Movement of the elbow during the serve

Gerard McCarthy Unknown Asked 15 years ago

Hi Alois

I'd like to refer to Brett Clarke's latest article on serving.

"If a player isn’t getting enough spin on their serve it is generally because he/she is using their shoulder rather than the wrist and forearm. ..........The only reason to move the upper arm is to disguise the spin when serving a sidespin serve."

This seems like great advice in reference to the pendulum, reverse pendulum, forehand and backhand tomahawk or hammer serves. I would add that it simplifies the movement of the bat, by making it easier to keep its movement in one plane. So this improves consistency and control. 

Now, When I do some serves on the backhand and during a variation of the pendulum serve i "lift"  the ball with an upward brushing action to impart topspin and sidespin. In both cases, I do this with an action at the shoulder that rapidly raises the elbow. Much of the movement of the bat at contact is due to this rapid upward movement of the elbow. 

So, do you think that these serves that involve the upper arm movement are worth continuing with, even though they don't generate the same amount of spin as the pendulum, reverse pendulum, forehand and backhand tomahawk or hammer serves that use a rapid movement at the wrist and elbow?

What are your thoughts?

Also, what are your favourite ways of moving the elbow after contact with the ball, in order to disguise the serve in some way?

Alois Rosario Answered 15 years ago

Hi Gerard,

Thanks for another interesting question.

I think the serevs are worth persevering with as a good variation of the pendulum and backhand serves.

The movements you are making will help with disguise and be a further serve in your armoury.  By lifting the shoulder and keeping the wrist still you can give the impression of a strong topspin serve but in fact have a mild topspin serve.

Just remember you will not be able to generate as much spin by just using your arm and shoulder.  The wrist is the part that moves the fastest.