A timestamp of the lesson: 00:35 Intro to the three elements 01:10 Weight transfer on Nick's serve 02:20 Reference to Krajicek and Ivanisevic serves 02:48 What happens when you use a narrow stance to start your serve (pinpoint) 03:28 Simon trying out the Kyrgios serve 03:31 What happens when you have a pause in your motion 04:24 Why Nick uses a low ball toss and the benefits 06:48 What happens when you toss the ball high 08:18 Why Nick has great disguise on his serve
This video really changed my serve. Nick's technique really works for me also. The high ball toss and the pause we're killing my serve. I exercised my toss to be lower and more consistent and also followed Nick's timings regarding ball toss, forward body transfer, right leg movement into pinpoint. Really worked out. Thanks TTT for a nice video with a spot on analysis! You guys are great!
Djokovic said in his chat with Andy Murray that Kyrgios has the best serve after Isner, but Isner has extreme height so he is more impressed with Kyrgios.
I saw that, I'd say Djokovic should know better than anyone, being the returner he is. Thank you for watching. Are there are videos you would like to see from us in the near future? All the best Simon
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Im jumping in.... A video most people need to see its how to hit a forehand effortless. It took me forever to learn how to completely relax, no tension in grib and just swing it... So must power when u totally relax..... plus I never have pain in arm anymore, even after a 5 setter. I did not understand it before I saw a RUclips video with one explaining it like this.. If u hold a wet towel in your hand and want vip somebodies ass.... how u do?? The motion in your wrist... that slack/and lack is the whole f...ink secret. But nobody tells u... 95% procent of all players hit wrong and with tension.
Basically, a Roddick serve with different base. What I mean is that both of them use a very low toss so they lose little to none energy waiting for the ball to reach a height where they can hit it, they toss the ball so when the ball stops, they are hitting it. It also means that they don't hold the trophy position with their legs bent, as you very well said, Simon, so there is no wasted motion in their serve. In my opinion, the main difference is that nick does not have a clear trophy position because he doesn't stop, while Roddick, because of his short base and abbreviated take back, stops his racquet for a fraction of a second in the (modified) trophy position (but not his legs). Awesome analysis, Simon, always great to watch and learn from you!
Thanks for watching Matheus. I would also add that Roddick's power started in the explosive leg drive he had, whereas Nick's power comes more from the momentum and using the rocking motion with his pinpoint stance. Roddick used a narrow platform or wide pinpoint stance and kept his feet in the same position throughout. All the best Simon
Hi Simon I would love it if you could do a video on how to properly engage the mid back or thoracic spine properly on the serve so that you can achieve a more vertical chest angle and so that you can increase the range of motion in the shoulder and improve racket drop. None of the online coaches out there have talked about this but its so important so a beer for you if you discuss this! Do you still do private one-on-one lessons? Thanks!
Hi Grant The range of motion in the shoulder joint comes down to how flexible you are in the shoulder, I would say it has nothing to do with the spine. The great racket drop of players like Sampras and Roddick was developed through years of stretching the shoulder region to develop a great range of motion going backwards. I watched Sampras' trainer stretch him out in that region for 15 minutes after a training session back in the early 2000s at the Queens club event in London. The best way to engage the scapula on a serve, something I worked on in the past, is to lead the backswing with the elbow as if you're doing a reverse elbow in MMA or a back row in the gym. The vertical positioning of the shoulders comes from the dropping down of the back shoulder and the tilt in the body that this creates. The best way to feel that drop is to throw a tennis ball upwards as high as you can, vertically. This will ensure you tilt the shoulders. I would make a video on this subject but I fear not many people would be interested in this part of the serve, the scapula etc so it would be a wasted video since the views would be low. However, if your comment gets 100 likes, I'll make it!
Hi Simon, thanks for your detailed response, it's appreciated. All I can say to the people reading this is get tapping that like button and let's get 100 likes!! Thanks Simon, keep up the great work! Grant
I noticed opponents especially those I played more often were picking up on my body language and reading direction of my serve easier. Same serves that were ace or flub returns were coming back more decisively. I realized I was tipping my serves more by slowing down my motion to be more technically correct. So I did watch Nick and sped up my delivery and lowered my toss and made a point of getting it close to same spot and is working better. Watching your video tied it in visually and mentally. I'm a visual learner. Thanks
Great analysis! Watching this I can tell you really understand the genuine physics behind the tennis serve and that really helps me understand the guide. Thank you!
Kyrgios is one of the unappreciated greats. You neglected to mention his dubious, yet effective underhanded serve! Very informative video though on my favorite player!
The next tutorial should be, 'what Kyrgios has done NOT to achieve any greater than a 500 series win after being on tour for 9 years'. There's an ex-Australian 'big serve' player by the name of Mark Philippoussis. His serve was just as lethal, but unlike Kyrgios, Philippoussis got to his first GS final in just 4 years after turning pro (also made it to the Wimbledon final in 2003), he won a Masters (something Kyrgios has failed to do), achieved a career high ranking within the top 10 (something Kyrgios has failed to do), won the Queens tournament on grass (Kyrgios is supposed to be a great grass court player but so far has failed to win a tournament on grass) ... and, I could go on and on about the facts and failures of Kyrgios. It makes me laugh how people think Kyrgios is so great and he's such a talented player, but there's no REAL evidence to suggest this and in my opinion (after playing and watching tennis since the late 70's), Kyrgios is no more talented than the other young 'top crop' on the circuit today.
Great analysis, thank you! Loving the rocking motion, so natural.. it works amazing for me, adjusted to platform stance! There is also something about his way of shadowing a pronation during is serve motion (see from 2:09 to 2:11), that helps him get a good whippy action on second serves. He basically just has to repeat that wrist action he just did, into the contact point. Raonic does the same. Not sure if it's desirable though. As for the low ball toss, I think it's a lot easier when you are 1.93m tall tbh ;-)
The low toss can work for anyone, it all depends on if you can time the contact point at the apex of the toss Thanks for watching Frederic Any lessons you'd like to see from us in 2020? All the best Simon
1 add'l facet, Simon: he synchronizes the racquet lift & drop with his knees bending down & up better than anyone to my eye. Given, as you point out, that this all happens so quickly, it's even more crucial that he syncs them exquisitely. Also of interest (to me at least!), Kyrgios does not get the upper body turn & torque of, say, Sampras or Roddick, yet he still packs the power because, from my view, he propels his entire body forward & up off that launch pad of the rocking pendulum at the start (quite similar to Lew Hoad -- no laugh, yeah, he hit in the 1950s but, like Pancho Gonzales, modern players can learn plenty from these greats).
The simplest but still highly effective serve motion(s). I think lots of club players never develop the serve as a big weapon because they get tangled up in complicated serve mechanics.
Well said, Kevin! I was also noticing how little torso rotation Nick had. But he makes up for it, to my eye, with shoulder rotation (throwing motion) and perhaps wrist snap. Simon, I'd love to see a video focusing on tight angle play from the service line/doubles alley area of the court, or perhaps a tutorial on how and when to attempt a redirect on the ball. Forgive me if you've already covered that. Thanks for the great videos!
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Yup: 1) More different styles of serves especially the ”odd” ones such as Humbert et al. They all managed to break into ATP top 150 and there has to be a reason to why it obviously works. 2) More slow motion camera angles on serves. Mostly they’s from behind but it’s be excellent if the strokes could be seen from the side and even more so from the front. 3) Various backhands and feet position, again slow motion from several angles.
Hi TTT, Well done guys, Could you please film next about the "Implementing Strecth Shortening Cycle on Tennis Strokes and Analyzing some Pro Tour Players using that technique well" Thank you, hope to see that important topic in your awesome videos.
