Don’t try swinging the axe! The ball tube is actually more effective. Swinging the axe is only possible because I have the correct kinetic chain, but it doesn’t train you to achieve the kinetic chain as well as a heavy racket or the ball tube. And it’s dangerous.
Get what you’re trying to teach but the axe feels like a very ill-chosen prop. What if someone tries and hurts themselves-feel like the disclaimer should be in the video at least.
Choosing a sledgehammer might have avoided a few lawsuits haha, good idea to add weight to the motion though, you can't just just your arm to get something that heavy moving upward
I tried the ball tube on your recommendation months ago for all of my strokes and I think it's an awesome learning tool. I used to bring it to the court to warm up my body before hitting sessions. I think it's a similar principle to warming up with a medicine ball. I must admit I'm guilty of the wristy "pronation" so thanks for calling that out. One thing I think I need to focus on is getting some good external shoulder rotation going during the trophy/loading phases so that the internal becomes effortless at contact. Thanks for the video.
yeah I'm guilty of the wristy attempts at "pronation" too and it's been a really tough habit to break - I feel like this video was made for me! I'm going to get something heavy (not an axe) and get on this.
So entertaining and informative. Putting balls in the tube is very clever idea. Gonna definitely try that (will skip the axe thanks, I think bringing that to Central Park courts in Manhattan may not end pretty). Between flinging around the axe while staring dead into the sun thanks Tom for taking one for the team.
This is a great video to correct service motion, I am trying it out now, thanks a lot for posting. This channel dive really deep into service techniques, really appreciated.
I like seeing the reasonable approach to pronation past contact. It varies considerably among ATP and WTA players with Pliskova, a great server, having almost no pronation past contact.
@@tijgertjekonijnwordopgegeten Kyrgios does sometimes and he doesn’t sometimes. Remember that the biggest servers of all tend to be quite tall and can afford a bit of accuracy loss given their contact point advantage. Federer also pronated past contact all the time. He had an unusually high contact point for his height. Now take the best server of all time inch for inch, Serena Williams, sometimes she did and sometimes she didn’t.
Great vid. I think the wooden era players had amazing arm motions because they had to. Practicing with extra swing weight like this works so well. Can’t have bad technique with lots of weight or it won’t work or you’ll get injured. Playing with heavy racquets helped my technique a lot. Then went down to my normal swing weights
Yes, I tried a homemade ball sock and used a 5 lb. dumbell while doing my service motion. Yes, it did help me with my service motion- it developed a little muscle memory 🎾 I enjoyed your tips- especially the ball tube 👍
Hey if you don't have a ball tube could you add weight to a racket to make it more heavy in the head (similar to an axe)?would that help improve kinetic chain too?
@@TomAllsopp brilliant thank you. The best advice you gave on this video is when you say to bring the elbow forward before the racket fully drops. Great advice as I don't think a lot of people would know that ! I never quite understand when people/coaches say lead with the elbow
a small sledge hammer is dangerous but way safer than swinging the axe! the ball tube with balls in it is really great. if the momentum is there, the balls will stay at the end. if the are moving along the tube means the momentum is broken. great video. I need to work on my serve. i can hit harder on forehand and backhand now and the only thing keeping me at 3.5 is weak first serve and a super slow suicidal 2nd serve. thanks for the video!
Hi Tom...from edge position going up to contact, I tend to open the racket face I think a little too early before contact. I realize we want to be on edge till last moment before contact but any reference points and tips for proper edge to contact would be appreciated...thank you for helping tennis community.
Hi the timing at contact can causes the going up to early with no real racket drop. I saw a method of in practice of going thought the motion fast and at the contact point stop your self, then feel how you can be more balanced.
The drill by of doing a shadow swing like you are hit a real serve without the ball, then try it again and stop a the contact point. Most of the timing you will fell that you are late and pushing throught the ball. So strike the ball useing upper part of the body the legs help later.
