How to Become Match Tough

What is Match Toughness? Match toughness is best described as being able to win matches through experience and confidence. For instance, if two tennis players are relatively equal in skills before the match, most matches will come down to a few key points during the match.

The first step to becoming match tough is recognizing when the points occur.  These points do not necessarily have to transpire during a tiebreaker. They can happen at any point during the match when momentum switches from one player to another.

 The second step is being mentally prepared when the time comes. I am sure everybody has seen a child while practicing a sport, placing themselves in the game deciding or winning scenario. “It’s the bottom of the 9^th inning with the bases loaded with 2 outs” is the common baseball scenario. While on the practice court, place yourself in different serving scenarios of the tennis match.  For example, you are serving to close out the first set up 5-4 with a 15-30 score. Obliviously, you would need three great serves in a row to complete the scenario to win the first set. By utilizing your new “Monster Serve”  in this scenario, your confidence grows and you also become Match Tough.

 When you win critical points, it applies pressure to your opponent. Being able to win these key points during the match is essential. Having a strong, powerful, and fast serve can definitely add to your ability to win these critical points in match. Stay tuned for more helpful tennis serving tips at TheMonsterServe.com. Serve Faster, Play Better.     

Do Balls Matter?

The more specific question to which I have been asked is, "Does temperature effect the speed of a tennis ball"? The short answer is yes. I have included a link that explains the amount of air pressure inside tennis balls and how they are affected by hot and cold. 
Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Does_temperature_effect_the_speed_of_a_tennis_ball#ixzz1Fp7mCrfi

Since temperature does affect the performance of the tennis ball; what are some things to remember on the way to the court so that you can get the most out of your power tennis serve? First, always try and be prepared and purchase your tennis balls before the match to ensure they have a chance to reach and stay at room temperature. Secondly, do not leave your tennis balls in the trunk of your car. If you play early in the morning, they will be cold. Lastly, I have placed my tennis balls in the back window of my car on the way to the match to warm them up by the sun. Remember; if you want “The Monster Serve” deploy all tactics necessary to gain an advantage. By taking the time to ensure the tennis balls are at the best possible temperature to bounce the highest, you will allow your power tennis serve to get off to a good start also.

3 Tips for improving your Power Tennis Serve

Do you want to add power to your power tennis serve? One key to serving with immense power will be to transfer all the energy from your body in to the racket head and through the ball. Here are the top three things to start with to get the most out of your serve.  

1.       Hold the ball with your fingertips – Some players hold the ball in the palm of the hand which can impede consistency. The fingertips naturally have more touch and feel for the ball and will allow for the best possible angle during the toss. The ball toss should follow a straight path from the hand to the point of contact. (More on that in the next post).  

2.       Ball toss- Do not throw the ball toss too low. You will need to give yourself the best advantage to hit the ball with the full range of motion possible. If you throw the ball toss to low, it will essentially jam the ball into your body and not allow you extend and rotate threw the ball.

3.       Eye on the ball – Although keeping your eye on the ball is not just for the serve, it is one of the most common mistakes players make during the serve. You must watch the ball leave your hand during the toss, watch the progress of the ball in flight, and watch the racket make contact with the ball.  The serve box and the net are fixed objects and will still be there in the same place after you have completed the service motion. Adding in this factor, reiterates the importance of not taking your eye off the ball during the serve.

Stay tuned for more articles and helpful tips from TheMonsterServe.com. Serve Faster, Play Better.