Andy’s routine

Float Serve:

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

3)Â Â Â Â Â Â I look at my blockers call.

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

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

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

8)Â Â Â Â Â Â I then go to my defensive spot of court.

 Jump Serve (Upwind)

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

4)Â Â Â Â Â Â I look at my blockers call.

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

4)Â Â Â Â Â Â I look at my blockers call.

5)Â Â Â Â Â Â 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)Â Â Â Â Â Â 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.