Yo estoy usando el calcetín con pelotas. I am using the socket with balls, ... and I feel the improvement. I think I'll try the tube with balls. I liked it. Thank You. In other shots You deal mostly with the speed, direction, and effect of the incoming ball... plus gravity. In the serve is only Gravity... and Gravity doesn't change for every ball You hit, so... the serve is the one shot in tennis that You can control most easily...because You only deal with two variables (and one of them is not varying jeje). The idea I liked is that You can control the movement controlling the INERTIA. Only controlling the INERTIA force is that You can keep all the balls at the bottom of the tube.... so, learn control de INERTIA of the raquet and You Will control the movement with the least use of energy . What do You think of this? Disculpen mi redacción en inglés por favor. Estoy aprendiendo.
Recently had surgery for golfers elbow, mainly due to pain involved in serving and the forehand (old baseball injuries). Any thoughts about technique to alleviate pressure on the inner elbow?
@@TomAllsopp thanks, I’ll try to take a video and sign up for lessons via your website so you’re compensated for your time. Unfortunately I can only serve at 50% effort right now so I’m sure it’s throwing everything off. Appreciate the reply.
Hi Tom, great video, explanation and demonstration. I know you are English but you looked like a Scottish Warrior with the axe in your hand😂. Keep up the great work. Cheers.
"I'm a lumberjack and I'm okay, I swing my ax and it helps me play. I like to wear women's clothes, panties and a . . . Oh f**k! 😇 Great vid all the same.
Would you and your mate Vic say Federer has a waiters tray? His string faces the sky as he drops the racket behind his head, especially when he hits flat serves.
@@TomAllsopp As a tennis coavh myself I would suggest reading Vic Braden books ,,, It will help you IMHO it has made me a better coach,,, Thanks Internet free library I mention it on my RUclips channel
We are not watching Friday the 13th here. Advice to swinging an axe like that on a tennis court is too dangerous my boy. You may get into legal trouble if someone gets hurt imitating you, be it the axe user or another tennis player, young or old close by. This is utterly unacceptable in any recreational setting. Smarten up by down this video, and make do with something else appropriate.
Don’t try swinging the axe! The ball tube is actually more effective. Swinging the axe is only possible because I have the correct kinetic chain, but it doesn’t train you to achieve the kinetic chain as well as a heavy racket or the ball tube. And it’s dangerous.
Get what you’re trying to teach but the axe feels like a very ill-chosen prop. What if someone tries and hurts themselves-feel like the disclaimer should be in the video at least.
Choosing a sledgehammer might have avoided a few lawsuits haha, good idea to add weight to the motion though, you can't just just your arm to get something that heavy moving upward
@@kathyjl the disclaimer is me saying don’t do it in the video. And the message you just responded to
I turned the notification bell for this channel because TOM is one of the most sensible and always spot on coach in YT. Keep it up TPA tennis!!!!
I tried the ball tube on your recommendation months ago for all of my strokes and I think it's an awesome learning tool. I used to bring it to the court to warm up my body before hitting sessions. I think it's a similar principle to warming up with a medicine ball. I must admit I'm guilty of the wristy "pronation" so thanks for calling that out. One thing I think I need to focus on is getting some good external shoulder rotation going during the trophy/loading phases so that the internal becomes effortless at contact. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for the feedback!
yeah I'm guilty of the wristy attempts at "pronation" too and it's been a really tough habit to break - I feel like this video was made for me! I'm going to get something heavy (not an axe) and get on this.
is there a ball tube exercise for forehand?
Excellent!! Helped a 72yo!!
I can't wait to try this.
Amazing teaching, love your demonstration. Thank you!
So entertaining and informative. Putting balls in the tube is very clever idea. Gonna definitely try that (will skip the axe thanks, I think bringing that to Central Park courts in Manhattan may not end pretty). Between flinging around the axe while staring dead into the sun thanks Tom for taking one for the team.
