click here to get a free serve assessment from me: performanceplustennis.com/?ff_landing=17. Best John
This video was extremely helpful and has helped me improve my serve with which I was struggling. Great insight into importance of the mechanics of the Ball toss! Thank-you!
Hi John Your review and summary of the serve ball toss IS Right ON. I have said for over 55 years that a Great Serve, starts with a Great toss. Will forward to my tennis group. Thank you again And look forward to more videos. Blessings Jack
Hi Bob, Yes, and unfortunately there are many coaches who think that is what everyone should do. It does work for the occasional player, but for most it's not ideal...Best, John
Thank you so much for your great feedback! I hope you benefit from all the content here on the channel, and reach out to me if I can assist further with your tennis! Kindly, John
Always thought this action should have been called a ball "placement" versus "toss"...A big difference between "tossing" an object and "placing" it....great video. as usual
About to play tennis for the first time in my life. Glad to see a thorough explanation off a ball toss for when I get to that step. Here’s hoping it’ll help me achieve a better serve quicker than most seem to have struggled with for a long time. Thanks for the videos
Listen to this man, folks. Get out there and put in the reps to ingrain his tips into muscle memory. I spent five years gradually discovering them on my own through trial and error. Save yourself that kind of time. Practice your toss....not your serve.
Hi Mike, I am glad to know my instruction is helpful to you. Be sure to check out all the content here on the channel, and stay tuned as we have much more coming! Best, John
Thanks much, great video! Just happened on it when watching some Wimbledon matches. I've been working on my serve and frustrated with an inconsistent ball toss, knowing that the right placement is the key to a good serve. Too low goes long or into the net. Too high messes with timing.
I'd like to make a suggestion as someone who has watched a few of your videos. I know you will be holding a tennis racket, and I know you will be holding a ball. I also now know that you are not going to use either of them very often. Even on this video, where it about the ball toss, I would like to see a large basket of balls behind you and every time you demonstrate something, you follow through and actually hit the ball. Not only will there be action to watch that is more interesting than standing there and talking, but I actually want to observe how you serve, and how what you are instructing works in practice. It's a little bit disconcerting to see you with one ball cos I immediately know you are not going to hit that ball away. I want to see you hit it as you explain. It will keep me engaged with the video a lot longer; what do you think?
Thank you so much! Glad the video is helpful to you. Be sure to review all the content here on the channel and let me know if you have questions. Best, John
Let me know how it goes. If you are interested, I do comprehensive video analysis to guide you: performanceplustennis.com/performance-plus-serve-stroke-video-analysis-description/. Best, John
I had try Serving with different coach and different ways , i watched bunch of videos on youtube about the tips, but this video is the perfect one, it helps me to improve my tennis serve by 80 percent, really amazing, palm side and try to focus on floating the ball then start the second hand to hit the ball are the points i've never seen in other videos. i try them and yes it works.
Great video. All excellent, except I would question the instruction of looking at the release point instead of looking at the target point. In fact, the photos of the pros actually show their eyes looking much higher than at the release point. Does a darts player look at the release point or the target?
Hi Lindsay, Thanks for your feedback, comment and question. The look at the release is a quick glance. Even Grigor is looking at the release in this thumbnail. A lot of pros do it and some don't, but it is a good skill to control the release. All the best, John
This video lives up to its title! Watched it twice already. I use the side palm technique but have struggled with the actual release. John’s demo of the release shows how he fans the back of his hand at the top towards the net. Thanks!!
Very good lesson. Thank you. I’m already doing most things that you describe but I’m still placing (not tossing 😂) the ball too far to my right 😢 Why is this happening and how can I fix it? I was thinking of practising my toss by throwing it upwards into a basketball hoop - like a target practice. Do you have some drills or tips for that please? Thank you!
@@AndreiBgatov Hi, It sounds to me that you are releasing the ball too soon. Check your release point. It should be near the top of your head, where your tossing arm is approaching a 45 degree angle from horizontal. Yes, having a target like a basketball hoop is a good idea. Please keep me updated on your progress. Best, John
@@PerformancePlusTennis Ah! So 45 degrees is UP from horizontal? I thought in the vid you were referring to 45 degrees IN from the baseline? Have I misunderstood?
@@AndreiBgatov Hi, No, you did not mis-understand.Consider two 45 degree angles: 1) The angle that your arm rises in relation to the baseline, and 2) the angle your arm is from horizontal when you release the ball. I hope this makes sense...let me know! Best, John
I learned tennis in 90s when I was a kid and I am used to slightly rock forward, shift my weight on my back foot, toss the ball and bend my knees at the same time, pretty much like Agassi did it. But I haven't played for 20 years and I have problems with the toss. I had the exact same idea as you advise to simplify the thing and toss the ball and only after that bend my knees. The rocking motion seems to be also redundant. Why not just start with the weight shifted on the back foot?
