How to Fix the Waiter’s Serve in Tennis

If you’ve been struggling with the waiter’s serve in tennis, you’re not alone. Many players face this technical flaw, but with the right guidance, it can be fixed!

In this blog post, we will break down the 7 steps to correct the waiter’s serve, focusing on the two major components that need fixing: the racquet back-drop, and the swing up to meet the ball. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

• The 2 Major Components to Be Fixed
• The Proper Serve Grip
• Step #1: Swing Up with the Edge
• Step #2: Swing Up & Pronate
• Step #3: Tap the Ball with the Edge
• Step #4: Swing Up, Pronate & Contact
• Step #5: Serve Backswing & Proper Racquet Back-Drop
• Step #6: Correct Racquet Back-Drop Test
• Step #7: Full Serve Swing with Correct Technique
• Final Tips
• FAQ

The 2 Major Components to Be Fixed

The first step in fixing the waiter’s serve is understanding the two major components that lead to this common issue.
The waiter’s serve typically features an open racket face as it swings towards the ball. This is often due to two main errors:

• Wrist Position: Players often lay back their wrists too much in the trophy position, which opens the racket face prematurely.
• Swing Path: Players tend to open the racket face too early.

To correct these flaws, we need to focus on the wrist position and the swing path during the serve (watch the video above for visual details).

The Proper Serve Grip

Before diving into the steps, let’s talk about the grip.
For a proper serve, you should use a continental grip. To achieve this grip, slide down towards the bottom of the grip, holding the racket as if you were hammering a nail with the edge of it.
Getting the grip right is crucial as it sets the foundation for your serve technique.

Step #1: Swing Up with the Edge

The first drill focuses on getting the player accustomed to swinging up with the edge of the racket. Here’s how to do it:

1. Stand close to a fence with a windscreen.
2. Hold the racket with a continental grip behind your back, palm inward.
3. Practice swinging up towards the fence with the edge of the racket and tapping it.

Repeat this exercise at least 10 times to build a habit of swinging up with the edge.

Step #2: Swing Up & Pronate

Once you’re comfortable with the first step, it’s time to incorporate pronation into your swing. Here’s how:

1. Begin with the racket behind your back, palm inward, as in the previous step.
2. After swinging up towards the fence with the edge, turn your wrist inward just before making contact. This motion is called pronation.

Practice this sequence multiple times until it feels natural.

Step #3: Tap the Ball with the Edge

Now, let’s add a ball into the mix. Here’s how to practice:

1. Stand just behind the service line to resist the temptation of swinging too hard.
2. Hold the racket in the continental grip behind your back, palm inward.
3. Toss the ball and swing up, trying to tap it with the edge of the racket.

Focus on the motion rather than the impact at first. Aim for at least 10 repetitions.

Step #4: Swing Up, Pronate & Contact

In this step, you’ll combine everything you’ve learned so far:

1. Start with the racket behind your back and swing up towards the ball with the edge.
2. Just before making contact, pronate your wrist inward.
3. Focus on making contact without worrying about the follow-through.

This step is crucial for developing the right technique without falling back into old habits.

Step #5: Serve Backswing & Proper Racquet Back-Drop

Now, let’s introduce the backswing:

1. Position yourself sideways to a fence, holding the racket with a continental grip.
2. Get into the trophy pose and let the racket drop between the V made by your thumb and index finger (watch the video above for a visual demonstration).
3. From here, swing up towards the fence with the edge, pronating just before contact.

This step integrates the backswing into your serve motion.

Step #6: Correct Racquet Back-Drop Test

To ensure you’re executing the backswing correctly:

1. Stand about 2 feet from a fence with your back facing it.
2. Get into the serve-ready position and practice shadow serves.
3. Make sure the racket drops behind your back between your fingers and swings up without hitting the fence.

This drill provides immediate feedback on your technique.

Step #7: Full Serve Swing with Correct Technique

Finally, it’s time to put everything together into a full serve:

1. Position yourself close to the service line.
2. Hold a basket of balls nearby.
3. Focus on the steps we practiced: trophy pose, drop the racket behind your back, swing up with the edge, pronate before contact, and follow through.

Perform this slowly, emphasizing each step to build muscle memory.

Final Tips

As you work on fixing your waiter’s serve, keep these tips in mind:

• Be patient! Breaking old habits takes time and practice.
• Consider having someone watch you to provide feedback on your technique.
• Practice consistently to build confidence and improve your serve.

With dedication, you’ll develop a more powerful and effective serve in no time!

FAQ

What is the waiter’s serve in tennis?

The waiter’s serve is a common technical flaw where the racket face is open during the swing, leading to inconsistent contact with the ball.

How can I improve my serve grip?

To improve your serve grip, practice holding the racket with a continental grip and ensure the V between your thumb and index finger is positioned on the edge of the racket.

How often should I practice these drills?

Practice these drills regularly, aiming for at least two sessions each week to reinforce the correct technique and build muscle memory.

Where can I find more tennis drills and tips?

You can explore more tennis drills and tips at WebTennis24, a great resource for players and coaches alike.

Can I get personalized help with my serve?

Yes! Consider reaching out to a local coach or visiting the WebTennis24 Training for a vast collection of technique lessons, drills and tips to improve your serve!