Is it possible to learn to serve without swinging a racquet? Sounds ridiculous. But is it?
Let’s look a study that explored at this very question. Some researchers recruited undergraduate students with no previous tennis experience.[1] First up, the students were given traditional instruction where the coach described and demonstrated how to serve. The students were told about such things as the correct grip, stance, biomechanics of the swing and the transfer of weight.
You battle your regular tennis rival every week. The problem is they’ve always got the upper hand. Wouldn’t it be good if you could get an edge? Something like know where your opponent’s shot is going – all before they hit it.
Is it possible? And if so, how?
Well, a good starting point would be to see what the professionals say.
A combination of the Covid19 virus, ensuing lockdowns and the Netflix hit series, The Queen’s Gambit[1] has led to an upsurge of interest in chess. Would-be grandmasters have been glued to their computers playing opponents half a world away.
But why am I telling you this? It’s because chess has a lot to tell us about playing tennis.
Okay. I’m not saying you should have a few glasses before a game.
What I am saying is if you know what helps you be better at Wine Tasting – and why – you’ll know what sort of practice and training to do so you get the best results in a game.
Let’s look at an experiment to show you what we mean.[1]
Want to return serve like Roger Federer? Is this even possible? Or has Federer just got a natural talent.
If it’s natural talent, you’re probably out of luck if you didn’t receive a good share of return-of-serve genes.
But is it really your genes or is it something else that’s holding you back from being the champion you deserve to be?