This is a great video to correct service motion, I am trying it out now, thanks a lot for posting. This channel dive really deep into service techniques, really appreciated.
2:59 man if I could just master this motion…my serve would be looking good!
Axeman Allsopp!!! You scared me. I'm glad you rotated in time to turn the blade away!
00:46 - Explanation
03:54 - Ball tube drill
I like seeing the reasonable approach to pronation past contact. It varies considerably among ATP and WTA players with Pliskova, a great server, having almost no pronation past contact.
It's not required for high level technique but the biggest servers all pronate past contact.
@@tijgertjekonijnwordopgegeten Kyrgios does sometimes and he doesn’t sometimes. Remember that the biggest servers of all tend to be quite tall and can afford a bit of accuracy loss given their contact point advantage. Federer also pronated past contact all the time. He had an unusually high contact point for his height. Now take the best server of all time inch for inch, Serena Williams, sometimes she did and sometimes she didn’t.
Paul Bunyan serve lesson. Great content!
Haha
Great vid. I think the wooden era players had amazing arm motions because they had to. Practicing with extra swing weight like this works so well. Can’t have bad technique with lots of weight or it won’t work or you’ll get injured. Playing with heavy racquets helped my technique a lot. Then went down to my normal swing weights
Absolutely!
Another great analysis!
Have you tried doing something like this? Did it help?
If you have an extra racquet, you can load up the head with a ridiculous amount of lead, and get similar results without the risk of injury.
Yup! I like to hold onto 2 racquets for extra weight.
Yes, I tried a homemade ball sock and used a 5 lb. dumbell while doing my service motion. Yes, it did help me with my service motion- it developed a little muscle memory 🎾 I enjoyed your tips- especially the ball tube 👍
The ax is hilarious! Rotating the arm is the key(at least for me).
Thanks for pointing this out.
Thank you
Hey if you don't have a ball tube could you add weight to a racket to make it more heavy in the head (similar to an axe)?would that help improve kinetic chain too?
Yes, definitely. You just need to add quite a lot of weight. Use lead tape maybe
@@TomAllsopp brilliant thank you. The best advice you gave on this video is when you say to bring the elbow forward before the racket fully drops. Great advice as I don't think a lot of people would know that ! I never quite understand when people/coaches say lead with the elbow
Great tips, had a go but it's left me needing more advice - how do you serve if you only have 1 leg?
Great tips.
Brilliant
Wow! Berserk serve crushes all 💪👌🙂
Good Explaination
a small sledge hammer is dangerous but way safer than swinging the axe! the ball tube with balls in it is really great. if the momentum is there, the balls will stay at the end. if the are moving along the tube means the momentum is broken. great video. I need to work on my serve. i can hit harder on forehand and backhand now and the only thing keeping me at 3.5 is weak first serve and a super slow suicidal 2nd serve. thanks for the video!
What do you recommend for kids? The tube is too big for their hands I guess
Good point. A wooden racket!?
the axe
@@vicplaystennis9158 disliked haha
A Hatchet😅
It is colder there than San Jose. :)
Hi Tom...from edge position going up to contact, I tend to open the racket face I think a little too early before contact. I realize we want to be on edge till last moment before contact but any reference points and tips for proper edge to contact would be appreciated...thank you for helping tennis community.
Love the way you teach. I’m 4.0 73yo past college (way past); idea: take the free added weight that comes w stackable weight system, fits on racket!
Thanks. What is this? Where do I find it?
Great Stuff! Make sense a lot to me...btw, would you tell me what shoes pls?
Thanks. I’m not sure tbh
Hi the timing at contact can causes the going up to early with no real racket drop. I saw a method of in practice of going thought the motion fast and at the contact point stop your self, then feel how you can be more balanced.
Not sure what you mean
The drill by of doing a shadow swing like you are hit a real serve without the ball, then try it again and stop a the contact point. Most of the timing you will fell that you are late and pushing throught the ball. So strike the ball useing upper part of the body the legs help later.
