Confused By Pronation Of A Tennis Serve? Your Questions Answered...

In this paragraph, Thomas from Phil Chinese addresses common misconceptions about the 'servpro nation' movement and the complexity of pronation in tennis serves. He explains that pronation is often misunderstood due to the way coaches teach it, emphasizing that the term 'pronation' in tennis is simplified to describe a more complex motion involving internal shoulder rotation. Thomas clarifies that pronation is the turning of the forearm and hand, and it's essential for players with a continental grip. He demonstrates that without pronation, serving the ball is impossible, as it would result in a frame hit or a grazed ball. Thomas also addresses players' concerns about whether they are pronating correctly, asserting that if they use a continental grip, they are indeed pronating, but may not be maximizing the movement's potential.

Thomas continues the discussion on pronation, this time focusing on topspin serves. He illustrates the importance of pronation by showing what a topspin serve would look like without it, emphasizing that without turning the racket into the ball, the serve would lack power and travel a short distance. He explains that pronation begins as the player approaches the ball on the edge and completes as the racket face opens up during contact with the ball. Thomas suggests that players might not be maximizing the pronation movement, which is why they may not achieve the desired power or spin on their serves. He also touches on the differences in pronation between flat, slice, and topspin serves, highlighting the importance of practicing the movement to feel the forearm twist and achieve a more effective serve.

In this section, Thomas elaborates on the role of pronation in flat and slice serves. He uses a visual demonstration to show the difference in pronation between these two types of serves and how it affects the ball's trajectory. For a flat serve, the racket turns 90 degrees by the time of contact with the ball, completing the pronation movement. In contrast, a slice serve involves partially completing the pronation, hitting the ball while the racket is still angled, which imparts spin. Thomas points out that regardless of the serve type, the pronation movement is always initiated, but the key is to maximize its potential for added power and speed. He advises players to ensure they are actively completing the pronation movement to enhance their serve's effectiveness.

Thomas concludes the video script by addressing a question about professional players who may appear to serve without pronation, using Kiki Burton as an example. He asserts that even professionals with unconventional techniques, such as Burton's waiter's grip, still engage in pronation to some extent. However, he emphasizes that the continental grip is taught for its versatility in serving, allowing players to hit flat, topspin, and slice serves comfortably. Thomas also demonstrates that while it's possible to serve with a forehand grip, it limits the ability to vary serves and achieve spin. He encourages players to learn and practice the correct pronation movement to unlock the full potential of their serve, regardless of professional variations.