Hi Nick:I’m 6-foot-3 and have been trying to toss the ball high enough to be able to hit the ball down on my serve, but it goes long. I think I’ll have a better serve if I could get more on top of the ball.
— Thomas George, Wilmington, NC
Hi Thomas: Hitting the ball down on your serve is a complete no-no! Pros hit up and from left to right on their serves (the opposite if you are a lefty). The proper motion is up and out. Most of your serves will go out at first, because you need to learn how to impart spin on the ball. The best servers, like Pete Sampras, maintain control over serves with topspin (a kick serve) and slice, not just power. Try this and aim to get 70 percent of your first serves in. That will increase your winning percentage in matches.
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