Yo estoy usando el calcetín con pelotas. I am using the socket with balls, ... and I feel the improvement. I think I'll try the tube with balls. I liked it. Thank You.
In other shots You deal mostly with the speed, direction, and effect of the incoming ball... plus gravity. In the serve is only Gravity... and Gravity doesn't change for every ball You hit, so... the serve is the one shot in tennis that You can control most easily...because You only deal with two variables (and one of them is not varying jeje). The idea I liked is that You can control the movement controlling the INERTIA. Only controlling the INERTIA force is that You can keep all the balls at the bottom of the tube.... so, learn control de INERTIA of the raquet and You Will control the movement with the least use of energy . What do You think of this? Disculpen mi redacción en inglés por favor. Estoy aprendiendo.
Recently had surgery for golfers elbow, mainly due to pain involved in serving and the forehand (old baseball injuries). Any thoughts about technique to alleviate pressure on the inner elbow?
Nothing in particular Maybe if I saw your serve I could see the issue. Cheers
@@TomAllsopp thanks, I’ll try to take a video and sign up for lessons via your website so you’re compensated for your time. Unfortunately I can only serve at 50% effort right now so I’m sure it’s throwing everything off. Appreciate the reply.
In Germany I would run into serious problems if I walk around with an axe ;) Thanks for the good explanation!
😂 tell them it’s for practice 😅
SUMMARY
1. Racquet drop
2. Staying on edge
3. Pronation
Racquet drop and staying on edge happen for same reason
Hi Tom, great video, explanation and demonstration. I know you are English but you looked like a Scottish Warrior with the axe in your hand😂. Keep up the great work. Cheers.
I’ll take it. I guess
That exercise was very well explained ... now where is my axe :)
This dude been lurking on /r/10s
Must admit I winced whenever you swung that axe.
use an axe handle only or a light sledge!! no need to chop your feet or legs. great video
Top 🙏💪💪💪
Quality....
For my students, instead of the axe, I just use one of my old junior rackets, a Dunlop Maxply leaded-up at the top of the hoop!
Perfect! Definitely don’t use the axe haha
Can I ax you a question....😂
You’re better than that haha
I found it good teaching my daughter serving with an extremely head heavy tennis racket Packed the top with lead tape
Yes. Great. I recommended a wooden racket to someone else in the comments. Works great
Tennis used to be a safe sport 😂
I forgot to pronate and now I have only one leg :)
Unless you are a farm boy, DO NOT TRY the axe exercise... trust me.
"I'm a lumberjack and I'm okay, I swing my ax and it helps me play. I like to wear women's clothes, panties and a . . . Oh f**k! 😇 Great vid all the same.
Serena williams serves exactly like that
🪓
Sand wedge
You need to keep your palm down otherwise the waiter position can happen,,, Vic Braden I teach the Braden systen
Would you and your mate Vic say Federer has a waiters tray? His string faces the sky as he drops the racket behind his head, especially when he hits flat serves.
Hey kid slow it down and you will yourself with the waiter position,
Would you say Federer has a waiters tray? His string faces the sky as he drops the racket behind his head, especially when he hits flat serves.
With the ball tube and the racket I don't. Don't worry about the axe mate, you'll hurt yourself.
@@TomAllsopp Your demo is a waiter serve if I screen shot it,,
@@TomAllsopp As a tennis coavh myself I would suggest reading Vic Braden books ,,, It will help you IMHO it has made me a better coach,,, Thanks Internet free library I mention it on my RUclips channel
We are not watching Friday the 13th here. Advice to swinging an axe like that on a tennis court is too dangerous my boy. You may get into legal trouble if someone gets hurt imitating you, be it the axe user or another tennis player, young or old close by. This is utterly unacceptable in any recreational setting. Smarten up by down this video, and make do with something else appropriate.