Funny, I just tried that today and it worked really good! I feel the momentum/longer swing path(in one motion) gives me way more power on the flat serve. Good analyzing as always! :)
Great analysis as usual...How can one incorporate some of the techniques you have outlined to a platform serve. Toss and quickness are no brainers but how would you do the rocking motion and hence building momentum...I may be coming to wrong conclusion but seems applicable to pin point style only...Thank you
The rocking motion is more for pinpoint stance serves, for the platform stance, the key will be to really explode off the ground in a quick motion with the goal of getting as high as you can. Thanks for watching. Are there any videos you'd like to see from us in the near future? Simon
Hi Simon, I really like your analysis, it's the best on the web IMO. I wanted to ask you a question, not sure if you can help without seeing it, but I have almost an automatic kick serve, with the tossing arm moving in almost an arc shape. I was wondering if you had any tips to break this habit (release ball earlier, lower the toss, focus on moving hand forward, change the toss style etc), as the toss tends to not be in front but moving pretty much left to right (i'm left-handed). Thanks, Tom
Hi Tom The first thing you need to work on is your ball toss, get it landing inside the court, and in front of your head. You'll have to work on the toss without hitting it to get that feel of extending outwards, into the court with your right arm, instead of going left to right. Once that changes, you'll be able to hit through the ball much more, extend out with the arm and racket towards the target, get the body following the ball line also. Those two things should do the trick All the best Simon
That's great advice, thanks. I can do it consistency without hitting the serve, but when I hit the serve it seems to fall back into that old pattern. I think this is mainly because of my second serve. Can you have two different styles, slightly, on 1st and 2nd regarding toss and arm movement? I'm not sure if doing the old left to right toss style for 2nd serve is slowing down fixing the 1st serve. It's difficult because my 2nd serve is my most reliable shot (lefty kick into the body).
Guys, great videos! I have a question about Nick's serve. Personally, I always thought it looks a bit odd and now seeing your analysis I am getting a better understanding. I have never seen a follow thorugh like this at 0:30 His left arm is going outwards for balance as opposed to tucking in towards the stomach area. It works for Nick but is this normal today? It seems to me like a player who has learned his own way, off the cuff than consulting a coaching manual. So the question is, would you recommend that to amateurs? And / or young upcoming players? Does it matter as long as he gets good results on the serve?
Nick does tuck his arm in so at contact the left arm is close to his left oblique but then he releases it. That's very common, most pros do the same thing. Holding the arm tucked in blocks off the shoulders from rotating fully, something you want to do on a kick serve for instance, but not on first or slice serves
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Thanks for the reply. That's true about kick serves. Compared to guys like Krajicek, Goran and Roddick, Nick seems to release his left arm very quickly almost instantanouesly on fast and slice serves after very initially tucking in. Interesting.
Dear @@TopTennisTrainingOfficial, Stephanos could benefit from work on his serve toss. I think it was Mary Carillo who commented something like, "You know you have toss issues when hitting your serve requires great footwork."
@James - Toss 100% but it comes down to him throwing it way too high. He also has major issues with his foot positioning and something in the knee bend. I'll keep it a secret until we film and release the video. I know a few other coaches who might steal our idea and film it before us!
Don't know why, but you left on the real third part of his serve, which is his racket arm take-back motion. His wrist is inward, and he keeps the racket hanging down before he does his one-motion hit; he doesn't go up into the trophy position on his toss as other servers do. He tosses with his racket down, then strikes, like a whip. I believe this is one of the most important parts of his serve.
Thanks for your comment. Those small things that you mention alone would not give him the power he generates. I decided the leave out the actual arm action and focus more on the major power sources!
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Many people criticise Nick for being continually injured and suggest he is 'tanking'. Others say it is because of the huge power he puts into his serves and forehands. What do you think?
Exactly what I thought, he's using the wrist as a whip from the start of the serve motion, I'd like to know if he was taught that or is it natural talent I wouldn't say it's a natural thing to do I would guess he was taught it and would also explain his racket head speed at the top of the serve, that's so damn good I'm gonna teach that to my son.
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial I will have to agree to disagree with you on this one. Yes, the racket drop by itself isn't the sole source of power/control. What 1 aspect is? Although, is vital to the kinetic chain, compared to if he starts at the trophy position. The racket lag he gets by dropping the racket, is the finishing touch of the kinetic chain and adds extra power/control.
What videos would I love to see from Top Tennis training? Videos on doubles movement and strategy as a team, both receiving and serving, and please include serve type and placement strategies and communication methods, both verbal and signals. Please, explain the "why" and "when" to execute the strategies and tactics as well as the what/how. (Wow, easy for me to say you should post an entire doubles course online for free. That's what, 10 or more videos to cover it all?) You did ask. Anyway, thanks for all you do. It's really helpful.
In order to really tell an idea for a new video one should review all the old videos and get an overall idea what's already there. I can see you've been posting for 7 years now. There's a lot of videos already. I've been watching you for about a year, maybe 1.5, two max. I can't tell what might be "missing". So here's another idea for you. Maybe you could sort the old videos into groups, hashtags or smth like "tactics" videos, "technic", "drills", "analysis" etc. Make some such observing video guides holding some idea and collecting links for the old videos partly covering the topic. For example, topic: "There is a number of things to take care of in order to learn and improve your game, such as ... ... ... ...". You tell the topic and then additionally give the links for the old videos. This way you don't repeat yourself, get the views and at the same time help us to sort the info in our heads.
Excellent video as always. Any thoughts on his take back of the racquet? It seems like it’s briefly pointed to the ground and then “whiplashed” above his head in a millisecond. The timing of that is the secret sauce. I know of zero rec players and only a few high level college players that can consistently hit at the apex. I’m working on it!
@Top Tennis Training A bit off topic so not about serve but rather return of serve. What do you recommend for tracking the ball on serve return? Concentrate on the ball in servers hand and follow all the way through toss until racquet contact and react to direction? Something else?
Exactly that. Zone in on the ball as the ball leaves the servers hand. I use to focus on the ball as the opponent was bouncing it also. Thanks for watching Any videos you would like to see from us in the near future? All the best Simon
Great video! I’ve noticed that when Nick brings his back foot up to the pinpoint position, he doesn’t put much weight on his back foot. In a previous video, you said that half your weight should be on it. Is the pinpoint stance more flexible in terms of weight distribution?
Exactly, the pinpoint is more about the rocking motion and creating that forward momentum so the back leg is less important in the upwards drive. Platform stance is a different ball game altogether!
Top Tennis Training - Pro Tennis Lessons Thanks for clarifying, that makes sense. I use a pinpoint stance myself and have most of my weight on my front foot and my momentum going forwards. I have a good first serve but I hit through the ball too much on my second serves, despite tossing more behind. Do I need more of my weight on my back foot on second serves so I can jump more vertically instead of forward?
That always helps. The energy on the first serve is directed upwards and inwards when you use the pinpoint, however for a good kick serve, the energy should be directed upwards, you're brushing the ball after all, so the back leg needs to really drive upwards for this to happen. One of the reasons why the best kick serves come from a platform stance IMO. Federer is the perfect example, drives upwards with both legs engaged and gets a massive kick on his 2nd serve. All the best Simon
Nice! My only problem with the fast motion is that I do not get a nice kicker. I'd say the fast motion is espacially for fast servers , right? Dominic Thiem e.g. takes a bit more time to get into the hip stretch/ trunk twist to hit the kick?
Top Tennis Training - Pro Tennis Lessons I am from Germany. We play 6 month crazy fast carpet and 6 month slow clay court. Do you think it makes sense to allways play pinpoint on carpet and allways plattform on clay? Or is that to much switching up?
On that low toss and fast action, years ago Kevin Curren had a similar action. Not as fast, and not as exaggerated back and forth movement, but also a fairly low toss which hardly came down from its apex before being hit with a speedy action. Made it quite hard to read.
Former my understanding, higher toss is better. last time I struggled control of service when I play. During play, I am aware, higher toss has to pose racket so that it loses power and less benefit of control. When after tennis, I finally reached your movie. My favorite tennis player is Nick. So I can image his play style easily, I clearly understand there are a lot of advantage points your analysis. Key factor is momentum of kinetic.
What a talent. How does Nick hit a kick serve with his motion? I thought tossing the ball around 1130 and letting the ball drop was key to hitting a kick?
He gets under the ball and brushed it as he makes contact. If you can change the body positioning during the leg drive, it’s easy to hit a kick serve even with the traditional toss in front
Great video.... my favorite serv.... I modeled mine after his... its great. A video most people need to see, it's how to hit a forehand effortless. It took me forever to learn how to completely relax, no tension in grib and just swing it... So must power when u totally relax..... plus I never have pain in arm anymore, even after a 5 setter. I did not understand it before I saw a RUclips video with one explaining it like this.. If u hold a wet towel in your hand and want vip somebodies ass.... how u do?? The motion in your wrist... that slack/and lack is the whole f...ink secret. But nobody tells u... 95% procent of all players hit wrong and with tension.
