Photo Lesson: How to Hit the Topspin-Slice Power First Serve

Beginning of Upward Strike: Elbow Up, Racquet Down

(C)2006 Jeff Cooper licensed to About.com, Inc.

• Legs have straightened, driving upward with enough force to lift feet off ground.
• Upper body has uncoiled, now facing net.
• Upper arm nearly vertical.
• Elbow bent at 90 degrees.
• Wrist laid back loosely with racquet at 90 degrees from forearm.
• Racquet dropped straight down creates maximal swing length for upward strike.

• Stance, Grip, and Toss Hold
• Knee Bend and Body Coil on Wind-up
• Beginning of Upward Strike: Elbow Up, Racquet Down
• Mid-Swing
• Split Second Before Contact
• Split Second After Contact
• Natural Pronation
• Early Follow-Through
• End of Follow-Through