FAQ - How to get the serve over the net rather than into it.

Let's break down how you can get that overhand serve consistently over the net and put some serious pressure on the other side! Before you even step on the court or grab a ball, let's get your head in the game: •Set SMART Goals: Don't just say "I want my serve to go over." Get specific! Make it Specific, M easurable, A chievable, R elevant, and T ime-bound. For example: "I will do 20 quality overhand serves focusing on my toss every other day," or "I will hit 10 serves into Zone 2 during each practice". These goals are totally within your control, and you earn them through your dedication. •Visualize Success: Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and see yourself executing that perfect serve. Imagine the ball clearing the net and landing exactly where you want it. Mental rehearsal is a huge part of your game. •Study the Pros: The internet is a powerful tool when used correctly. Find videos of elite servers online. Watch their footwork, arm swing, body position, and how they make contact. Analyze what they do, then try to mimic it in your shadow practice. •Warm Up Right: Before any physical activity, make sure you're doing dynamic stretches that get your body ready, especially your shoulders and core, like arm swings and torso rotations. This helps prevent injuries and gets your muscles ready to fire! During: Practice & Execution When you're practicing, focus on these key technique points for that overhand serve: •Consistent Toss: This is HUGE. You need the same toss height and the same toss location every single time. Without a consistent toss, it's tough to get consistent contact. •Powerful Arm Swing & Contact: Focus on a firm, clean contact with the ball, ideally with the middle of your hand hitting the middle of the ball. Generate power from your legs and use a smooth, forceful arm swing. •Contact at Highest Point: For an overhand serve, especially a jump serve, aim to contact the ball at the highest point of your jump, before you start to land. This gives you the best angle to get the ball over .•Target Practice: Use drills like target serving. Set up cones or markers in different zones on the court and aim for them. This builds accuracy and consistency. •Serve Progression: If you're struggling, don't be afraid to go back to basics. You can start with an underhand serve to build control, then progress to the overhand float serve, focusing on hitting the ball without spin so it floats unpredictably. •Mental Focus: Stay calm and composed. Visualize your serve going over the net and landing where you want it to, right before you serve. After: Reflection & Next Steps The work doesn't stop when practice ends!•Reflect & Learn: After a session, think about what went well and what you can improve. If a serve went into the net, don't get down on yourself – reframe that mistake as a learning opportunity. Ask yourself, "What can I learn from that for next time?". •Seek Feedback: If you have access, ask your coach for specific feedback on your serve. What do they see that you can adjust? •Set New Goals: Based on your reflection, set new SMART goals for your next practice or individual training session. For the Future: Continuing to Level Up at Home