I've seen nick at the us open several times and I noticed everything you mentioned when I watched him. My only question is how do other players such as roger who DO stop in between, achieve power? Do they compensate somehow?
Roger drives from the legs much more than Nick. Federer uses the platform so his power system is different. There are many serve power sources, the legs, rotational power, supination and pronation, the entire swing speed, shoulder over shoulder energy, stretching the major muscles etc
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial thanks so much. Makes sense. What technique would you recommend a) for less injury b) for more efficiency. Right now I've more like the nick serve personally but I toss it lower. Btw i think nick serve type is used a lot by doubles players as it allows to rush to the net no?
3:28 decent attempt, but you're all the way in trophy pose at your toss, while nick's racket is still completely facing the ground when he tosses. and the reason he uses wide base is because it feels more natural for tall people/long legs, not to feel weight shift
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial interesting that i never said shorter players don't use pinpoint. the point is, at 6' 5" and above wearing a size 14/15 (U.S.) shoe, a wide base is more natural/comfortable than platform. this is why there's more variation between short and moderately tall player stances, while there's not much variation between taller guys like Ivanišević, Karlovic, Kyrgios, Krajicek, Isner, etc. isner's exaggerated pinpoint would be hard for short players to mimic due to biomechanics, coach
I've seen you guys talk about the "lightning serve" (short toss, quick motion) before. I think the best benefit of a lower toss is you're more likely to keep a continuous motion and less likely to pause (which kills the racquet head acceleration).
The lightening serve obviates the elastic loading that occurs at the hip for some player that appears as a brief pause that coincides with the racquet dropping low behind the back. That pause/ elastic loading is a tremendous source of power. Dolgopolov has it but briefer than most, despite being more lightening than anyone else imo.
Even though his toss is low for his height and compared to other players it's still much higher than many recreational players, so don't think you necessarily should go lower just because of nick Edit but to Simon's point don't overdo it too because it can make it much harder
His wrist is very loose at the start and it flops but by the time he reaches the power position, he's already back into a neutral wrist position and does the conventional motion from there, doesn't pronate fully though on some serves
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial My comparison is with my height 5'9 no matter what I do not going to get the pop and bounce these tall players get with the first serves.
As true as that is, you can always make your serve as good as it possibly can be. Having a fast motion and building good disguise will help you massively!
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Don't get me wrong with your videos and some others on RUclips my serve has improved in last one year. My fastest hits the back fence with a nice pop but it always stops at certain height. My friend who is 6'4 comes to serve the bounce is higher that is what I was trying to say. Yeah kick serve I can get it with lack of pace I'm here strictly talking about pancake first serve bounce difference between tall players vs. shorties. Again video analysis is great but hard to reproduce the same bounce is what I was trying to say. One thing I learnt and not a lot of videos talk about is the tightness of the grip. Keep it super loose like two finger tightness. Racket has to move through the ball for a nice pop, don't hold it too tight guys try it in practice next time.
Very surprised that you overlooked what I consider to be a crucial part of his serve which is the racket head speed. He lets the racket trail behind the ball toss and then catches up by generating huge racket speed.
In July and August, myself and Alex filmed a bunch of videos on these courts with lots of points etc and they were ok. You get some terrible bounces but that tends to happen on grass unless you're at Wimbledon!
The absence of a hitch in the trophy pose helps him put a ton of power into the strike. He's just an elite athlete with perfect timing from his feet up to his fingertips, similar to how Steph Curry can make a 40-foot shot look as effortless as a free throw.
I have 5'7 should and I have 16. Should I use this type of serve. Like a have a low ball toss to and actually I have I a similar service movement and I can reach like 160 km per hour with this serve But my main question is should I change my tennis serve ??
You should experiment and see which style works best for you! Thanks for watching Are there any lessons you would like to see from us in the near future? All the best Simon
Hey Simon, do you think height plays a large role? As a tiptoe 5’4, I don’t know if I can toss the dang ball high enough to clear the net and hit it fast enough😂😂
Taller players definitely have an advantage when it comes to the serve in general but you can hit the serve at your peak (maximum height you can reach up to) using a high ball toss (waiting for ball to drop) or a low one (hitting close to the apex) so the height will always be the same
You can apply the fast motion and low ball toss but not the rocking motion. I use the fast motion on my own serve with a platform stance All the best Simon
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial appreciate the comments Simon! I am on my way of improving my platform stance following your other videos :) and this certain helps a lot.
I watched a video of Nick playing back in 2014. He looks so into the game back then, motivated to win and shows off massive potential. If he had kept his head down and applied himself fully, he'd already be sitting on a couple of slams. Shame he's wasting his talent trying to live like a regular college kid but also play pro tennis. Talks bad about Djokovic and Nadal yet he could learn so much from them about how to train like a pro!
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial By his own admission over a number of years, he has developed depression and has been trying to fight it with mixed success. It is very common in elite sports people. This is not helping his focus. He actually likes and respects Nadal but the media play that one up. Apparently he respects Nole's game as well but says a few things that other players also feel, e.g. the celebration thing.
100 likes Please and Top Tennis Training will do a video on what I requested. Thank you for the likes. Can you do a video about serve placement not just about the flat serve but also about slice serve and kick serve please and thank you?
is the low ball toss only effective for tall players ? i mean nick basically towers over the net. i wonder if the low ball toss would be effective for players under six feet
I’ve read that players who have this kind of a serve are very convenient to get injured. Do you recommend to have that kind of a serve or a serve like Federer’s where it’s a low possibility to get injured? Thanks!
He pronates into contact, but doesn’t pronate fully on most of his serves. He does on kick serves, but flat and slice serves he finishes without full pronation, often ending up with his wrist snapping somewhat
I tried out the pinpoint in a few matches many years ago and I developed a bad lower back so ended up going back to the platform with an emphasis on generating an explosive leg drive and taking the stress off the lower back. At this point in my game, I don't compete, my focus is on building TTT and that takes all my time. All the best Simon
Top Tennis Training - Pro Tennis Lessons I would really like to see her forehand! It really like her forehand and i would love to get to learn it from the video (if you make it)
@@Lumberjack737 Ah ok, misunderstood that. Nick's serve is perfect for disguise, one of the reasons why it's so good, the fast motion makes it very hard to read, so even if Djokovic studies it, he'll have lot's of trouble trying to read it
Simon. Please allow me to respectfully challenge your idea about using a forward weight transfer by sliding the back foot to the front foot in the tennis serve. I call this the one-legged serve and I'll limit my comments to just the player's lower body. The type of horizontal movement you espouse might help taller servers, say above 6'6" in height, but in my opinion that is questionable too. This technique should not be taught by coaches or used by players for several, very crucial reasons. Let me explain. Having good balance is a major attribute in playing any sport well and tennis is no different. When a player moves overtly in a horizontal manner by sliding her back foot to the front when serving makes it more difficult and produces undesirable results, for the vast majority of players. These include; increasing the likelihood of shoulder injuries, increasing the likelihood of double faults, reducing power and decreasing deception capability. The one-legged serve requires the server's head-to-ball spatial relationship to increase in variability. More head moving forward equals more changes in the spatial variability between the two. This is exacerbated because as the weight is transferred forward it also means the arm tossing the ball is moving forward, adding to more head-to-ball spatial variability. This added degree of timing difficulty usually results in a decrease in serve consistency. It also increases the chances for shoulder injuries because the server is more apt to move too far forward and hit the ball behind her optimal biomechanical strike point. Thirdly, the leading hip is biomechanically restricted and therefore reduces its kinetic potential. This also reduces deception as that is produced primarily from the ball toss and leading hip relationship. Recent and past examples of tennis pros who had and have difficulties with their serves because of this were Guillermo Vilas and Felix Auger Aliassime. Vilas, a 4-time Grand Slam winner and Masters Champion was notorious for mishitting serves and FAA has suffered from bouts of serving consecutive double faults. Let's look