🎾 Ball Holding Techniques: Exploring palm-up and palm-side holding styles, the video discusses the advantages of each and recommends the palm-side method for its less spin-inducing release and smoother ball exit. 🔄 Serve Tempo and Routine: The importance of establishing a consistent pre-serve routine that sets the right tempo and ensures the ball is held comfortably for a controlled toss. 🏋 Body Movement Control: Tips on weight shifting and maintaining heel-down posture during the toss to counterbalance the arm's motion, aiming for minimal body movement for accuracy. ⬆ Tossing Arm Angle: Advocates for a 45-degree angle toss to maintain alignment, encourage proper shoulder rotation, and ensure a vertical ball trajectory for easier timing and contact. 🎯 Ball Release Point: Identifying the optimal release point at the top of the head and using visual cues to release the ball at the right area, ensuring consistency and accuracy. 🌬 Smooth Lift and Release: Emphasizes a smooth, controlled toss that makes the ball seem to float out of the hand, contrasting with the common misconception of 'tossing' the ball. 📏 Ball Toss Height: Discusses the debated topic of toss height, suggesting a slightly higher toss for more time to execute serve motions effectively, using the fence height as a practice reference. 📍 Ideal Contact Point: For a powerful serve, the ball should be hit slightly inside the shoulder to ear level, promoting long-axis rotation and maximizing power. 🛑 Discerning Good from Bad Tosses: Encourages players to practice recognizing and opting not to swing at poorly tossed balls, enhancing serve reliability. 🔄 Practice Drills: Provides drills for refining ball placement and serving technique, including exercises focusing on the tossing arm's movement, consistency in ball return to the hand, and balancing. Summary by chatgpt
@@PerformancePlusTennis There is a GPT called "youtube summarizer". If you have a chatgpt paid account you can access the GPT marketplace. You just post the link to a youtube video and it will summarize it for you. Pretty cool
It would help a great deal if you would explain all this with ball placement in mind. After all if we had all the power from the pronation but no idea where the ball would be going, we could not be confident in hitting it.
Love the way you go through many information points on the serve as separate topics. I like it. Most kind of teach one serve, and you seem to recognize that people are different, and give them great data points to consider in the context of their own serve, and more particularly, to their mistakes. One thing though. The word OKAY is pronounced OKAY, not N-KIGH.
One advantage to having slight variation is variety in spin and direction. You don't know for sure, niether will your opponent. Obviously everything within reason.
Hi Jason, 1) Hold the ball softly on the pads of your fingers. 2) Know your release point. 3) Keep your body and head still until the ball leaves your hand. Let me know if this helps. Best, John
I toss the ball with my palm facing sideways....to the right. My challenge is releasing the ball at eye level versus above my head. I'll keep working on it, thanks @@PerformancePlusTennis
thanks coach...lost some of my balance as older and can't toss the way I did when I was younger.....wits end after 2 years of trying to get it back. chasing toss all over so I will try it your way. 🎾
Hi and thanks for the feedback. Ball locations for various serves are covered in other videos on the channel. This one is just about the technical skill of placing the ball. Best, John
hi coach john. i first thought you were paul annacone. i run a two local programs and coach a few 100 kids and juniors a year. ive been interested in creating instructional channel and videos but there's already so much content on youtube. i just came across this, your video about the serve toss and its the best one ive seen. you cover everything i tell my students, im going to reinforce my instructions by sharing your video with all my students. ~coach dudley
Hi Coach Dudley, Thanks for your comments and feedback. Yes, RUclips is pretty crowded with content these days. I am glad you found the lesson helpful. Hopefully you checked-out some of my other videos as well. Let me know your thoughts, and stay in touch. Best, John
The only thing missing here (IMHO) is the timing of the leg bend. Top pros all have major leg bend engagement in their serve. The question therefore is the timing of that element in the mix described here.
A lovely intructional video. Whats your opinion about the constraints led approach that would say 'deliberate practice' ie isolating a skill by serving into an empty box or isolating a ball toss ect is not preparing you for match day. For example if i practice 100 ball tosses and 100 serves with my coach by me giving me explicit instructions one day. Then the next i step on court for a match, there is a opponent which can make me nervous or the sun is in my eyes ect ect, doesnt this make the way my body reacts totally different, its almost an alien situation from said lesson.
I’ve noticed with a palm up style, the ball sometimes rolls off my fingers which leads to inconsistency. Palm to the side, my fingers move away perpendicular to the upward motion of the ball so there is less rolling and more consistency
Thanks John. After you release the ball and your arm is raised are you looking at the ball along the inside or the outside of your arm? Also, for the ball to return to your hand, are you saying that there’s no need to toss forward into the court as other coaches recommend? Otherwise I don’t understand how you’d be able to catch it.
Thanks for the feedback and great questions. I am definitely looking at the ball along the inside of my arm. Regarding catching: The left hand for me assists as a guideline. The reality is the ball is slight more forward, but I move into the contact and therefore the ball is more above me than in front. You will see this in the video I am releasing tomorrow morning on Holger Rune's serve. Let me know if you have additional questions. Thanks, John
Great instructional video, I've watched a lot of content on the subject and have learnt a thing or two here. How does the putting weight on the back foot... then tossing, work within the context of a pinpoint serve? At what stage of the toss do you start to bring up and shifting forward the weight from the back foot to the front foot?
