A bad toss kills the serve. Most beginners toss the ball wherever and try to hit it. The right move is a consistent toss every time. This drill takes the racquet out and just builds the toss.
What you need: Tennis balls (orange or green).
Setup: Player on the baseline.
How to run it:
- Show the toss: ball held lightly in fingertips of the non-hitting hand. Arm straight up. Release at the top.
- Toss the ball straight up about 8 feet. Catch it without moving the feet.
- Goal: 10 tosses in a row that land in the same spot in front of the body.
- After 10, add a step (front foot forward) and toss while stepping.
- Last 5 tosses: toss as if serving (slightly in front of the body).
What to watch: The release. A toss that flips off the fingers spins. A toss with a clean release is straight up. Fingers open, ball rolls off.
If they’re struggling: Lower toss height. Slower motion.
If they’ve got it: Close eyes during the catch. The toss should be consistent enough to predict.