at a better solution by advocating a two-legged serve. Many players use this technique including Sampras, Federer, Djokovic, Roddick, and Raonic. I have included video links showing their serves in slow motion along with about a dozen others below. There are many reasons why a two-legged serve is a much better choice to teach and use when coaching and playing tennis. I touched on them above. Less horizontal head movement, better leading hip torque, more consistent ball toss, greater power, and more deception potential. The two-legged serve means that the back foot DOES NOT SLIDE UP to the front foot before the contact is made. Why is it so much better? Firstly, it reduces the horizontal head movement, which means lower head-to-ball spatial variability. The result is a more consistent ball toss with fewer faults. Secondly, it compels the server to move more up vertically into the ball so that she can make contact at her highest comfortable point, a key factor in increasing the margin of error because the ball can then travel higher over the net. Secondly, with a better-balanced base, the leading hip can protrude into the court more, thereby increasing the kinetic potential of upper body torque and disguise. Finally, using a solid foundational base also reduces shoulder injury. It accomplishes this because the ball toss to head relationship has less variability and therefore easier to master, which results in fewer serves being hit behind the player. Reducing the head movement is on display in golf. One of the main principles of hitting a good golf ball is to keep the head still. Why is that? I believe it reduces, almost eliminates the head-to-ball spatial variability. The two-legged serve biomechanics are on display in baseball. For those of you who are familiar with how a baseball pitcher throws the ball you will see a striking similarity. The right-handed pitcher pushes off the rubber with his right foot. He does not slide his right foot up to his left foot prior to throwing the ball. Some of his power, not unlike the tennis server, emanates from his legs, primarily the right leg for right-handed pitchers. Nick Kyrigios is a super talented tennis player but his serve is not one to emulate. He's got exceptional timing and for the average player to try to model their serve after him is just way too difficult. In a comparison with Raonic and Kygrios a few years ago at the US Open, they showed that Raonic, who's 1 inch taller makes contact with his serve 6 inches higher than Kyrigos. That higher margin of error really makes a huge difference at their level of play but the principle is the same for everyone. Raonic's role model was Sampras, not surprising. Both of these great servers had the advantage of a solid base by using the two-legged serve technique. The video links below are of slow-motion videos of tennis pros with two-legged serves. It lists their name, height and video link. pete sampras 6-1 ruclips.net/video/vzaXFny9Tg4/видео.html novak djokovic 6-2 ruclips.net/video/uyTtZE6LSek/видео.html roger federer 6-1 ruclips.net/video/mKXtVQnqhB4/видео.html andy roddick 6-2 ruclips.net/video/SZbxKuLEP_o/видео.html marin cilic 6-6 ruclips.net/video/9dqkF9NXgtc/видео.html milos raonic 6-5 ruclips.net/video/Xzs3cc_rG2Q/видео.html milos raonic 147 mph ruclips.net/video/xdY2hlrFehU/видео.html stefanos tsitsipas 6-4 ruclips.net/video/4rpDDxdzwWA/видео.html taylor fritz 6-4 ruclips.net/video/mSOtAbQ4I6Q/видео.html benoit paire 6-5 ruclips.net/video/yL3xEDrFF-E/видео.html denis shapovalov 6-0 ruclips.net/video/QvD9JgrcR1I/видео.html dominic thiem 6-1 ruclips.net/video/bKJ4INgHDaE/видео.html fabio fognini 5-10 ruclips.net/video/0n07k1YnP9s/видео.html dan evans 5-9 ruclips.net/video/8z68BSQ1d1g/видео.html tommy paul 6-1 ruclips.net/video/uE5tYB5h8BE/видео.html vasek pospisil 6-4 ruclips.net/video/Z0JlQc3fyxs/видео.html kevin curren 6-0 ruclips.net/video/yQAJyXKxuG4/видео.html
True, I think he should do his usual stuff, but without the racket smashes and the cussing involved, if he does that and focus, he could win some major stuff.
He's still offensive, unsportsmanlike, foul mouthed, angry, unignified and contemptuous of everyone. He's the worst possible ambassador for tennis and is bringing the game into disrepute. Talent for tennis - 8/10. Talent for good behavior - 0/10.
His personality and on-court antics have nothing to do with this video, it's simply about his serve. Keep those comments for our Love Tennis channel, where we discuss these kinds of things in depth. ruclips.net/channel/UCAEs1UK-NvLTWLNPnORcrdg
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
A timestamp of the lesson:
00:35 Intro to the three elements
01:10 Weight transfer on Nick's serve
02:20 Reference to Krajicek and Ivanisevic serves
02:48 What happens when you use a narrow stance to start your serve (pinpoint)
03:28 Simon trying out the Kyrgios serve
03:31 What happens when you have a pause in your motion
04:24 Why Nick uses a low ball toss and the benefits
06:48 What happens when you toss the ball high
08:18 Why Nick has great disguise on his serve
Excellent video, thank you Simon
Thanks for tuning in!
Good, great court ambient
This video really changed my serve. Nick's technique really works for me also. The high ball toss and the pause we're killing my serve. I exercised my toss to be lower and more consistent and also followed Nick's timings regarding ball toss, forward body transfer, right leg movement into pinpoint. Really worked out.
Thanks TTT for a nice video with a spot on analysis! You guys are great!
Thank you for watching
Are there any lessons you would like to see in the near future?
All the best
Simon
Djokovic said in his chat with Andy Murray that Kyrgios has the best serve after Isner, but Isner has extreme height so he is more impressed with Kyrgios.
I saw that, I'd say Djokovic should know better than anyone, being the returner he is.
Thank you for watching.
Are there are videos you would like to see from us in the near future?
All the best
Simon
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Im jumping in.... A video most people need to see its how to hit a forehand effortless.
It took me forever to learn how to completely relax, no tension in grib and just swing it...
So must power when u totally relax..... plus I never have pain in arm anymore, even after a 5 setter.
I did not understand it before I saw a RUclips video with one explaining it like this..
If u hold a wet towel in your hand and want vip somebodies ass.... how u do??
The motion in your wrist... that slack/and lack is the whole f...ink secret.
But nobody tells u... 95% procent of all players hit wrong and with tension.
Basically, a Roddick serve with different base. What I mean is that both of them use a very low toss so they lose little to none energy waiting for the ball to reach a height where they can hit it, they toss the ball so when the ball stops, they are hitting it. It also means that they don't hold the trophy position with their legs bent, as you very well said, Simon, so there is no wasted motion in their serve.
In my opinion, the main difference is that nick does not have a clear trophy position because he doesn't stop, while Roddick, because of his short base and abbreviated take back, stops his racquet for a fraction of a second in the (modified) trophy position (but not his legs).
Awesome analysis, Simon, always great to watch and learn from you!
Thanks for watching Matheus.
I would also add that Roddick's power started in the explosive leg drive he had, whereas Nick's power comes more from the momentum and using the rocking motion with his pinpoint stance. Roddick used a narrow platform or wide pinpoint stance and kept his feet in the same position throughout.
All the best
Simon
Hi Simon I would love it if you could do a video on how to properly engage the mid back or thoracic spine properly on the serve so that you can achieve a more vertical chest angle and so that you can increase the range of motion in the shoulder and improve racket drop.
None of the online coaches out there have talked about this but its so important so a beer for you if you discuss this!
Do you still do private one-on-one lessons?
Thanks!
Hi Grant
The range of motion in the shoulder joint comes down to how flexible you are in the shoulder, I would say it has nothing to do with the spine. The great racket drop of players like Sampras and Roddick was developed through years of stretching the shoulder region to develop a great range of motion going backwards. I watched Sampras' trainer stretch him out in that region for 15 minutes after a training session back in the early 2000s at the Queens club event in London. The best way to engage the scapula on a serve, something I worked on in the past, is to lead the backswing with the elbow as if you're doing a reverse elbow in MMA or a back row in the gym. The vertical positioning of the shoulders comes from the dropping down of the back shoulder and the tilt in the body that this creates. The best way to feel that drop is to throw a tennis ball upwards as high as you can, vertically. This will ensure you tilt the shoulders.
I would make a video on this subject but I fear not many people would be interested in this part of the serve, the scapula etc so it would be a wasted video since the views would be low.
However, if your comment gets 100 likes, I'll make it!
Hi Simon, thanks for your detailed response, it's appreciated. All I can say to the people reading this is get tapping that like button and let's get 100 likes!!
Thanks Simon, keep up the great work!
Grant
You heard the man, start clicking that like button!
Thanks!
Thanks for watching
I noticed opponents especially those I played more often were picking up on my body language and reading direction of my serve easier. Same serves that were ace or flub returns were coming back more decisively. I realized I was tipping my serves more by slowing down my motion to be more technically correct. So I did watch Nick and sped up my delivery and lowered my toss and made a point of getting it close to same spot and is working better. Watching your video tied it in visually and mentally. I'm a visual learner. Thanks
Glad to hear it helped 👍
Great analysis! Watching this I can tell you really understand the genuine physics behind the tennis serve and that really helps me understand the guide. Thank you!