Thanks for your feedback and contribution to the video. Ideally, you will keep your weight stable, slightly on the back foot until the ball is released. Once released, the tossing arm continues to rise and that is when the back foot should come up and enjoy the front foot for a pinpoint stance. Best, John.
Great lesson John. I recently determined that I needed to refine my toss in order to dial in my full power and precision potential. This did the trick as I was crushing a very high percentage of first serves with ease today. Thank you!
Like your instruction, as a righty when serving, I was taught to position my left foot toward the right net post. However, unless I'm mistaken, many of the high performance players appear to place their left foot parallel to the baseline. I didn't hear or see you address that option.
Your observation about the stance is correct. I do mention that in some of my videos, but I will address it specifically in another new video. Thanks, John
@@PerformancePlusTennis just curious, the last time I played a kick serve is used with an eastern grip is that still correct? I’m seeing people saying it’s used with also a continental grip. It’s either I was taught wrong back then or it changed with time.
Hi John! This is an amazing video that helped me so much with my serve. Do you have any drills/tips for dropping the racquet fully while serving? I often find I don't do it fully and I'm not sure if that is from habit or because I am not giving myself enough time.
Hi Mina, Thanks so much for the great feedback! I am so pleased to know the lesson was helpful to you! I will definitely produce a video on your question and concern about your racquet drop. If you want to send me a video of your serve, please contact me: performanceplustennis.com/contact-us/ I hope you enjoy and benefit from the other content here on the channel. Kindly, John.
thank you John. I was tossing the ball when the body weight was shifting to the front (instead of my weight on my back foot). Now I realize this is dead wrong and create all the inconsistency of my toss. I am going to practice the ball toss with all your tips and is excited to see what will happen.
I practice tosses using a couple of spring loaded clothes pins placed on the fence at my preferred ball toss height. No need for a racquet during that exercise.
@@PerformancePlusTennis Stepladder with three steel spring clothes pins placed at a predetermined spot on the fencing. Have them placed directly in line with the service box divider line on one end of the court. Most people do not notice them, but a few have done the same on their court.
Hi John, great vid as usual. I’m a little confused as to where the starting toss arm position is. Is it more straight towards the net starting off and then you turn to having arm and then toss at the 45. Or is your arm just already at the 45, the latter feels static to me and a bit off in regard to momentum. Thanks!
Hi, Thanks for the feedback and great question! The start of the serve will have subtle differences based on your style...what feels right to you. You certainly see players that "turn-away" as they enter into the tossing phase, and you see others who start the arm at 45. Best option: What feels best to you! Kindly, John
Oh typo at 6:29: ought to read "slightly." At least you know I am concentrating and listening intently. Consider me your friendly spellcheck/editor from New Zealand.
I understand completely! As kids, we don’t overthink things we just do it. As adults we overthink, so hopefully a couple of these tips will help you. Keep up the quality practice. Best, John .
Thanks for your great question. Using the hand as a guide is a good starting point for ball control, but variations in ball toss locations, the extended tossing arm position and serving style may result in the hand not being a perfect point of reference.
I disagree on the "weight slightly back during the tossing phase". At the very initiation of the movement, yes definitely, but as your arm 45º then 90º even more, your hips are already moving forward as your knees bend. Just look at Roddick's serve again. That time when your arm ascends is also your weight transfer time. Also, this may be the reason you like a higher toss: you need extra time to bend your knees and shift your weight forward *after the toss*. High efficiency serves from Tanner to Kyrgios, including Sampras and Roddick, all do that weight transfer *during the toss*.
Hi Thomas, To be clear, I define the "tossing phase" as the time when the tossing arm starts to rise and then releases the ball. Once the ball is released, the body will naturally follow the tossing arm as it rises to vertical (or in some cases beyond...like Roddick). I see too many players moving during this phase which causes a poor ball placement and missing the balance in the trophy position. Best, John
At time of release, eyes look at the spot where you intend the ball to go. This is very well seen in the image of Serena used by you to illustrate this. When we want to throw at a target, we look at the target at release, not at the ball. Otherwise your video was excellent and useful. Thanks a lot.
Thanks for your comments. However, both Roger and Serena are looking right at the ball upon release...neither are looking up to where the ball will be placed. Look again. Best, John
Agreed Sajid. That is the next step after simply getting control of the technique. Thanks for your comments and contribution to the video discussion. Best, John
This is a very comprehensive video, except for one thing. You do not address who far forward (into the court) the ball should be tossed. Looking from the side, should the ball be tossed overhead (12 o'clock) or more forward (toward 1 o'clock)? If the toss was allowed to fall down onto the court, should it land just behind the baseline, on the baseline or 6 inches in front of the baseline?
Hi David, Thank you, and yes I missed that one piece, which I will address in a video very soon. The short answer is yes, in front so that you are learning in SLIGHTLY on contact. How, the rest of the details will be covered in the video soon! Best, John
My interview with Aryna Sabalenka’s Coach: ruclips.net/video/9vv5PRdQgC0/видео.htmlsi=QXTH42_JgczO8dcF
The best, most comprehensive instruction video on the ball toss! Thank you for taking the time to produce this.
