Episode 250

show notes

In this episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, the team dives deep into the nuances of serving and overhead techniques in tennis, featuring insights from renowned coaches Steve Smith, Ivan Ozerets, and Dave Anderson. The discussion kicks off with some light-hearted banter about hair jokes before transitioning into an engaging dialogue about the serve—its significance and how to better teach it to athletes of all ages and skill levels.

The conversation begins by tracing the history of the serve, noting its evolution from a casual garden party game to a critical component of competitive tennis. Dave emphasizes the importance of integrating serves into daily practice, highlighting statistics that demonstrate how top servers can control and dominate matches. The team discusses the necessity of proper technique and intentional drills, stressing that serving should not be treated as an afterthought in coaching but as a fundamental area of focus.

Ivan shares valuable insights on the importance of teaching proper technique from the very beginning. He advocates for introducing the palm-down swing early in development, a key to preventing injuries and improving performance over time. Drawing from personal coaching experiences, Ivan stresses how young players benefit greatly from consistent, early instruction in serving fundamentals. Dave echoes this point, noting how the common mistake of young players defaulting to a palm-up serve leads to long-term technical issues unless corrected with proper grip and swing mechanics from the start.

The conversation flows through various methods to enhance learning, including the use of video analysis, breaking the serve into smaller, manageable components, and incorporating visual and mental cues—often referred to as “word pictures”—to help players internalize and replicate the correct motion. The coaches also highlight the benefits of peer teaching, creating an environment where players learn from one another while reinforcing their own understanding.

The team emphasizes the importance of routine and structured progressions in the teaching process. They outline how to build effective drills that maintain player engagement while systematically developing technique. The serve is framed not merely as a technical motion but as a foundational skill that influences the entirety of a player’s game. Ivan and Dave particularly stress the role of consistent feedback—both from coaches and between players—in helping athletes turn knowledge into reliable habits.

Throughout the episode, the coaches recommend a variety of drills for both serves and overheads, all designed to improve consistency, accuracy, and efficiency. They encourage creative approaches, such as practicing serves from the knees to stabilize body mechanics, blending effective technique with fun and variation. The conversation also highlights the natural connection between serving and overhead skills, emphasizing how mastering one complements the other.

As the episode wraps up, the team reflects on the broader impact of proper serving and overhead techniques—not just on competitive success but also on a player’s long-term enjoyment and durability in the sport. The message is clear: investing time in mastering the serve pays dividends for players at every level. Coaches play a vital role in ensuring players develop the right skills, knowledge, and habits to foster both success and a lasting love for tennis—all while reducing the risk of injury.

Tune in to gain a wealth of knowledge on serving fundamentals and learn how to elevate your own serve—or help your players improve theirs—while bringing energy, clarity, and enthusiasm to the coaching process.