Thank you for watching 👍
Are there any lessons you would like to see in the near future?
All the best
Simon
Love it thanks! Going to start trying a lower ball toss and see how it goes!
Thanks for watching Stephanie
Are there any lessons you would like to see in the near future?
All the best
Simon
I've been doing the lower ball toss for a season now & already other players have said that my serve has improved.
Thanks. That was very helpful. I'm going to start having a wider stance next time.
Thank you for watching 👍
Are there any lessons you would like to see in 2021?
All the best
Simon
Excellent information. Well done once again. I am very interested in perfecting a second slice serve and would appreciate seeing a video on that.
Here you go opal - ruclips.net/video/TzUvhOBrdnM/видео.html
Kyrgios is one of the unappreciated greats. You neglected to mention his dubious, yet effective underhanded serve! Very informative video though on my favorite player!
Thank you for watching
Are there any lessons you would like to see in the near future?
All the best
Simon
Very good observation on NK's serve. Well explained. One of the best explanations I've seen about how to improve your serve technique. Thanks.
Thank you James
All the best
Simon
The next tutorial should be, 'what Kyrgios has done NOT to achieve any greater than a 500 series win after being on tour for 9 years'.
There's an ex-Australian 'big serve' player by the name of Mark Philippoussis. His serve was just as lethal, but unlike Kyrgios, Philippoussis got to his first GS final in just 4 years after turning pro (also made it to the Wimbledon final in 2003), he won a Masters (something Kyrgios has failed to do), achieved a career high ranking within the top 10 (something Kyrgios has failed to do), won the Queens tournament on grass (Kyrgios is supposed to be a great grass court player but so far has failed to win a tournament on grass) ... and, I could go on and on about the facts and failures of Kyrgios.
It makes me laugh how people think Kyrgios is so great and he's such a talented player, but there's no REAL evidence to suggest this and in my opinion (after playing and watching tennis since the late 70's), Kyrgios is no more talented than the other young 'top crop' on the circuit today.
He’s definitely more gifted than most other players. I’d put him up there with Rios
Great analysis guys! As always awesome content, very useful!! Keep up the good work!
Thank you for watching Cristian C
Are there any videos you'd like to see from us in the near future?
All the best
Simon
Thank you for another great video 👍
You are the best online coach. 👍
Thanks for the support.
Are there any lessons you would like to see from us?
All the best
Simon
excellent analysis. Thank you
Very good analysis great video good stuff 👍👍
Thanks for watching
Great analysis, thank you! Loving the rocking motion, so natural.. it works amazing for me, adjusted to platform stance!
There is also something about his way of shadowing a pronation during is serve motion (see from 2:09 to 2:11), that helps him get a good whippy action on second serves. He basically just has to repeat that wrist action he just did, into the contact point. Raonic does the same. Not sure if it's desirable though.
As for the low ball toss, I think it's a lot easier when you are 1.93m tall tbh ;-)
The low toss can work for anyone, it all depends on if you can time the contact point at the apex of the toss
Thanks for watching Frederic
Any lessons you'd like to see from us in 2020?
All the best
Simon
1 add'l facet, Simon: he synchronizes the racquet lift & drop with his knees bending down & up better than anyone to my eye. Given, as you point out, that this all happens so quickly, it's even more crucial that he syncs them exquisitely. Also of interest (to me at least!), Kyrgios does not get the upper body turn & torque of, say, Sampras or Roddick, yet he still packs the power because, from my view, he propels his entire body forward & up off that launch pad of the rocking pendulum at the start (quite similar to Lew Hoad -- no laugh, yeah, he hit in the 1950s but, like Pancho Gonzales, modern players can learn plenty from these greats).
Very valid points there Kevin
Thank you for watching.
Are there any videos you'd like to see from us in the near future?
All the best
Simon
The simplest but still highly effective serve motion(s). I think lots of club players never develop the serve as a big weapon because they get tangled up in complicated serve mechanics.
Your English is superb, just like Kyrgios' serves.
@@trumptbygravity605 Thank you, kind sir! You're a real gentleman!
Well said, Kevin! I was also noticing how little torso rotation Nick had. But he makes up for it, to my eye, with shoulder rotation (throwing motion) and perhaps wrist snap.
Simon, I'd love to see a video focusing on tight angle play from the service line/doubles alley area of the court, or perhaps a tutorial on how and when to attempt a redirect on the ball. Forgive me if you've already covered that. Thanks for the great videos!
Excellent as usual Simon, a great short mans example is the former ATP Pro and NCAA winner for Baylor many years ago is Benjamin Becker. Thanks again
Thank you for watching.
Are there any videos you'd like to see from us in the near future?
All the best
Simon
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Yes thanks, anything bout movement to the ball in doubles or where to hit the serve and when on doubles point counts
One of your best tutorials, keep it up!!
Thank you for watching 👍
Are there any lessons you would like to see in 2021?
All the best
Simon
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Yup: 1) More different styles of serves especially the ”odd” ones such as Humbert et al. They all managed to break into ATP top 150 and there has to be a reason to why it obviously works.
2) More slow motion camera angles on serves. Mostly they’s from behind but it’s be excellent if the strokes could be seen from the side and even more so from the front.
3) Various backhands and feet position, again slow motion from several angles.
Hi TTT, Well done guys, Could you please film next about the "Implementing Strecth Shortening Cycle on Tennis Strokes and Analyzing some Pro Tour Players using that technique well" Thank you, hope to see that important topic in your awesome videos.
Let's get your comment 100 likes and consider it done!
Funny, I just tried that today and it worked really good! I feel the momentum/longer swing path(in one motion) gives me way more power on the flat serve. Good analyzing as always! :)
Thank you for watching
Are there any lessons you would like to see from us in 2020?
All the best
Simon
Very useful particularly the explosive knee bend.
Thank you for watching
Are there any lessons you would like to see in the near future?
All the best
Simon
Great breakdown
Many thanks 🙏
Great analysis as usual...How can one incorporate some of the techniques you have outlined to a platform serve. Toss and quickness are no brainers but how would you do the rocking motion and hence building momentum...I may be coming to wrong conclusion but seems applicable to pin point style only...Thank you
The rocking motion is more for pinpoint stance serves, for the platform stance, the key will be to really explode off the ground in a quick motion with the goal of getting as high as you can.
Thanks for watching.
Are there any videos you'd like to see from us in the near future?
Simon
Hi Simon, I really like your analysis, it's the best on the web IMO. I wanted to ask you a question, not sure if you can help without seeing it, but I have almost an automatic kick serve, with the tossing arm moving in almost an arc shape. I was wondering if you had any tips to break this habit (release ball earlier, lower the toss, focus on moving hand forward, change the toss style etc), as the toss tends to not be in front but moving pretty much left to right (i'm left-handed).
Thanks,
Tom
Hi Tom
The first thing you need to work on is your ball toss, get it landing inside the court, and in front of your head. You'll have to work on the toss without hitting it to get that feel of extending outwards, into the court with your right arm, instead of going left to right. Once that changes, you'll be able to hit through the ball much more, extend out with the arm and racket towards the target, get the body following the ball line also.
Those two things should do the trick
All the best
Simon
That's great advice, thanks. I can do it consistency without hitting the serve, but when I hit the serve it seems to fall back into that old pattern. I think this is mainly because of my second serve. Can you have two different styles, slightly, on 1st and 2nd regarding toss and arm movement? I'm not sure if doing the old left to right toss style for 2nd serve is slowing down fixing the 1st serve.
It's difficult because my 2nd serve is my most reliable shot (lefty kick into the body).
Guys, great videos! I have a question about Nick's serve. Personally, I always thought it looks a bit odd and now seeing your analysis I am getting a better understanding. I have never seen a follow thorugh like this at 0:30 His left arm is going outwards for balance as opposed to tucking in towards the stomach area. It works for Nick but is this normal today? It seems to me like a player who has learned his own way, off the cuff than consulting a coaching manual. So the question is, would you recommend that to amateurs? And / or young upcoming players? Does it matter as long as he gets good results on the serve?