You are welcome! Thanks for the great feedback, and hope you are benefitting from other content here on the channel! Best, John
Excellent instructions!
Thank you! Best, John
Hi John, very helpful
Thanks for the great feedback! Kindly, John
This is the most comprehensive ball toss instruction on your RUclips I have seen. Great job! I will definitely forward it to my friends.
Personally I prefer to place the ball on the palm and slightly pressed by the thumb. This way gives me the most consistent toss without interference from the fingers.
Awesome, thank you! Best, John
Finally I have info to work with! My serve has been the most trouble I've had playing. Thanks to your breakdown of the serve I actually have the the correct tools to work with! Your approach to teaching is first class, can't thank you enough! New subscriber!
Hi Mike, Thanks so much for the great feedback! Please keep me updated on your progress! Kindly, John
9:50 - wow! That's a great cue/point. Never ever thought about this. Tried it and it already helped me a ton. That's amazing.
Thanks for the great feedback! I hope you benefit from all the content here on the channel. Click here to get a free serve assessment from me: performanceplustennis.com/?ff_landing=17. Best John
This video was extremely helpful and has helped me improve my serve with which I was struggling. Great insight into importance of the mechanics of the Ball toss! Thank-you!
Hi Michael, You are so welcome! Thanks for the great feedback! Best, John
Thank you John I wanted to listen to this video before going to practice my serve this morning. Excellent video.
Thanks William! I hope you have a great day on the courts! Kindly, John
@@PerformancePlusTennis yes it was great finally some good weather in New York today. Looking fwd to today's final. Very happy for Grigor.
I really like that that different ways for the parts of the toss are discussed and motivated.
Hi John
Your review and summary of the serve ball toss IS Right ON.
I have said for over 55 years that a Great Serve, starts with a Great toss.
Will forward to my tennis group.
Thank you again
And look forward to more videos.
Blessings
Jack
Hi Jack, Thank you so much for your kind feedback! Thanks for sharing! I hope you benefit from all the content here on the channel! All the best, John
excellent presentation . thank you😄
Thank you so much, and I hope you benefit from all the content here on the channel. Best, John
The weirdest ball toss I can remember is Roscoe Tanner's. He used to hit the ball on the way up.
Hi Bob, Yes, and unfortunately there are many coaches who think that is what everyone should do. It does work for the occasional player, but for most it's not ideal...Best, John
Love this! Can't wait to go start fixing my toss!!!
Great! Keep me updated on your progress. Thanks, John
Awesome; thanks. I think this is exactly what I needed and I just subscribed.
Glad I could help, enjoy the channel!
The best tennis serving techniques and lessons I have ever heard. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your great feedback! I hope you benefit from all the content here on the channel, and reach out to me if I can assist further with your tennis! Kindly, John
Terrific Lesson. You are a fine teacher!
Thank you, Stephen! Best, John
Always thought this action should have been called a ball "placement" versus "toss"...A big difference between "tossing" an object and "placing" it....great video. as usual
You nailed it on the head!
Clear and simple. Very helpful. Thank you.
About to play tennis for the first time in my life. Glad to see a thorough explanation off a ball toss for when I get to that step. Here’s hoping it’ll help me achieve a better serve quicker than most seem to have struggled with for a long time. Thanks for the videos
Thanks for your comments and contribution to the video. Keep up the great practice and let me know how it’s going. Thanks, John.
Extraordinarily didactic! Very helpful. Thank you!
Thank you so much! I hope you benefit from all the content here on the channel! Kindly, John.
Listen to this man, folks. Get out there and put in the reps to ingrain his tips into muscle memory. I spent five years gradually discovering them on my own through trial and error. Save yourself that kind of time. Practice your toss....not your serve.
Hi Jack, Thanks for the great support and contribution to the video! Kindly, John
yes, I’m in the same journey. Thanks for the great video!
Agrred 👍
Practice both. You can tweak anything in tennis.
That’s the biggest problem I have a consistent toss
I tried some of his tips and it improved my serve a lot, thanks, please do more videos
Hi Mike, I am glad to know my instruction is helpful to you. Be sure to check out all the content here on the channel, and stay tuned as we have much more coming! Best, John
Thanks much, great video! Just happened on it when watching some Wimbledon matches.
I've been working on my serve and frustrated with an inconsistent ball toss, knowing that the right placement is the key to a good serve. Too low goes long or into the net. Too high messes with timing.
I'd like to make a suggestion as someone who has watched a few of your videos. I know you will be holding a tennis racket, and I know you will be holding a ball. I also now know that you are not going to use either of them very often. Even on this video, where it about the ball toss, I would like to see a large basket of balls behind you and every time you demonstrate something, you follow through and actually hit the ball. Not only will there be action to watch that is more interesting than standing there and talking, but I actually want to observe how you serve, and how what you are instructing works in practice. It's a little bit disconcerting to see you with one ball cos I immediately know you are not going to hit that ball away. I want to see you hit it as you explain. It will keep me engaged with the video a lot longer; what do you think?
