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High Performance Coaching
Vol. 11, No. 2
The USTA Newsletter for Tennis Coaches
2010
The USTA Newsletter for Tennis Coaches
2010
ACCELERATION
5.
ACCELERATION Photo 5 is the release of energy
which has been stored in the previous stages of the
serve. This rapid acceleration of both the lower and
upper body is the result of effective summation of
forces from the ground up through the kinetic chain
which results in ball contact (photo 6). Notice that
both players have maintained a stable body position
highlighting the shoulder-over-shoulder and hip-
over-hip position, while also keeping their head up
and eyes looking up. Too often less effective servers
will drop their head early in the acceleration stage
and this can limit velocity, consistency and can also
increase the risk of injury.
6.
CONTACT - Photo 6 demonstrates contact position
for both Stosur and Henin. These contact points
are a direct result of the positions that both players
were able to progress through during the previous
five stages of the serve. It is interesting to note that
although the contact points are less extended when
compared to many of the male servers, Stosur and
Henin are in effective contact positions with the
upper body fully extended and non-dominant hand
arm tucked into the waist. Due to an effective leg
drive both players are substantially off the ground at
ball contact.
FOLLOW-THROUGH
7.
DECELERATION Photo 7 requires a transition
of energy from exploding through the ball to
decelerating the body (specifically the upper body)
after impact. These photos show that both players
have successfully made contact with the ball and
have finished the follow-through. This included
vigorous long-axis rotation (which is a combination
of internal shoulder rotation and forearm/wrist
pronation). All good servers perform this component.
It is also important to observe that both players have
maintained good upper body position, keeping their
head and chest up throughout this stage of the serving
motion. Most ineffective servers at this point in the
motion have collapsed at the core, resulting in the
head and chest pulling down which negatively impacts
both velocity and consistency of the serve.
8.
FINISH Photo 8 demonstrates a great finish (landing)
position for the serve. This position requires great
lower body deceleration to help cushion the landing
on the front leg (left leg). Both players have very similar
landing mechanics and it is clear that their head is
looking forward at the opponent which allows them
to effectively react to the return of serve. The front leg
has a slight bend at landing which works as a shock
absorber to lessen the impact on the knee, hip and
lower back. The back leg kicks up and back, which is in
direct response to the front leg landing on the ground.
NEW
MENTAL SKILLS AND DRILLS HANDBOOK
Foreword by Billie Jean King
USTA Mental Skills and Drills Handbook is written as a practical
guide for coaches. It contains a variety of drills,
activities, and on- and off-court coaching strategies
that can be used to develop such mental-toughness
skills as concentration, imagery, and confidence in
players. The skills and drills were designed for use with
players of diverse ages and skill levels.
The USTA Mental Skills and Drills Handbook is a
must read for every serious player, parent,
and coach. This book gives them exactly
what they have been looking for--the best
of sport psychology in one place that is well
organized, easy to understand, and easy to
apply to the court. Coaches will have at their
fingertips practical drills to teach confidence,
motivation, and relaxation.
Dick Gould
Director of Tennis at Stanford University
17 National Team Championships
Coached 50 All-Americans
About the Book
To Order
Edited By
PRICE: $49.95
PRODUCT CODE: 9781606790809
Larry Lauer, Ph.D.
Daniel Gould, Ph.D.
Paul Lubbers, Ph.D.
Mark Kovacs, Ph.D.
Online: www.coacheschoice.com
Phone: 888.229.5745
Fax: 831.372.6075
Mail: P.O. Box 1828
Monterey, CA 93942
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