Nick does tuck his arm in so at contact the left arm is close to his left oblique but then he releases it.
That's very common, most pros do the same thing. Holding the arm tucked in blocks off the shoulders from rotating fully, something you want to do on a kick serve for instance, but not on first or slice serves
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Thanks for the reply. That's true about kick serves. Compared to guys like Krajicek, Goran and Roddick, Nick seems to release his left arm very quickly almost instantanouesly on fast and slice serves after very initially tucking in. Interesting.
Perfect analysis.
Thank you for watching Bobby!
Are there any videos you'd like to see from us in the near future?
All the best
Simon
Thank you excellent vidéo coach
Thanks for watching
All the best
Simon
A video on what some pro's could do better and what you would change.
I love it. Myself and Alex were filming some of the pros at the US Open and spoke about this idea. First one up would be the Tsitsipas serve!
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Yesss, that's exactly what I think about when I see his serve! Looking forward to it
Dear @@TopTennisTrainingOfficial, Stephanos could benefit from work on his serve toss. I think it was Mary Carillo who commented something like, "You know you have toss issues when hitting your serve requires great footwork."
@James - Toss 100% but it comes down to him throwing it way too high. He also has major issues with his foot positioning and something in the knee bend. I'll keep it a secret until we film and release the video. I know a few other coaches who might steal our idea and film it before us!
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial nice!
thanks so much this helped me a lot
You're welcome!
Are there any lessons you would like to see in the near future?
All the best
Simon
Great video! Now I know how to use my rather low ball toss.
Don't know why, but you left on the real third part of his serve, which is his racket arm take-back motion. His wrist is inward, and he keeps the racket hanging down before he does his one-motion hit; he doesn't go up into the trophy position on his toss as other servers do. He tosses with his racket down, then strikes, like a whip. I believe this is one of the most important parts of his serve.
Thanks for your comment.
Those small things that you mention alone would not give him the power he generates.
I decided the leave out the actual arm action and focus more on the major power sources!
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Many people criticise Nick for being continually injured and suggest he is 'tanking'. Others say it is because of the huge power he puts into his serves and forehands. What do you think?
Exactly what I thought, he's using the wrist as a whip from the start of the serve motion, I'd like to know if he was taught that or is it natural talent I wouldn't say it's a natural thing to do I would guess he was taught it and would also explain his racket head speed at the top of the serve, that's so damn good I'm gonna teach that to my son.
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial I will have to agree to disagree with you on this one. Yes, the racket drop by itself isn't the sole source of power/control. What 1 aspect is? Although, is vital to the kinetic chain, compared to if he starts at the trophy position. The racket lag he gets by dropping the racket, is the finishing touch of the kinetic chain and adds extra power/control.
What video would you like to see from us? Tell us below and the comment with the most likes will get filmed next!
What videos would I love to see from Top Tennis training? Videos on doubles movement and strategy as a team, both receiving and serving, and please include serve type and placement strategies and communication methods, both verbal and signals. Please, explain the "why" and "when" to execute the strategies and tactics as well as the what/how. (Wow, easy for me to say you should post an entire doubles course online for free. That's what, 10 or more videos to cover it all?) You did ask. Anyway, thanks for all you do. It's really helpful.
In order to really tell an idea for a new video one should review all the old videos and get an overall idea what's already there.
I can see you've been posting for 7 years now. There's a lot of videos already.
I've been watching you for about a year, maybe 1.5, two max. I can't tell what might be "missing". So here's another idea for you.
Maybe you could sort the old videos into groups, hashtags or smth like "tactics" videos, "technic", "drills", "analysis" etc. Make some such observing video guides holding some idea and collecting links for the old videos partly covering the topic.
For example, topic: "There is a number of things to take care of in order to learn and improve your game, such as ... ... ... ...". You tell the topic and then additionally give the links for the old videos. This way you don't repeat yourself, get the views and at the same time help us to sort the info in our heads.
Great ideas gentlemen, keep them coming. The more, the merrier!
+1 for doubles tips (at least basics)
Excellent video as always. Any thoughts on his take back of the racquet? It seems like it’s briefly pointed to the ground and then “whiplashed” above his head in a millisecond. The timing of that is the secret sauce. I know of zero rec players and only a few high level college players that can consistently hit at the apex. I’m working on it!
Hitting the ball at the peak requires that fast motion, unless you toss very late in the swing. So his fast preparation is caused by his low toss
Excellent..Thanks 🎾
Thank you for watching
Are there any lessons you would like to see from us in 2020?
All the best
Simon
@Top Tennis Training A bit off topic so not about serve but rather return of serve. What do you recommend for tracking the ball on serve return? Concentrate on the ball in servers hand and follow all the way through toss until racquet contact and react to direction? Something else?
Exactly that. Zone in on the ball as the ball leaves the servers hand. I use to focus on the ball as the opponent was bouncing it also.
Thanks for watching
Any videos you would like to see from us in the near future?
All the best
Simon
Great video! I’ve noticed that when Nick brings his back foot up to the pinpoint position, he doesn’t put much weight on his back foot. In a previous video, you said that half your weight should be on it. Is the pinpoint stance more flexible in terms of weight distribution?
Exactly, the pinpoint is more about the rocking motion and creating that forward momentum so the back leg is less important in the upwards drive. Platform stance is a different ball game altogether!
Top Tennis Training - Pro Tennis Lessons Thanks for clarifying, that makes sense. I use a pinpoint stance myself and have most of my weight on my front foot and my momentum going forwards.
I have a good first serve but I hit through the ball too much on my second serves, despite tossing more behind. Do I need more of my weight on my back foot on second serves so I can jump more vertically instead of forward?
That always helps. The energy on the first serve is directed upwards and inwards when you use the pinpoint, however for a good kick serve, the energy should be directed upwards, you're brushing the ball after all, so the back leg needs to really drive upwards for this to happen. One of the reasons why the best kick serves come from a platform stance IMO.
Federer is the perfect example, drives upwards with both legs engaged and gets a massive kick on his 2nd serve.
All the best
Simon
Great video
Like the speed of Nick's probation as well. Almost too fast to see.
Hi. Could u guys analyze Gustavo Kuerten backhand extensively as it's one of the most effective backhand despite the semi western grip.
Nice! My only problem with the fast motion is that I do not get a nice kicker. I'd say the fast motion is espacially for fast servers , right? Dominic Thiem e.g. takes a bit more time to get into the hip stretch/ trunk twist to hit the kick?
I would say the best kick serves come from a platform stance, not the pinpoint.
Nick can hit a good kick serve bit it has nothing on Federer's!
Top Tennis Training - Pro Tennis Lessons I am from Germany. We play 6 month crazy fast carpet and 6 month slow clay court. Do you think it makes sense to allways play pinpoint on carpet and allways plattform on clay? Or is that to much switching up?
Too much switching. Stick to one and master it!
Could you please tell more about his grip before the swing? Why is the head of the racket facing down?
On that low toss and fast action, years ago Kevin Curren had a similar action. Not as fast, and not as exaggerated back and forth movement, but also a fairly low toss which hardly came down from its apex before being hit with a speedy action. Made it quite hard to read.
Good memory, Tanner is the best example of this action
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Yes I remember Tanner's fast action serve. That was massive for its time. Imagine him with a modern racquet.
Former my understanding, higher toss is better. last time I struggled control of service when I play. During play, I am aware, higher toss has to pose racket so that it loses power and less benefit of control. When after tennis, I finally reached your movie. My favorite tennis player is Nick. So I can image his play style easily, I clearly understand there are a lot of advantage points your analysis. Key factor is momentum of kinetic.
Thanks for watching.
Are there any lesson you would like to see in the near future?
All the best
Simon
Does Nick hit a second serve kicker with the same toss as his first serve?
His toss goes slightly more to the left for kick serves
What a talent. How does Nick hit a kick serve with his motion? I thought tossing the ball around 1130 and letting the ball drop was key to hitting a kick?
He gets under the ball and brushed it as he makes contact. If you can change the body positioning during the leg drive, it’s easy to hit a kick serve even with the traditional toss in front
Great video.... my favorite serv.... I modeled mine after his... its great.
A video most people need to see, it's how to hit a forehand effortless.
It took me forever to learn how to completely relax, no tension in grib and just swing it...
So must power when u totally relax..... plus I never have pain in arm anymore, even after a 5 setter.