Thank you for your feedback! I will be hitting more serves going forward!
fantastic video, comprehensive, detailed, clear. Thank you tons!
Thank you so much! Glad the video is helpful to you. Be sure to review all the content here on the channel and let me know if you have questions. Best, John
Probably the best lesson on RUclips about the ball toss 🎾. Thanks 🙏
Thank you! I hope you are enjoying and benefitting from other content here on the channel as well! Kindly, John
Absolutely brilliant.Tnx so much.cheers from France
Thank you, Stephan! Stay tuned, as we have much more coming on the channel! Best, John
I had rotator surgery. My toss has suffered. I'll try these tips.
Let me know how it goes. If you are interested, I do comprehensive video analysis to guide you: performanceplustennis.com/performance-plus-serve-stroke-video-analysis-description/. Best, John
One of the best videos ive seen on the tennis serve, would love to see some tips on the jumping part of the stroke also, many thanks
Thanks for your feedback and request. I will address that in a future video! Best, John.
Very thorough, thanks. Can't wait to put it into practice.
Thanks Giorgio. Please keep me updated on your progress. Best, John
These instructions are so good!
Thank you Huang! I hope you find my channel is helpful for your tennis game! Best, John
Fantastic video, thanks!
You are very welcome! Thanks for the great feedback, and I hope you benefit from all the content here on the channel. Kindly, John
I had try Serving with different coach and different ways , i watched bunch of videos on youtube about the tips, but this video is the perfect one, it helps me to improve my tennis serve by 80 percent, really amazing, palm side and try to focus on floating the ball then start the second hand to hit the ball are the points i've never seen in other videos. i try them and yes it works.
Hi and thanks for the feedback! I hope you benefit from all the content here on the channel! Keep up the great practice! Kindly, John
Great video. Thank you!
Great video. All excellent, except I would question the instruction of looking at the release point instead of looking at the target point. In fact, the photos of the pros actually show their eyes looking much higher than at the release point. Does a darts player look at the release point or the target?
Hi Lindsay, Thanks for your feedback, comment and question. The look at the release is a quick glance. Even Grigor is looking at the release in this thumbnail. A lot of pros do it and some don't, but it is a good skill to control the release. All the best, John
Very well done video. I picked a number of pointers from your break down of the serve related to the ball toss, Thanks
Thanks for your feedback!
Hands down ( no pun intended ) the best serve lesson I’ve seen….
Thank you so much, Marc! I hope you find all the content here in the channel valuable to you! Best, John
Thank you John. This is such a great lesson, so clear with really practical drills too. I really enjoy the clarity of your lessons.
excellent serve clinic session.. covers all potential variables that a serve can go wrong.. from a fellow tennis coach
Great lesson, any insight on holding the ball? More in palm or fingers? Thank you.
Hold the ball on the pads of your fingers...whether your style is palm side or palm up. Best, John
This video lives up to its title! Watched it twice already. I use the side palm technique but have struggled with the actual release. John’s demo of the release shows how he fans the back of his hand at the top towards the net. Thanks!!
Thanks Neil. Glad the video lesson was helpful to you! Best, John
Very good lesson. Thank you.
I’m already doing most things that you describe but I’m still placing (not tossing 😂) the ball too far to my right 😢 Why is this happening and how can I fix it? I was thinking of practising my toss by throwing it upwards into a basketball hoop - like a target practice. Do you have some drills or tips for that please? Thank you!
@@AndreiBgatov Hi, It sounds to me that you are releasing the ball too soon. Check your release point. It should be near the top of your head, where your tossing arm is approaching a 45 degree angle from horizontal. Yes, having a target like a basketball hoop is a good idea. Please keep me updated on your progress. Best, John
@@PerformancePlusTennis Ah! So 45 degrees is UP from horizontal? I thought in the vid you were referring to 45 degrees IN from the baseline? Have I misunderstood?
@@AndreiBgatov Hi, No, you did not mis-understand.Consider two 45 degree angles: 1) The angle that your arm rises in relation to the baseline, and 2) the angle your arm is from horizontal when you release the ball. I hope this makes sense...let me know! Best, John
I learned tennis in 90s when I was a kid and I am used to slightly rock forward, shift my weight on my back foot, toss the ball and bend my knees at the same time, pretty much like Agassi did it. But I haven't played for 20 years and I have problems with the toss. I had the exact same idea as you advise to simplify the thing and toss the ball and only after that bend my knees. The rocking motion seems to be also redundant. Why not just start with the weight shifted on the back foot?
The most comprehensible tutorial on the toss iv'e seen. thanks.
Thanks James for the great feedback! Keep up the great practice! Best, John
Thanks a lot for this lesson, man! 👏
You are welcome! I hope you benefit from all the content here on the channel! Best, John
You have the best lessons on the serve for someone who needs to improve, or fix a serve gone bad.
🎾 Ball Holding Techniques: Exploring palm-up and palm-side holding styles, the video discusses the advantages of each and recommends the palm-side method for its less spin-inducing release and smoother ball exit.
