Federer’s Serve Locations: 1st Serve Ad Court

How does Roger Federer create accurate placements to either ad corner? In the last article we looked at the complex factors in the upward swing of the serve of Roger Federer. (Click Here.) The next logical question to ask is how does Federer (or any other top player) vary these factors to control the direction of the shot? We know that the difference between serving to the opposite corners of either service box is a matter of just a few degrees in the angle and/or path of the racket head. And, as we’ll see, theses differences at contact are very difficult to see–if not imperceptible–even in high speed video. But I believe the video can show certain differences in the upward swing and how the motion varies when Federer hits wide or down the T. In this article, let’s start by taking a look at his first serve in the ad court. Then in subsequent articles we’ll look at the deuce court, and then at the second serve placements in both courts. 5 Factors Let’s start by reviewing the 5 factors in the upward swing from the first article. That requires acknowledging the pioneering work of Brian Gordon in identifying…