I did not understand it before I saw a RUclips video with one explaining it like this..
If u hold a wet towel in your hand and want vip somebodies ass.... how u do??
The motion in your wrist... that slack/and lack is the whole f...ink secret.
But nobody tells u... 95% procent of all players hit wrong and with tension.
Thanks for watching.
Are there any lesson you would like to see in the near future?
All the best
Simon
I give It a try, because i have a very bad ball toss, but what about the shoulder on this motion of serve?
Shoulder is fine if you execute it correctly
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial ok, Also the use of wrist on right arms?
I've seen nick at the us open several times and I noticed everything you mentioned when I watched him. My only question is how do other players such as roger who DO stop in between, achieve power? Do they compensate somehow?
Roger drives from the legs much more than Nick. Federer uses the platform so his power system is different.
There are many serve power sources, the legs, rotational power, supination and pronation, the entire swing speed, shoulder over shoulder energy, stretching the major muscles etc
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial thanks so much. Makes sense. What technique would you recommend a) for less injury b) for more efficiency. Right now I've more like the nick serve personally but I toss it lower. Btw i think nick serve type is used a lot by doubles players as it allows to rush to the net no?
I suggest testing out different methods and seeing what works for you. That's the only real way to find out!
3:28 decent attempt, but you're all the way in trophy pose at your toss, while nick's racket is still completely facing the ground when he tosses. and the reason he uses wide base is because it feels more natural for tall people/long legs, not to feel weight shift
Interesting that so many shorter pro players also use the pinpoint. But you knew that already, since you’ve worked it all out coach
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial interesting that i never said shorter players don't use pinpoint. the point is, at 6' 5" and above wearing a size 14/15 (U.S.) shoe, a wide base is more natural/comfortable than platform. this is why there's more variation between short and moderately tall player stances, while there's not much variation between taller guys like Ivanišević, Karlovic, Kyrgios, Krajicek, Isner, etc. isner's exaggerated pinpoint would be hard for short players to mimic due to biomechanics, coach
@@BrianErwin It has nothing to do with tall players needing less leg drive on the serve and focusing more on leaning in the court...
I've seen you guys talk about the "lightning serve" (short toss, quick motion) before. I think the best benefit of a lower toss is you're more likely to keep a continuous motion and less likely to pause (which kills the racquet head acceleration).
Precisely Sameer!
The lightening serve obviates the elastic loading that occurs at the hip for some player that appears as a brief pause that coincides with the racquet dropping low behind the back. That pause/ elastic loading is a tremendous source of power. Dolgopolov has it but briefer than most, despite being more lightening than anyone else imo.
Even though his toss is low for his height and compared to other players it's still much higher than many recreational players, so don't think you necessarily should go lower just because of nick
Edit but to Simon's point don't overdo it too because it can make it much harder
Hi! I'm curious about the wrist, how is that motion?
His wrist is very loose at the start and it flops but by the time he reaches the power position, he's already back into a neutral wrist position and does the conventional motion from there, doesn't pronate fully though on some serves
First point should be grow to 6ft 5 inches.
Nick's 6'4. Two inches taller than Djokovic and 3 inches taller than Federer and Nadal.
Far from the giants like Isner, Karlovic and Opelka.
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial My comparison is with my height 5'9 no matter what I do not going to get the pop and bounce these tall players get with the first serves.
As true as that is, you can always make your serve as good as it possibly can be. Having a fast motion and building good disguise will help you massively!
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Don't get me wrong with your videos and some others on RUclips my serve has improved in last one year. My fastest hits the back fence with a nice pop but it always stops at certain height. My friend who is 6'4 comes to serve the bounce is higher that is what I was trying to say. Yeah kick serve I can get it with lack of pace I'm here strictly talking about pancake first serve bounce difference between tall players vs. shorties.
Again video analysis is great but hard to reproduce the same bounce is what I was trying to say. One thing I learnt and not a lot of videos talk about is the tightness of the grip. Keep it super loose like two finger tightness. Racket has to move through the ball for a nice pop, don't hold it too tight guys try it in practice next time.
Very surprised that you overlooked what I consider to be a crucial part of his serve which is the racket head speed. He lets the racket trail behind the ball toss and then catches up by generating huge racket speed.
And that happens because of his low toss and quick motion…
cool vid. but can you actually play on those courts? they look like football pitches
In July and August, myself and Alex filmed a bunch of videos on these courts with lots of points etc and they were ok. You get some terrible bounces but that tends to happen on grass unless you're at Wimbledon!
The absence of a hitch in the trophy pose helps him put a ton of power into the strike. He's just an elite athlete with perfect timing from his feet up to his fingertips, similar to how Steph Curry can make a 40-foot shot look as effortless as a free throw.
It seems, there's one more secret sauce in his serve, it's his wrist band. I think it really helps him to drop the racket that quickly.
I think it has more to do with his looseness and relaxation
I have 5'7 should and I have 16. Should I use this type of serve. Like a have a low ball toss to and actually I have I a similar service movement and I can reach like 160 km per hour with this serve
But my main question is should I change my tennis serve ??
You should experiment and see which style works best for you!
Thanks for watching
Are there any lessons you would like to see from us in the near future?
All the best
Simon
Hey Simon, do you think height plays a large role? As a tiptoe 5’4, I don’t know if I can toss the dang ball high enough to clear the net and hit it fast enough😂😂
Taller players definitely have an advantage when it comes to the serve in general but you can hit the serve at your peak (maximum height you can reach up to) using a high ball toss (waiting for ball to drop) or a low one (hitting close to the apex) so the height will always be the same
Can we apply these elements whiling having a platform stand?
You can apply the fast motion and low ball toss but not the rocking motion.
I use the fast motion on my own serve with a platform stance
All the best
Simon
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial appreciate the comments Simon! I am on my way of improving my platform stance following your other videos :) and this certain helps a lot.
good job simon - but where is alex?
Here - ruclips.net/video/hQ2ETdwn4-w/видео.html
One of the best servers among atp players. Unfortunately he cant capitalize on his talent development.
I watched a video of Nick playing back in 2014. He looks so into the game back then, motivated to win and shows off massive potential. If he had kept his head down and applied himself fully, he'd already be sitting on a couple of slams. Shame he's wasting his talent trying to live like a regular college kid but also play pro tennis. Talks bad about Djokovic and Nadal yet he could learn so much from them about how to train like a pro!
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial By his own admission over a number of years, he has developed depression and has been trying to fight it with mixed success. It is very common in elite sports people. This is not helping his focus. He actually likes and respects Nadal but the media play that one up. Apparently he respects Nole's game as well but says a few things that other players also feel, e.g. the celebration thing.
100 likes Please and Top Tennis Training will do a video on what I requested. Thank you for the likes. Can you do a video about serve placement not just about the flat serve but also about slice serve and kick serve please and thank you?
I feel like I can't pick my spots where I want my serve to go especially on slice serve and kick serve.
Let's get 100 likes on your comment and consider it done!
What is nick kyrgios serve grip?
Continental 👍
I envy your serves. Highly technical.
Thank you for the support brother!
All the best
Simon
is the low ball toss only effective for tall players ? i mean nick basically towers over the net. i wonder if the low ball toss would be effective for players under six feet
Tipsarevic used it very well, he's 5'11 and Dolgopolov uses it also and he's also 5'11.
Top Tennis Training - Pro Tennis Lessons but im only 5’7 😂😂😂😂
You'll need to develop a great vertical jump then!
How do we hit a flat serve?
Check out this lesson - ruclips.net/video/w03NVg7YtNo/видео.html
I’ve read that players who have this kind of a serve are very convenient to get injured. Do you recommend to have that kind of a serve or a serve like Federer’s where it’s a low possibility to get injured? Thanks!
It could increase injury risk due to the high speed of the arm action. Federer's motion is more fluid for sure!
Number 4 : it's his grimace !
And his eyebrow lines
but how to hit a kick serve with this technique ？
00:27
👍
Does Nick Pronate on his serve?
He pronates into contact, but doesn’t pronate fully on most of his serves. He does on kick serves, but flat and slice serves he finishes without full pronation, often ending up with his wrist snapping somewhat
What grip is Nick using on serve?
Continental grip
Too much ads for a single video...
Ask for a refund. . .
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial ) Thanks for commenting, your videos are nice.
You clearly emulate him well. Are you thinking of using it in your matches? If not why?