🔄 Serve Tempo and Routine: The importance of establishing a consistent pre-serve routine that sets the right tempo and ensures the ball is held comfortably for a controlled toss.
🏋 Body Movement Control: Tips on weight shifting and maintaining heel-down posture during the toss to counterbalance the arm's motion, aiming for minimal body movement for accuracy.
⬆ Tossing Arm Angle: Advocates for a 45-degree angle toss to maintain alignment, encourage proper shoulder rotation, and ensure a vertical ball trajectory for easier timing and contact.
🎯 Ball Release Point: Identifying the optimal release point at the top of the head and using visual cues to release the ball at the right area, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
🌬 Smooth Lift and Release: Emphasizes a smooth, controlled toss that makes the ball seem to float out of the hand, contrasting with the common misconception of 'tossing' the ball.
📏 Ball Toss Height: Discusses the debated topic of toss height, suggesting a slightly higher toss for more time to execute serve motions effectively, using the fence height as a practice reference.
📍 Ideal Contact Point: For a powerful serve, the ball should be hit slightly inside the shoulder to ear level, promoting long-axis rotation and maximizing power.
🛑 Discerning Good from Bad Tosses: Encourages players to practice recognizing and opting not to swing at poorly tossed balls, enhancing serve reliability.
🔄 Practice Drills: Provides drills for refining ball placement and serving technique, including exercises focusing on the tossing arm's movement, consistency in ball return to the hand, and balancing.
Summary by chatgpt
Hi Daniel, would you mind explaining to me how you got to do this? Thanks!
@@PerformancePlusTennis There is a GPT called "youtube summarizer". If you have a chatgpt paid account you can access the GPT marketplace. You just post the link to a youtube video and it will summarize it for you. Pretty cool
Excellent! Well thought out commentary. Will definitely improve my serve.
Thank you for the great feedback! I hope you benefit from all the content here on the channel. Kindly, John
So good!! Really helpful. Love it!!
Thank you so much! Kindly, John
It would help a great deal if you would explain all this with ball placement in mind. After all if we had all the power from the pronation but no idea where the ball would be going, we could not be confident in hitting it.
Hi Paul, Please check out my other videos on the channel that identify the ideal ball placements. Thank you, John
Love the way you go through many information points on the serve as separate topics. I like it. Most kind of teach one serve, and you seem to recognize that people are different, and give them great data points to consider in the context of their own serve, and more particularly, to their mistakes.
One thing though. The word OKAY is pronounced OKAY, not N-KIGH.
Thanks Brandon for your feedback and contribution to the video lesson! And I will work on my pronunciation! Kindly, John
One advantage to having slight variation is variety in spin and direction. You don't know for sure, niether will your opponent. Obviously everything within reason.
Any remedy for a late ball release? Tendency to late ball release, and causes the ball arch too far behind me. thanks
Hi Jason, 1) Hold the ball softly on the pads of your fingers. 2) Know your release point. 3) Keep your body and head still until the ball leaves your hand. Let me know if this helps. Best, John
I toss the ball with my palm facing sideways....to the right. My challenge is releasing the ball at eye level versus above my head. I'll keep working on it, thanks
@@PerformancePlusTennis
Very clear, excellent guidance. Thank you!
thanks coach...lost some of my balance as older and can't toss the way I did when I was younger.....wits end after 2 years of trying to get it back. chasing toss all over so I will try it your way. 🎾
Please let me know how your serve is coming along utilizing these ball placement lessons. Thanks, John
Try angeling your toss into the court (forward towards the net). You can practice this by placing a bucket where you want the toss to land.
Very valuable step by step explanations. Subscribed.
Thanks for the great feedback and welcome to the channel! Best, John
Amazing lesson!
Thank you, Jay! Best, John
Great, clear instruction...but...No discussion of toss relative to the baseline for flat, spin, kick, etc?
Hi and thanks for the feedback. Ball locations for various serves are covered in other videos on the channel. This one is just about the technical skill of placing the ball. Best, John
hi coach john. i first thought you were paul annacone. i run a two local programs and coach a few 100 kids and juniors a year. ive been interested in creating instructional channel and videos but there's already so much content on youtube. i just came across this, your video about the serve toss and its the best one ive seen. you cover everything i tell my students, im going to reinforce my instructions by sharing your video with all my students. ~coach dudley
Hi Coach Dudley, Thanks for your comments and feedback. Yes, RUclips is pretty crowded with content these days. I am glad you found the lesson helpful. Hopefully you checked-out some of my other videos as well. Let me know your thoughts, and stay in touch. Best, John
@@PerformancePlusTennis yes RUclips is crowded but somehow I found you and you are in my top three of tennis instruction
That's great to know! Thanks for the feedback and support! Kindly, John@@sunsioux444
Thank you
You're welcome!
Fantastic ...thx
Welcome!
The only thing missing here (IMHO) is the timing of the leg bend. Top pros all have major leg bend engagement in their serve. The question therefore is the timing of that element in the mix described here.
