Notice that the legs have largely straightened already. The energy they contribute is the start of a kinetic chain (a linked sequence of energy transfers) that will eventually end up whipping the wrist upward and forward to create the racquet-head speed that delivers power to the ball. You don't need to think about making all of these body parts work together: If you just remember "elbow up, racquet down" and keep your whole arm nice and relaxed, the kinetic chain will take care of itself.
Photo Lesson: How to Hit the Basic Serve
By Jeff Cooper, About.com Guide
This is one of the two most important positions to remember about the serve. (We'll see the other shortly.) Having your elbow fully bent, with the racquet hanging down behind you from a relaxed wrist, is the key to getting maximum power on your serve with the least effort and the least strain on your arm. Players who don't learn a proper elbow bend never get the full power they should, and they often suffer shoulder injuries.
Prev
- Grip, Stance, and Toss Hold
- Start of Toss and Wind-up
- Racquet Moving Back; Ball Moving Up
- Middle of Wind-up; Ball Released
- Loading Up the Muscles
- Elbow Up, Racquet Down
- Wrist Ready to Whip
- Point of Contact
- Early Follow-Through
- End of Follow-Through
More Photo-Based Lessons on Basic Strokes
Basic Eastern ForehandBasic Two-Handed BackhandBasic One-Handed Backhand
Photo-Based Lessons on More Advanced Serves
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