Throwing action to serve

Setup

1. Players line up at the service line, just right of the centre service line, for the deuce side.
2. Cones mark the diagonal service box as the target.
3. Red balls for 5–8s, orange balls for 8–10s.

How it runs

1. Throw: stand side-on, front foot pointing at the net post, and throw the ball overarm into the diagonal box.
2. Trophy throw: start with the throwing arm up and back, the other arm pointing up, then throw.
3. Racket: same action with the racket. Toss up, reach and hit into the diagonal box from the service line.
4. Three serves each, then the next player. Once five land in, move back to the baseline.
5. Then do the same from the ad side.

Coaching points

• Side-on start, both feet behind the line.
• Throw up and out, like throwing the ball high over the net.
• Toss with a straight arm to just above the reach of the racket, slightly in front.
• Hit up at the top of the reach and let the arm follow through across the body.

Common mistakes

• Facing the net and pushing the ball like a dart.
• Tossing too low or behind the head.
• Stepping over the line before hitting: that's a foot fault.