[tennisbiz] Re: Stopping student from leaning in too early on serve

I would like to add my thoughts to the toss issue.

Miguel stated that he disagrees with the importance players put on the toss
while Paul advocates a strict adherence to a proper toss.

I agree with both professionals as the toss is very important. But let's be
specific: the toss is important as a means to creating a proper contact
point. I feel that Miguel's opinion is justified only if his goal is to have the
player focus on "contact point" rather than "mechanics of tossing". Once a
player focuses too diligently on mechanics during a very difficult stroke such as
the serve, then "paralysis by analysis" might set in.

If the instructor has the student focus on the contact point first, then the
faulty toss motion might clean itself up. Of course the instructor should
delete any excess movements that would make this difficult.

So I think I agree with both professionals. The toss is very important. It
basically determines where the contact point should be. But, we must not
over-emphasize a mechanical motion that might create more problems for the
student.

John Robinson, USPTA/PTR
West Palm Beach, Florida

  
Received on Thu Oct 23 2003 - 08:48:14 CDT