Federer – Up and Down – then Down and Up

The following five shot sequence identifies key elements within the serve (as demonstrated by the redoubtable Roger) but importantly – these elements are part and parcel of a fluid and effortless delivery

And a definition – I am calling UP and Down the moment when the racquet head is UP and the body is DOWN

And I am calling DOWN and UP the moment when the racquet head is down the the body has moved (powerfully) UP

Take special notice of the last two photos in the sequence below  – they highlight the role of elastic energy – where the racquet head drops (lazily) as the legs thrust the body up

Your key is to be as loose and relaxed as possible during the transition from Up and Down to Down and UP

(I am hoping these words, though on the surface confusing, may actually simplify this action)

Tell me if it worked

Toss released at eye level, tossing arm turned to the side – parallel to the baseline!!

Toss rising, Fed keeps his weight back – THIS IS ALL ABOUT YOUR BACK FOOT

Knee bend starts to increase, Fed now evenly balanced on both legs – A DUAL LEG DRIVE

Up and Down – the racquet head is UP, and he is fully DOWN

Snap – everything reverses – the racquet drops DOWN as Fed explodes UP – elastic energy flows to the shoulder and rotator cuff

Photos courtesy Jim Fawcette   ©jfawcette         http://www.fawcette.net/tennis/

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25 Comments

  • Bud Light

    Reply Reply November 12, 2018

    One of the most interesting things these videos illustrate to me, at least, is that one doesn’t have to jump or leave his (her)feet when serving. Roger’s overall motion is so smooth that it is no wonder he can literally place the ball wherever he wants and always seems in complete body balance. I always immensely enjoy reading what you have to say because, in my opinion, you are right on. Keep sending. Bud Light

    • Jim McLennan

      Reply Reply November 17, 2018

      Bud – this is the present “unknown” for me to see servers in an earlier era with their feet on the ground when serving – and now the jumping – sure it elevates the point of contact and adds upward thrust to the service delivery –
      Jim

  • Howard

    Reply Reply November 12, 2018

    Great summary of what is happening. It’s very hard to see even in a slow motion video.

  • David

    Reply Reply November 12, 2018

    Jim,
    I just tried this technique! You definitely have a way with words.
    I think the key is the transition between up down and down up staying relaxed and driving up with the legs. I am noticing increased power and depth! Thank you

    David Parker

    • Jim McLennan

      Reply Reply November 12, 2018

      David – thanks for the note – send me a video of your serve if you like – I am happy to tell you what I see
      Jim

      • David

        Reply Reply March 22, 2019

        Jim where can I send you a video of my serve.
        Thank you,

        David Parker

  • Noushin

    Reply Reply November 11, 2018

    Many thanks for sharing your invaluable experience, skills and knowledge.

  • Larry

    Reply Reply November 11, 2018

    All is good. Thanks!

  • Howard

    Reply Reply November 11, 2018

    There were no photos.

  • Rusty Rush

    Reply Reply November 10, 2018

    Like Larry says…..no photos.

  • Mike

    Reply Reply November 10, 2018

    Hey Jim,
    Same experience as Larry…placeholders but no photos. Also using Safari browser on iPad and iPhone. Tried the link you provided and also no pictures.

  • Larry Lenon

    Reply Reply November 10, 2018

    No photos in Safari browser, just a ? placeholder. Not even a placeholder Chrome.

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