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Really great video! On my second serve kicker my technique almost naturally flows but like you say on a flat serve you almost just sometimes focus on racket speed rather than shape!
The other great thing about Roddicks serve is that there wasn't a lot of energy wasted in motion and movement not going into the ball. The same could be said for Becker if you go analyze Beckers serve. There's no dropping the racket down and circling around the knees... etc. It's ball toss, arm cocking and boom. That also goes for Ivanisevic. I believe if you go look at his serve you will see similar characteristics.. Excellent video as usual...
I love Roddicks serve. I think about it as a serve for people who grew up playing throwing sports. A quarterback or catcher would never drag their throwing arm down towards the ground. The ball is always kept up high. UPDATE: I already had a somewhat modified Roddick serve and tried the full Roddick serve last night for a match. It was the best I’d ever served.
Interesting point about the throwing arm never being “down.” Maybe a difference is that since there is a racket to be held, it helps the arm stay relaxed. I absolutely believe that the player has to find whatever works for him.
OMG thank you so much!!!! I have long struggled with my serve, in particular I could never quite get the timing right with the traditional big toss. I saw your video and decided to give it a shot and after a little practice it is absolutely 🔥!!! Somehow the biomechanics of this server are SO much better for my body and it is much easier to time. I am getting a strong first and I can also squeeze out of that movement an excellent slice second serve. Thank you so much for this video. It is hands down best tennis advice I ever got online!!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Is there any significance to the fact that Roddick uses a platform stance but his platform stance is much narrower than other platform servers like Sampras and Fed.
While there are some good points in copying his serve, it should be noted that trying to do this type of "quick action" serve with a lot of power can lead to rotator cuff injuries. Roddick has a double jointed shoulder that allowed his shoulder to move in ways most people cannot.
Shoulder health should always be a priority. Technically overall, Roddick's motion is pretty safe. However to your point, I would not suggest dropping the elbow as low as Roddick does. Thanks for watching and the feedback!
Alissime actaully shortened his service motion since his early days on tour, improving it significantly. He and Alcaraz are both good examples of efficient service motions. Thanks for watching!
Roddick was one of my favorite players. He had one of the most terrifying serves of all times, but he also had a pretty big forehand too. Also, he was just 6'2" and people who serve that hard are all at least 6'4". He pretty much defines the best way you can possibly hit a tennis serve. That said, most of what he's known for is highly idiosyncratic and very few people seem to be hitting their serve using similar choices.
Roddick was a superior athlete and a very large 6'2. Had the oppurtunity to speak with him at the Open and he made me feel relatively small depsite also being 6'2. The abbreviated motion of the serve has been duplicated but not to the extend of Roddick's. Abbreviating the serve is a great idea a to simplify the motion, doesn't guarantee a 150+ mph serve however. 😉🤣 Thanks for watching!
I remember the first time I saw Roddick. I'd never seen anyone swing at the ball so violently before. Not just with the serve, but the groundstrokes as well. I marveled at the way he could swing so hard but keep the ball in play.
Bad advice on serving like Roddick !! Develop your own unique serve. Don’t copy or emulate anyone else . If you’re having problems with your serve ,, find out what those problems. Observe your serve ! Whatever flaws you see , fix them …. one at a time! Like everything else in life a serve is dynamic ! That means it is conditioned to change . Change is natural. That goes for your Forehand and Backhand as well . Never copy anyone else’s stroke . Find your own unique stroke and develop it yourself its maximum possible potential.
Sorry, but telling someone, anyone... to hit like someone else is the ultimate bad advice. You should serve with a motion that feels most natural to you.
Sorry but I think you may have missed the point of the video. We outlined multiple problems that players encounter on the serve and suggested simplifying the motion in order to fix the issues. It's a recommemndation and ultimately it's up to the player to decide what works and what does not. We learn from experience and new experiences are often a byproduct of education.
Awesome,analysis and,tip. I’ve done this before successfully by just copying Andy but this lesson confirmed it and now I have the confidence to share it. Adore you guys! Keep it up.
Why Andy Roddick's serve is the best one? Because it is a e rotick one. I have my subtitles on, on your video and the AI translates "a Roddick serve" into e rotick serve.
Thanks for these videos on the serve - I've attempted to incorporate many of your tips and things are getting better. Its a work in progress - however had several aces and many that other side had difficulty returning in our guys doubles.
Basically, I would describe the Roddick serve as an "elevated " serve: Everything happens - very efficiently and controlled - above the waist. Gonna try it.
An important detail with Roddick's preparation is that the racket goes up, but then it goes down into the trophy position. That elbow is nice and low before he swings so he gets that really severe upward tilt in his shoulders. A lot of people will take on the bad habit of leaving their racket arm too high.
I think you do need a strong and fit shoulder to keep pulling that off, I tried this way and felt tired quite fast. Could be because my shoulder isn't used to the motion. Also you see a lot more modern players with the racket under the ball with the face very open. I find that more relaxing and loose.
