Arm movement for high toss serve

Hoa Ngo Asked 9 years ago

Hi coach Alois,

when the ball is thrown high, how should my arms and hand movement be when throwing. I've try and do different technique but the ball either go in front , back and all sort of directions.

thanks

Hoa

Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago

Hi Hoa,

I think it is best to keep your hands still while the ball is in the air. Some players, including Samson raise his arms when he throws the ball up. To start with though, I think by keeping your hands still at around waist height, you will get a better consistent contact.

← Throwing the ball accurately Short pimple →

Recommended Video

The Kicker Serve

The kicker serve is one of our "must learn" serves. It's fast, fun, and has lots of topspin. It can be dangerous because if it's not fast enough and if you don't surprise your opponent then they may be able to attack it forcefully putting you on the defensive straight away. Used well though, and sparingly, it can be a great weapon. It can win you a point outright and it will stop your opponent from standing over the table waiting for your short serves since they need to be ready for anything.

Watch Now

Nick Trusiewicz Posted 9 years ago

If I am reading the question correctly, maybe you need to practice just throwing the ball up and catching it.

Ard Paardekooper Posted 9 years ago

For me it helped to put a little tension on my hand/fingers, resulting in a more vertical direction of the throw.

Another part of the trow is the use of your legs. Use the foot/leg to come up and doing so, create some real pressure from the foot. The resulting force needs to flow to your hand. You will notice the availability of more power and thus the ability to perform a higher throw. Since the force is now generated from the foot/leg combination and not from the shoulder/hand combination, you'll also notice a higher consistency in throw direction.