DEVELOPING A STRONG SERVICE IN TENNIS

Southland Times, Issue 23676, 26 November 1938, Page 15

DEVELOPING A STRONG SERVICE IN TENNIS

(SPECIALLY WRITTEN FOR THE SOUTHLAND TIMES) .

By

DONALD BUDGE

No. 8

To get the best results with his service the player should start his throw and his back-swing at the same time. I believe that the two hands should be close together at the start of the serve, in a position in front of the waist. As the left hand goes up the right takes the racket down and backward to a point where the arm is completely extended. After the racket has reached this low ebb, it is brought up with increasing momentum to perform a “loop” behind the head. From this “loop” the forward swing is made and the ball is hit. The important error to avoid making in the back-swing is that of pausing during the procedure. The long swing is necessary to get the weight properly into the ball, and any break in the rhythm of the stroke defeats this purpose. The ball is hit at arm’s length above the head, so that even in the case of a short player it can be brought down into the service court. At the moment of impact the top of the racket should be closer to the net than the lower edge or throat. The degree of this angle depends, of course, on the individual player. Obviously a very tall man would strike the ball with a more pronounced tilt to his racket than a short one. The player must use his own sense of touch. If the majority of his serves tend to find the net the angle is too abrupt. If the serves tend to have too much length the reverse holds true. Whether the ball is hit flat or sliced the principle of striking down applies. The slice service merely adds side spin to the ball. As the slice service not only hits down but also across the ba’l, it is more dependable than the flat hit ball. The reason for this is that the strings stay in contact longer with the ball, sacrificing speed for control. Generally speaking I would advise the beginner to learn both types of delivery. The flat serve is always a dangerous weapon because of its great speed. "ihe sliced serve comes in very nicely to avoid double faults and gives the server a change of pace. The follow through is divided into two phases. The first immediately follows the departure of the ball from the racket and the second is the tail end of the swing., ■ , / . . . 'ln the first the player must be careful to continue to direct his arm and

shoulder, also his racket, towards the spot where he wishes the ball to go. He must remember that his task has not been completed at the moment of impact. The end of the swing should be made slightly to the left of the left leg in order to preserve the player’s balance and leave him in a position to Cope with the next shot. STANDARD TYPES There are three standard types of service that may be used. In the flat service, described before, we have the one with which we can attain the most speed, and therefore very excellent for the first ball. If it goes in it may force a weak return or even score a clean ace. Much success comes from its use on grass or concrete courts. It has, though, its disadvantages. It has a small margin of safety; hence few players use it for a second ball delivery. If it is used consistently, the player receiving usually adjusts his timing to enable him to handle it effectively. Some players are not bothered by speed, Lester Stoefen or Ellsworth Vines, for example, and its use against them is not too effective. Clay courts, too, tend to rob this type of serve of some of its speed as they slow the ball down greatly.

The slice service makes for better control and accuracy. It is invaluable as a second delivery. On grass it causes a low bounce which adds to its value. Its main disadvantage is that with it speed is more difficult to attain. It also breaks towards the receiver’s forehand and often gives him a chance to make a forcing return. The American twist is the reverse of the slice in that it bounces high and breaks towards the receiver’s backhand. It is very effective on hard courts and against players with weak shots off the left side. Its execution consists of throwing the ball to the left of the head and bringing the racket face sharply over it towards the right. I have found it a fatiguing type of delivery. I also find it hard to make a break towards the backhand on grass courts. It is, however, an effective weapon in a delivery featuring changes of pace and varieties of spins. A small minority of players prefer to rush the net after every service, Johnnie Doeg and Jean Borotra attained a great deal of success with games featuring this principle. The theory is that the receiver feels that he has to make an excellent shot to pass his adversary; because of this psychological advantage many errors may result. However, the better players are able to make it very tough for a consistent net rusher. The server who follows these tactics often wears himself out early in the match. If the return of the service is good he is forced to make many volleys from uncomfortable positions. It is very tiring and trying to keep this up consis-

tently. However, an occasional sally to the net introduces an element of surprise and it is well to be ready to rush in to cut off a weak return.

AVOIDING DOUBLE FAULTS

The dread of all beginners is the deadly double fault. 1316 best method of avoiding this is to arrive at an effective pace for both deliveries. That is to say, slow down the first delivery enough so that you are able to put a high percentage in. Keep the second delivery as close as possible in pace ,to the first, but with slightly more spin. I don t mean to make the first serve soft, but merely suggest refraining from attempting to make too many cannon ball” deliveries. Beginners often make the first services very severe and merely push the second ball, when the proper solution is a happy medium. They make the mistake of trying for too many aces. This is a foolish procedure. It is best to concentrate on making forcing services that will bring weak returns and to keep your opponent continually guessing as to what is next in line. Mix your flat shots and spins, your hard and soft serves, and your attacks on the net following service. This type of strategy has been responsible for the success of such fine servers as Tilden and Vines. Let the aces come as pleasant surprises and first learn the more essential fundamentals.