How do I develop a reliable serve under pressure?

Answered by: Colin McAlpin (Head Pro)

At all [skill] levels, 80% of the serve is the toss. It’s a challenge because we’re using our non-dominant hand to do it. The quality of the toss sets up the serve. Here are some things to think about. Toss the ball slowly, have your arm straight, but relaxed. Push the ball up from the shoulder palm up and release the ball in front and to the right (for a right hander). The idea is for the ball to rise and sit there for you to hit. You hit it with your racquet arm fully extended. A lower ball toss is also better in the sun and in the wind.