Returning the Kicker

We have positioned the camera at eye level, on the baseline, as though returning serve in the ad court.

I nearly hit Antony on one of these serves, but no worries Mate, he is an Aussie.

That said I think this camera angle gives you the feel for how this serve jumps up and away from you, and unless the opponent has an extremely solid backhand return of serve, this particular delivery creates all kinds of problems.

I hope you find this lesson useful. Make sure you leave a comment below and let me know what you think.

21 Comments

  • Noushin Kananian

    Reply Reply April 29, 2013

    Many thanks for sharing your invaluble knowledge.
    It’s really appreciated.

  • OLIVER

    Reply Reply April 28, 2013

    Hi Jim, I saw nearly all you videos, great advises. I have a question as for the famous lifted forehand, called here in EUROPE “lasso forehand”. It was firstly used by Björn Borg, then aftyer many years passed by ANDREIEV, and immediately after by RAFA. But RAFA invented a new style, doing the circle lasso mouvement over his head. What would you consult to amateur players, or older players after 50, how to execute this shot in order to be effective in the game… Thanks a lot.

    • Jim McLennan

      Reply Reply April 28, 2013

      Oliver – this is hard to say, to use this stroke one needs a bit more of a western grip, very strong legs, and the preference for play well behind the baseline – but it may be how the game is beginning to change for a number of players use a version of this “reverse follow thru” forehand – it would be a weapon against players of a certain age who prefer balls coming in low and flat
      Jim

  • Stefan Nut

    Reply Reply April 27, 2013

    Thanks, yes I mean the server. Then it’s better to practice this serve (jump up and away from receiver) and move forward quickly ?
    Stefan

  • Kathy Koch

    Reply Reply April 27, 2013

    Jim, great stuff…sounds and looks so easy when you do it ….then i try to execute .. I will keep trying

    Kk

  • Eli

    Reply Reply April 27, 2013

    Jim, thanks for the free video, but I hardly do execute the soft return drop shot.

  • tom

    Reply Reply April 27, 2013

    I really enjoy your instruction. Good stuff.
    TM

  • thouvenin

    Reply Reply April 27, 2013

    What you explain is great and I learn a lot from your video. Many thanks
    Bernard Thouveni Grenoble France

  • Stefan

    Reply Reply April 26, 2013

    Thanks Jim, great video !
    This tip help to see in a different way the serve, as a start shot that avoid the receiver’s first swing.
    My question is: In this point, after this serve the court positioning is ?
    Best regards,
    Stefan

    • Jim McLennan

      Reply Reply April 27, 2013

      Stefan – I am not sure if you mean the server or the receiver – assuming you mean the server the move is to look for a short ball and be able to move forward quickly
      Jim

  • Rodger Schuester

    Reply Reply April 26, 2013

    Your extra thoughts are always appreciated.

  • John C

    Reply Reply April 26, 2013

    Thanks Jim,
    It was interesting to see your video about the kick serve just after I saw Pat Rafters discussion of it with Will Hamilton. Your actions are different but the essentials are the same. Which is pretty much Pat Rafter’s point – you may not always be able to put the ball precisely where you want, but that’s all OK. Kind of “don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.”

    I’m interested on your take on his idea of tapping your tossing arm on your front leg as a kind of guide at the start of the toss.

    By the way, Jean Landry’s piece of (deserved) praise – “Great pedagogical teaching approach” translates as “great teaching teaching approach” as pedagogy is the art of teaching. Sorry Jean – a pedantic note from a pedantic old teacher.

    Regards
    John C

  • JEAN LANDRY

    Reply Reply April 26, 2013

    Jim.
    In french, pedagogie (pedagogy) is for gifted teachers, just like you. Its putting something complex into simple gestures and most of all explaining it.
    I try to do that as a pro. ski instructor.
    You remind me of my tennis teacher friend from Slovenia, Tomaz Muncinger.
    Regards
    Jean Cant wait to hit the court again.

    • Jim McLennan

      Reply Reply April 26, 2013

      Jean – thanks again – really – and Tomaz and I know one another – he is really quite good (as well)
      Jim

  • gene

    Reply Reply April 26, 2013

    Great video. Thanks so much for the help!

  • Tim Phan

    Reply Reply April 26, 2013

    Hi Jim,

    I found it is easier to kick on the Ad side than on the deuce side. What is the position of the left foot (I’m righty) in relative to the base line when kicking out on the deuce side?

    • Jim McLennan

      Reply Reply April 26, 2013

      Tim – this is hard to answer, it depends on your motion and more, further the pro’s have varying foot placements on this so there isn’t really one standard way to do this
      Jim

  • JEAN LANDRY

    Reply Reply April 26, 2013

    Hi Jim.
    Great video shots. We rearely have a chance to see serves coming at us. I COULD SEE CLEARLY the ball coming on my backhand side and kicking out hihg and wide.
    Also, I had time to watch your toss and position on delivery.
    Love your simple explanation on returning high serves.
    Great pedagogical teaching approach.
    Merci Jim.

    • Jim McLennan

      Reply Reply April 26, 2013

      Jean – we are looking this word “pedagogical”up – I think I am flattered – and if so thanks –
      Jim

  • Norm LaPo

    Reply Reply April 26, 2013

    I frequently use the chip shot on a hard serve, but the ball usually returns to the server as a nice high lop for him to cream.
    What’s the best way use the shot but just clear the net so the server has a low and more difficult shot back to me……….thanks in advance for a suggestion. Norm

    • Jim McLennan

      Reply Reply April 26, 2013

      Norm – this may be your grip, also whether you are hitting down strongly enough – often this shot needs to have a “bite” but without seeing your grip, shoulder turn, or even your balance against the ball – it is hard to say for positive sure what the solution is – check out my product Mastering the Backhand – for much more in depth material http://www.essentialtennisinstruction.com/products/#backhand

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