Thanks for your comments and contribution to the video. That topic is presented in other videos here on the channel. Best, John.
@@PerformancePlusTennisCan you please provide a link to the video that talks about the timing of the leg bend on the serve? Thanks!
A lovely intructional video. Whats your opinion about the constraints led approach that would say 'deliberate practice' ie isolating a skill by serving into an empty box or isolating a ball toss ect is not preparing you for match day. For example if i practice 100 ball tosses and 100 serves with my coach by me giving me explicit instructions one day. Then the next i step on court for a match, there is a opponent which can make me nervous or the sun is in my eyes ect ect, doesnt this make the way my body reacts totally different, its almost an alien situation from said lesson.
I’ve noticed with a palm up style, the ball sometimes rolls off my fingers which leads to inconsistency. Palm to the side, my fingers move away perpendicular to the upward motion of the ball so there is less rolling and more consistency
Hi Ken, Thanks for your perspective and contribution to the video! Spot on! Kindly, John
Thanks John. After you release the ball and your arm is raised are you looking at the ball along the inside or the outside of your arm? Also, for the ball to return to your hand, are you saying that there’s no need to toss forward into the court as other coaches recommend? Otherwise I don’t understand how you’d be able to catch it.
Thanks for the feedback and great questions. I am definitely looking at the ball along the inside of my arm. Regarding catching: The left hand for me assists as a guideline. The reality is the ball is slight more forward, but I move into the contact and therefore the ball is more above me than in front. You will see this in the video I am releasing tomorrow morning on Holger Rune's serve. Let me know if you have additional questions. Thanks, John
Great instructional video, I've watched a lot of content on the subject and have learnt a thing or two here. How does the putting weight on the back foot... then tossing, work within the context of a pinpoint serve? At what stage of the toss do you start to bring up and shifting forward the weight from the back foot to the front foot?
Thanks for your feedback and contribution to the video. Ideally, you will keep your weight stable, slightly on the back foot until the ball is released. Once released, the tossing arm continues to rise and that is when the back foot should come up and enjoy the front foot for a pinpoint stance. Best, John.
Great lesson John. I recently determined that I needed to refine my toss in order to dial in my full power and precision potential. This did the trick as I was crushing a very high percentage of first serves with ease today. Thank you!
The best Toss Lesson I saw yet. I'm going to learn it starting today.
Thank you so much! Keep me updated on your progress. Kindly, John.
Place dont toss. Love that!
Glad "place" resonates with you! Best, John
Like your instruction, as a righty when serving, I was taught to position my left foot toward the right net post. However, unless I'm mistaken, many of the high performance players appear to place their left foot parallel to the baseline. I didn't hear or see you address that option.
Your observation about the stance is correct. I do mention that in some of my videos, but I will address it specifically in another new video. Thanks, John
Really fantastic instruction!
Thank you, Gerry! Best, John
Palm up is like a layup in basketball!! It's the best way to think of it!
Great tip about keeping still! Discovered it was my big mistake!
Terrific! Keep up the great practice! Best, John
Short Toss balls are better for flat serves. I found success in my junior years with that. I had a fast flat serve with good placement.
Better for you, but not the majority. Thanks for sharing your success with your style! Best, John
@@PerformancePlusTennis yes sir also I can’t serve with a platform stance. My serve is like Nick Kyrios but I’m just a lot shorter 😂.
We are all different for sure! Thanks, John
@@PerformancePlusTennis just curious, the last time I played a kick serve is used with an eastern grip is that still correct? I’m seeing people saying it’s used with also a continental grip. It’s either I was taught wrong back then or it changed with time.
@@PerformancePlusTennisthank you, I learned a new way to try to toss the ball. The “ice cream” method Forsure!
Hi John! This is an amazing video that helped me so much with my serve. Do you have any drills/tips for dropping the racquet fully while serving? I often find I don't do it fully and I'm not sure if that is from habit or because I am not giving myself enough time.
Hi Mina, Thanks so much for the great feedback! I am so pleased to know the lesson was helpful to you! I will definitely produce a video on your question and concern about your racquet drop. If you want to send me a video of your serve, please contact me: performanceplustennis.com/contact-us/ I hope you enjoy and benefit from the other content here on the channel. Kindly, John.
The best ball toss tennis lesson
Thank you so much! Best, John
What an amazing video..
Thank you! Kindly, John
thank you John. I was tossing the ball when the body weight was shifting to the front (instead of my weight on my back foot). Now I realize this is dead wrong and create all the inconsistency of my toss. I am going to practice the ball toss with all your tips and is excited to see what will happen.
Hi Mark, I hope your serve is coming along. Please give me an update on your progress. Thanks, John
Great toss vid!
Thanks Zhen! Best, John
I practice tosses using a couple of spring loaded clothes pins placed on the fence at my preferred ball toss height. No need for a racquet during that exercise.
Thanks Ron for sharing your process. How do you get the clothes pins up high on the fence? Thanks, John
@@PerformancePlusTennis Stepladder with three steel spring clothes pins placed at a predetermined spot on the fencing. Have them placed directly in line with the service box divider line on one end of the court. Most people do not notice them, but a few have done the same on their court.
