Beach Training

Float Serve:

1)       Left foot forward, variable distance behind the baseline depending on my intent for the serve. The harder I want to hit it the further back I stand. This also will increase the amount of distance the ball has to travel thus allowing for more float.

2)       Ball valve placed up or down depending whether I want it to climb or drop suddenly

3)       I look at my blockers call.

4)       I look at a spot on the net that I want the ball to cross and then visualize it crossing it and landing where I want it to.

5)       Left arm comes up (straight) in front to shoulder level.

6)       Right hand stiffens and then I toss the ball no more than 1 metre above my head, slightly in front of me.

7)       Bang!! The right arm come through with a deadening motion (eg with minimal follow through of arm) and hits the ball.

       I then go to my defensive spot of court.

 Jump Serve (Upwind)

1)       I will always look to serve straight p the wind tunnel as much as I can. Once I have identified it I then create my run up relating to where the wind is blowing from

2)       I then take a 35-45 degree angle run up, starting with my right foot forward. My jump serve is goofy footed (hence the right foot starting and is only a one step approach, therefore regardless of where I serve it is always about 2 meters behind the baseline when I start.

3)       I always place the main advertising panel of the ball towards me with valve placed down

4)       I look at my blockers call.

5)       I look at a spot on the net that I want the ball to cross and then visualize it crossing it and landing where I want it to.

6)       I then repeat to myself “Strong and Powerful” or “High and Hard” as two positive keywords that help my subconscious to focus

7)       The ball is placed in my left hand and I throw it out in front of me about 2-3 metres and then come in and hit it as hard as I can. Aiming to land atleast 1-2 metres inside the court, so that my momentum gives the ball even more power.

Jump Serve (Downwind)

1)       I will always look to serve across the wind slightly when serving down wind. Once I have identified it I then create my run up relating to where the wind is blowing from

2)       I then take a 35-45 degree angle run up, starting with my right foot forward. My jump serve is goofy footed (hence the right foot starting and is only a one step approach, therefore regardless of where I serve it is always about 2 meters behind the baseline when I start. When serving down wind if the wind is really strong I may actually take another metre or so back from the baseline.

3)       I always place the main advertising panel of the ball towards me with valve placed down

4)       I look at my blockers call.

5)       I look at a spot on the net that I want the ball to cross and then visualize it crossing it and landing where I want it to.

6)       I then repeat to myself “Strong and Powerful” or “High and Hard” as two positive keywords that help my subconscious to focus

7)       The ball is placed in my left hand and I throw it out in front of me (with heavy top spin) about 2-3 metres and then come in and hit it with controlled momentum or as hard as I can depending on whether I want to take a risk or not. Aiming to land atleast 1-2 metres inside the court, so that my momentum gives the ball even more power.

As with most people I am sure, my biggest burden when it comes t serving is staying present and not being effected by external events, such as the wind, the score, etc.

When systemized serving should be a very easy skill to master, but the biggest part to master is definitely the voice in your head. Control this and throw caution to the wind and you will be a great server, among other things.