Sampras Serve: Radical Torso Rotation

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In this series we’ve examined some of the bio-mechanical factors that go into Pete Sampras’s incredible motion, the virtual perfect swing path,
the beautiful, high tossing motion, the flowing rhythm, and the powerful uncoiling of the legs. (See part 2, part 3, and part 4).

In this article we turn to the first of several more advanced factors that are also key to explaining his amazing serving dominance.
The first of these advanced factors is his hip and shoulder rotation. Pete’s torso rotation is dramatically higher than other top pros. Amazingly,
this unique factor is rarely, if ever, recognized by analysts and TV commentators, or in tennis magazines.

The radical body rotation in Pete’s serve is a biomechanical breakthrough that has gone almost completely unrecognized.

Pete’s serve, as we have seen, combines great velocity with heavy spin. Sampras produces a ball that averages 120mph or more.
In addition, he generates an average spin 2700rpm on his first serve, more than twice as much as other top pros who serve at the same speed.
Producing this heavy spin, in addition to great velocity, requires incredible racket head speed (See Part 1).

The technical elements in his motion we have…