I’m just curious…what do you think of the Sampras serve? To me, Sampras has the best serve of all time.
Hi and thanks your question. Sampras had an amazing serve! I would say one of the top 5 all time best serves for sure! Best, John
Wow, can't wait to use these tips. Thanks
Awesome! Keep me updated on your progress!
I was skeptical about the video title but turns out this is a really good comprehensive video!
Thank you so much! Kindly, John
Hi John, great vid as usual. I’m a little confused as to where the starting toss arm position is. Is it more straight towards the net starting off and then you turn to having arm and then toss at the 45. Or is your arm just already at the 45, the latter feels static to me and a bit off in regard to momentum. Thanks!
Hi, Thanks for the feedback and great question! The start of the serve will have subtle differences based on your style...what feels right to you. You certainly see players that "turn-away" as they enter into the tossing phase, and you see others who start the arm at 45. Best option: What feels best to you! Kindly, John
Oh typo at 6:29: ought to read "slightly." At least you know I am concentrating and listening intently. Consider me your friendly spellcheck/editor from New Zealand.
Thanks. Our software creates the text and sometimes it does not hear the words accurately. Best, John
Thx so much.I used to do the J toss but am now working on that angle you showed.From Canada 🇨🇦 🍁 JESUS is King
Keep up the great work and keep me posted on your progress. All the best, John
fantastic video, John. Many thanks.
Thank you, Paul! Much appreciate the feedback! Best, John
As a kid i didnt have or worried about my toss, as a grown up i cant seem to throw it consistently
I understand completely! As kids, we don’t overthink things we just do it. As adults we overthink, so hopefully a couple of these tips will help you. Keep up the quality practice. Best, John .
@@PerformancePlusTennis overthink, thats exactly what ruins my game, cant wait to apply your tips, thanks!
Hi coach, I am in south Orange County and would like to take in person tennis lessons from you. This is a serious inquiry! Thank you coach.
Hi Bryan, I am out of town into next week, but feel free to contact me through this link: performanceplustennis.com/contact-us/
Thanks, John
@@PerformancePlusTennis i just did coach. I left you my email address and phone number. If you are in NB then we are not too far from each other.
I'm on the other side of the country. I envy your geolocation.
@@jacksonlar Hi Jack, The weather and lifestyle is great here...that is why I left Connecticut many years ago. Best, John
HI Bryan, Feel free to contact me to talk about a lesson plan. Thanks, John
You are very good ! Knowing tennis and I am saying - you are good !
Thank you so much! I hope that you are benefiting from other content here on the channel as well! Kindly, John
Is it not the case that we throw the ball a bit into the court to utilize leg drive, and in that case the ball would not come back into our hands?
Thanks for your great question. Using the hand as a guide is a good starting point for ball control, but variations in ball toss locations, the extended tossing arm position and serving style may result in the hand not being a perfect point of reference.
Well done, comprehensive presentation.
Thank you CCRCT! Best, John
I disagree on the "weight slightly back during the tossing phase". At the very initiation of the movement, yes definitely, but as your arm 45º then 90º even more, your hips are already moving forward as your knees bend. Just look at Roddick's serve again. That time when your arm ascends is also your weight transfer time. Also, this may be the reason you like a higher toss: you need extra time to bend your knees and shift your weight forward *after the toss*. High efficiency serves from Tanner to Kyrgios, including Sampras and Roddick, all do that weight transfer *during the toss*.
Hi Thomas, To be clear, I define the "tossing phase" as the time when the tossing arm starts to rise and then releases the ball. Once the ball is released, the body will naturally follow the tossing arm as it rises to vertical (or in some cases beyond...like Roddick). I see too many players moving during this phase which causes a poor ball placement and missing the balance in the trophy position. Best, John
Este ejercicio es muy Antiguo, Amigo.
At time of release, eyes look at the spot where you intend the ball to go. This is very well seen in the image of Serena used by you to illustrate this. When we want to throw at a target, we look at the target at release, not at the ball. Otherwise your video was excellent and useful. Thanks a lot.
Thanks for your comments. However, both Roger and Serena are looking right at the ball upon release...neither are looking up to where the ball will be placed. Look again. Best, John
The toss should really be going a bit forward over the baseline to enable better body weight transfer into the serve.
Agreed Sajid. That is the next step after simply getting control of the technique. Thanks for your comments and contribution to the video discussion. Best, John
This is a very comprehensive video, except for one thing. You do not address who far forward (into the court) the ball should be tossed. Looking from the side, should the ball be tossed overhead (12 o'clock) or more forward (toward 1 o'clock)? If the toss was allowed to fall down onto the court, should it land just behind the baseline, on the baseline or 6 inches in front of the baseline?
Hi David, Thank you, and yes I missed that one piece, which I will address in a video very soon. The short answer is yes, in front so that you are learning in SLIGHTLY on contact. How, the rest of the details will be covered in the video soon! Best, John
That's succinct, to the point. 10/10
Thank you so much! Kindly, John
Mkay got it