The LAST Ball Toss Lesson You Ever Need To Watch

The video script emphasizes the importance of mastering the ball toss to improve one's serve in tennis. It suggests that the ball toss is central to a good serve, and by perfecting it, a player can see immediate improvements. The instructor proposes to dissect the ball toss, offering insights and drills to refine the skill. The lesson begins with the motivation that perfect ball placement could drastically enhance serve performance. It then delves into the different ways to hold the ball, discussing the 'palm up' and 'palm side' styles, their benefits, and drawbacks. The 'palm side' style is recommended for its smooth release and control. The summary also touches on the importance of a consistent pre-serve routine and the correct tempo for entering the serve.

This paragraph focuses on the mechanics of the ball toss, starting with the weight shift during the tossing phase. It explains that a slight weight shift back helps counterbalance the energy from the rising arm, which is crucial for maintaining stillness and control. The instructor advises keeping the body still while the tossing arm is active to ensure consistency in ball placement. Additionally, the paragraph discusses the common 'arms down together, up together' coaching advice, which is now often replaced with a focus on placing the ball first and then swinging the racket. The angle of the tossing arm during the release is also covered, with a preference for a 45° angle from the baseline, which aids in shoulder rotation and a straightforward ball placement. The instructor warns against the 'J toss' due to its negative impact on body positioning and the difficulty it presents in achieving a strong serve.

The paragraph delves into the precise release of the ball and the optimal height for a ball toss. It describes using one's eyes to help release the ball in the correct area, emphasizing the importance of a smooth lift and release that makes the ball appear to float out of the hand. The instructor advises against the idea of 'tossing' the ball as if throwing it, instead promoting a delicate 'placing' motion. The paragraph also discusses controlling the tossing shoulder and maintaining arm control after the release. The topic of ball toss height is explored, with the instructor advocating for a higher toss to allow time for the server to prepare and execute the serve effectively. The height should be consistent and slightly above the contact point for better timing and control. The instructor also addresses common misconceptions about low ball tosses and their potential downsides.

This section of the script introduces a practical drill using a fence as a reference point for determining the appropriate height of the ball toss. The instructor, who is almost 6 feet tall, uses a 12-foot fence to demonstrate that the height, which may initially seem excessive, is actually suitable for a consistent and effective serve. The idea is to use the fence as a visual aid to practice and adjust the ball toss height that works best for the individual's style and swing tempo. The instructor suggests that the ball should be tossed high enough to allow for a full range of motion and balance loading in the serve. The paragraph concludes with the recommendation to practice the serve at the baseline using the height determined with the fence as a reference.

The final paragraph discusses the ideal location for ball placement during a serve, which is between the shoulder and the ear, allowing for maximum power and leverage. The instructor explains that being outside this area can lead to slicing the ball and reduced power. The paragraph also covers how to identify good and poor ball placements, advocating for the practice of not playing a poorly placed ball to avoid developing bad habits. The instructor shares a drill to improve ball placement consistency, which involves setting up, practicing the ball toss, and freezing the motion to assess if the ball returns to the desired location. This practice is meant to build muscle memory and coordination in the tossing motion. The lesson concludes with encouragement to apply these concepts in practice to enhance serve performance.