I tried out the pinpoint in a few matches many years ago and I developed a bad lower back so ended up going back to the platform with an emphasis on generating an explosive leg drive and taking the stress off the lower back.
At this point in my game, I don't compete, my focus is on building TTT and that takes all my time.
All the best
Simon
"3 things that make his serve unique and -" video cuts
Timestamp on that?
Top Tennis Training - Pro Tennis Lessons 0:28
Nick said: "Stop talking, let me show ya bro"
5:03
do naomi osaka
There are many jokes I can make with that comment but I'll skip them this time since you seem young.
Which stroke of hers?
Top Tennis Training - Pro Tennis Lessons I would really like to see her forehand! It really like her forehand and i would love to get to learn it from the video (if you make it)
Simon, would you like to borrow my lawn mower.....?...your court could do with some stripes
If you have some paint as well, that would be great!
Haha
his weight is on his back leg well before he starts his swing. It goes forward when he starts his take back! Unless my lyin eyes deceive me :)
Djokovic should watch this video
Djokovic's serve has improved massively over the year.
In 2019 he held serve 87.6% of the time, Nick held serve 88%
Very close. . .
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial I mean djokovic should analyse his serve, because they played 2 matches and he wasn't able to win even a set)
@@Lumberjack737 Ah ok, misunderstood that. Nick's serve is perfect for disguise, one of the reasons why it's so good, the fast motion makes it very hard to read, so even if Djokovic studies it, he'll have lot's of trouble trying to read it
Simon. Please allow me to respectfully challenge your idea about using a forward weight transfer by sliding the back foot to the front foot in the tennis serve. I call this the one-legged serve and I'll limit my comments to just the player's lower body.
The type of horizontal movement you espouse might help taller servers, say above 6'6" in height, but in my opinion that is questionable too. This technique should not be taught by coaches or used by players for several, very crucial reasons. Let me explain.
Having good balance is a major attribute in playing any sport well and tennis is no different. When a player moves overtly in a horizontal manner by sliding her back foot to the front when serving makes it more difficult and produces undesirable results, for the vast majority of players. These include; increasing the likelihood of shoulder injuries, increasing the likelihood of double faults, reducing power and decreasing deception capability. The one-legged serve requires the server's head-to-ball spatial relationship to increase in variability. More head moving forward equals more changes in the spatial variability between the two. This is exacerbated because as the weight is transferred forward it also means the arm tossing the ball is moving forward, adding to more head-to-ball spatial variability. This added degree of timing difficulty usually results in a decrease in serve consistency. It also increases the chances for shoulder injuries because the server is more apt to move too far forward and hit the ball behind her optimal biomechanical strike point. Thirdly, the leading hip is biomechanically restricted and therefore reduces its kinetic potential. This also reduces deception as that is produced primarily from the ball toss and leading hip relationship. Recent and past examples of tennis pros who had and have difficulties with their serves because of this were Guillermo Vilas and Felix Auger Aliassime. Vilas, a 4-time Grand Slam winner and Masters Champion was notorious for mishitting serves and FAA has suffered from bouts of serving consecutive double faults.
Let's look at a better solution by advocating a two-legged serve. Many players use this technique including Sampras, Federer, Djokovic, Roddick, and Raonic. I have included video links showing their serves in slow motion along with about a dozen others below.
There are many reasons why a two-legged serve is a much better choice to teach and use when coaching and playing tennis. I touched on them above. Less horizontal head movement, better leading hip torque, more consistent ball toss, greater power, and more deception potential. The two-legged serve means that the back foot DOES NOT SLIDE UP to the front foot before the contact is made. Why is it so much better? Firstly, it reduces the horizontal head movement, which means lower head-to-ball spatial variability. The result is a more consistent ball toss with fewer faults. Secondly, it compels the server to move more up vertically into the ball so that she can make contact at her highest comfortable point, a key factor in increasing the margin of error because the ball can then travel higher over the net. Secondly, with a better-balanced base, the leading hip can protrude into the court more, thereby increasing the kinetic potential of upper body torque and disguise. Finally, using a solid foundational base also reduces shoulder injury. It accomplishes this because the ball toss to head relationship has less variability and therefore easier to master, which results in fewer serves being hit behind the player.
Reducing the head movement is on display in golf. One of the main principles of hitting a good golf ball is to keep the head still. Why is that? I believe it reduces, almost eliminates the head-to-ball spatial variability.
The two-legged serve biomechanics are on display in baseball. For those of you who are familiar with how a baseball pitcher throws the ball you will see a striking similarity. The right-handed pitcher pushes off the rubber with his right foot. He does not slide his right foot up to his left foot prior to throwing the ball. Some of his power, not unlike the tennis server, emanates from his legs, primarily the right leg for right-handed pitchers.
Nick Kyrigios is a super talented tennis player but his serve is not one to emulate. He's got exceptional timing and for the average player to try to model their serve after him is just way too difficult. In a comparison with Raonic and Kygrios a few years ago at the US Open, they showed that Raonic, who's 1 inch taller makes contact with his serve 6 inches higher than Kyrigos. That higher margin of error really makes a huge difference at their level of play but the principle is the same for everyone. Raonic's role model was Sampras, not surprising. Both of these great servers had the advantage of a solid base by using the two-legged serve technique.
The video links below are of slow-motion videos of tennis pros with two-legged serves. It lists their name, height and video link.
pete sampras 6-1 ruclips.net/video/vzaXFny9Tg4/видео.html
novak djokovic 6-2 ruclips.net/video/uyTtZE6LSek/видео.html
roger federer 6-1 ruclips.net/video/mKXtVQnqhB4/видео.html
andy roddick 6-2 ruclips.net/video/SZbxKuLEP_o/видео.html
marin cilic 6-6 ruclips.net/video/9dqkF9NXgtc/видео.html
milos raonic 6-5 ruclips.net/video/Xzs3cc_rG2Q/видео.html
milos raonic 147 mph ruclips.net/video/xdY2hlrFehU/видео.html
stefanos tsitsipas 6-4 ruclips.net/video/4rpDDxdzwWA/видео.html
taylor fritz 6-4 ruclips.net/video/mSOtAbQ4I6Q/видео.html
benoit paire 6-5 ruclips.net/video/yL3xEDrFF-E/видео.html
denis shapovalov 6-0 ruclips.net/video/QvD9JgrcR1I/видео.html
dominic thiem 6-1 ruclips.net/video/bKJ4INgHDaE/видео.html
fabio fognini 5-10 ruclips.net/video/0n07k1YnP9s/видео.html
dan evans 5-9 ruclips.net/video/8z68BSQ1d1g/видео.html
tommy paul 6-1 ruclips.net/video/uE5tYB5h8BE/видео.html
vasek pospisil 6-4 ruclips.net/video/Z0JlQc3fyxs/видео.html
kevin curren 6-0 ruclips.net/video/yQAJyXKxuG4/видео.html
You prefer the platform stance serve. No problem.
Pinpoint stance does work for Kyrgios and many other players, pros and club alike!
Because he play all life tennis , spend 1000 hours in gym, have team like professional...who tink will be after that video play like Kyr...is made !!
Great attitude
Better than sampras
The difference being of course 14 slams separate them. As good as Nick’s serve is, his mind is as fragile as a sleepy toddler
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial you’re right, but nick’s game is so much more entertaining than Sampras. The latter’s is painfully boring to watch.
#freenickkyrgios
What do you make of his 16 week suspended ban?
I think Kyrgios is a good entertainer
Agree but he needs to behave himself. He's a role model after all, if he likes it or not.
True, I think he should do his usual stuff, but without the racket smashes and the cussing involved, if he does that and focus, he could win some major stuff.
Agreed! That along with working harder and making himself a real pro off court!
He's still offensive, unsportsmanlike, foul mouthed, angry, unignified and contemptuous of everyone.
He's the worst possible ambassador for tennis and is bringing the game into disrepute.
Talent for tennis - 8/10.
Talent for good behavior - 0/10.
Regardless of his antics, he's got a great serve.
This video is not about his behaviour, it's about his serve!
a dud player should be sacked by tennis Australia
His personality and on-court antics have nothing to do with this video, it's simply about his serve. Keep those comments for our Love Tennis channel, where we discuss these kinds of things in depth.
ruclips.net/channel/UCAEs1UK-NvLTWLNPnORcrdg