How To Hit a Kick Serve in Tennis with Venus Williams

Venus Williams
29 Apr 202208:26
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis video tutorial breaks down the complex kick serve in tennis, addressing common queries on its execution. Starting with the advanced grip, the instructor emphasizes the importance of a proper toss and back arch to generate spin and movement. The 'seven o'clock' contact point is crucial for the ball's trajectory, and the video also touches on the use of pronation for added kick. Aimed at intermediate to advanced players, the content offers tips for mastering this serve, with encouragement to practice and learn from experience.

Takeaways
  • 🎾 The kick serve is a complex tennis serve that can be challenging to execute but is highly effective when mastered.
  • 🤚 The grip for a kick serve is an advanced technique that involves sliding from the eastern grip to a further position for more ball movement.
  • 👍 It's recommended to be comfortable with the basic eastern grip before attempting the kick serve's more advanced grip.
  • 🚫 Beginners should not attempt the kick serve in match play until they are fully ready.
  • 💡 The kick serve aims to make the ball jump high and move laterally, making it difficult for the returner to strike.
  • 🤔 The kick serve can be used not only for the second serve but also as a first serve for added variety.
  • 🤸‍♂️ The serve uses the same toss as other serves, avoiding any telegraphing of the kick's intention.
  • 🧘‍♂️ Arching the back more than usual during the kick serve can generate additional power and spin on the ball.
  • 💪 Strengthening abdominal muscles is crucial for effectively arching the back and generating kick in the serve.
  • ⏰ The contact point for the kick serve is around the seven o'clock position on the ball to impart the desired spin.
  • 👐 Pronation of the wrist during the serve can add extra movement to the ball, making it even more challenging for the returner.
  • 🎥 The video provides a demonstration of the kick serve, showcasing the technique in action.
Q & A

  • What is the kick serve in tennis?

    -The kick serve is a complex tennis serve that is designed to make the ball jump high and move laterally from left to right for right-handed players, or right to left for left-handed players, making it difficult for the opponent to return.

  • Why is the kick serve considered complex?

    -The kick serve is complex due to the specific grip, toss, and body mechanics required to execute it properly. It involves an advanced technique that may not be suitable for beginners.

  • What type of grip is used for the kick serve?

    -An eastern grip is used for the kick serve, with the option to slide the grip further to the left or right for more movement on the ball.

  • Is the kick serve only used for the second serve?

    -No, the kick serve can be used for both the first and second serve, though it may be more commonly associated with the second serve.

  • What is the purpose of the back arch in the kick serve?

    -The back arch in the kick serve helps to generate more power and spin on the ball, contributing to the ball's high jump and lateral movement.

  • How does the contact point on the ball differ for the kick serve compared to other serves?

    -For the kick serve, the contact point is ideally at about seven o'clock on the ball's face, which helps to create the desired spin and movement.

  • What is the role of abdominal strength in executing the kick serve?

    -Abdominal strength is crucial for the back arch and the twisting motion involved in the kick serve, allowing for more power and spin on the ball.

  • What is pronation and how does it relate to the kick serve?

    -Pronation is the outward rotation of the wrist, which can be used in the kick serve to add extra spin and movement to the ball.

  • Why is it recommended to land into the court when executing a kick serve?

    -Landing into the court helps to maximize the use of leg strength and momentum, which can contribute to the power and effectiveness of the kick serve.

  • What should a player do if they are not comfortable with the kick serve?

    -Players who are not comfortable with the kick serve should practice it without the pressure of match play and ensure they have a solid foundation in basic serving techniques before attempting the kick serve.

  • How can a player improve their chances of executing a successful kick serve?

    -Players can improve their kick serve by focusing on grip technique, practicing the correct toss, strengthening their abdominal muscles, and working on the timing and contact point of the serve.

Outlines
00:00
🎾 Kick Serve Technique Overview

The video script begins with an introduction to the kick serve, a complex tennis serve that is often asked about by viewers. The speaker expresses excitement about teaching this serve and encourages audience interaction through comments and subscriptions. The focus is on the serve's grip, which starts with an eastern grip and can be adjusted for more spin. The goal of the kick serve is to make the ball jump high and move laterally, making it difficult for the returner. The script also mentions that while the kick serve can be used for the second serve, it can also be employed for the first serve. The importance of the grip and the toss, which should be the same as other serves but slightly to the left, is emphasized.

05:01
🤸‍♂️ Advanced Kick Serve Mechanics

This paragraph delves deeper into the mechanics of the kick serve, including the back arch, which is an advanced technique that utilizes abdominal strength to generate more power and spin on the ball. The speaker suggests exercises to improve abdominal strength for this serve. The contact point for the kick serve is also discussed, with the ideal point being at 'seven o'clock' on the ball to impart the desired spin. The paragraph further explains the difference in wrist movement for the kick serve compared to other serves, highlighting the importance of pronation to add extra spin. The script concludes with a demonstration of the kick serve and additional tips, such as not being discouraged by initial failed attempts and learning from experience. The speaker also invites viewers to subscribe for more tennis-related content and behind-the-scenes videos.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Kick Serve
The 'kick serve' is a tennis serve characterized by its high trajectory and lateral movement, making it difficult for the receiver to return. It's a complex technique that the video aims to teach. The script mentions that the kick serve is not easy to execute and is often used to prevent the ball from being attackable, with the goal of making it jump high and move away from the receiver, thus putting them off balance.
💡Eastern Grip
The 'eastern grip' is a specific way of holding the tennis racket, which is the starting point for the kick serve. The video script suggests that viewers can find more information on this grip in another video on serve basics. In the context of the kick serve, the eastern grip can be adjusted for more movement on the ball.
💡Toss
The 'toss' refers to the action of throwing the ball into the air before striking it during a serve. The script emphasizes that the same toss technique used in regular serves should be applied to the kick serve, with a slight adjustment to the left to add to the ball's movement without giving away the serve's intention.
💡Back Arch
The 'back arch' is a posture used during the serve where the player's back is bent backward. In the context of the kick serve, the video explains that arching the back more than usual can contribute to generating more kick on the ball. It also mentions the importance of abdominal strength for effectively using this technique.
💡Contact Point
The 'contact point' is the location on the ball where it is struck by the racket. For the kick serve, the video specifies that the ideal contact point is at about 'seven o'clock' on the ball's face to impart the necessary spin for the ball to move from left to right.
💡Pronation
In the context of tennis, 'pronation' refers to the outward rotation of the wrist during the serve, which can add extra spin and movement to the ball. The video script explains that pronation is used in the kick serve to enhance the ball's lateral movement.
💡Abdominal Strength
The script mentions the importance of 'abdominal strength' for executing the kick serve, particularly when using the back arch technique. It suggests exercises to strengthen the abs, which is crucial for generating power and maintaining balance during the serve.
💡Serve Basics
'Serve basics' refers to the fundamental principles and techniques of serving in tennis. The video script advises viewers to review these basics before attempting the more advanced kick serve, ensuring they have a solid foundation.
💡First Serve vs. Second Serve
The script discusses the application of the kick serve for both the 'first serve' and 'second serve'. While the kick serve is often associated with the second serve, the video suggests that it can also be used effectively for the first serve.
💡Subscriber Engagement
The video script encourages 'subscriber engagement' by asking viewers to comment, subscribe, and hit the notification button. This is a common practice in video content to build a community and keep viewers informed about new content.
Highlights

Introduction to the kick serve, a complex serve in tennis that is often asked about.

The importance of viewer engagement through comments and subscriptions for content improvement.

Explanation of the kick serve's purpose: to make the ball unattackable and cause it to jump high and move.

The kick serve can be used for both first and second serves, not just as a defensive play.

The grip for the kick serve is an advanced technique, starting with an eastern grip and sliding it over for more movement.

The toss for the kick serve remains the same as a regular serve, with a slight adjustment to the left.

Advantage of getting out into the court when executing the kick serve for extra kick on the ball.

The necessity of finger positioning for grip and the importance of not clenching the fist.

Technique of arching the back more on the kick serve to utilize abdominal strength for added power.

Recommendation for exercises to improve abdominal strength for better back arching in tennis serves.

The contact point for the kick serve should be at about seven o'clock on the ball for optimal movement.

Difference in contact point between the kick serve and other types of serves, such as the slice.

Demonstration of the kick serve technique, emphasizing the importance of practice.

The opportunity to pronate the wrist during the kick serve for additional ball movement.

Follow-through technique for the kick serve, which involves a slight outward wrist movement.

Advice on dealing with nerves during serves and the potential for framing the ball as a learning experience.

Encouragement to check out additional videos on basic serves and other tennis-related content.

Transcripts

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Related Tags
Tennis ServeKick ServeTennis TechniquesServe GripServe TossBack ArchContact PointPronationServe StrategyTennis Training