The Kick Serve Part 3: Philosophical Issues and Common Errors

A complete competitive server can hit all three variations of the kick. In Part 1 of this series on the kick serve, I presented the technical reference points for the kick serve motion. This included explaining the three versions of the kick that a player needs to be a complete competitive server. These versions are true topspin, slice topspin, and twist. (Click Here.) Then in Part 2, I presented the drill progressions and a training plan for developing the kick in all variations. (Click Here.) Now, in this third article, I want to further discuss some important questions regarding this controversial serve and outline what I see as the 5 most common mistakes in teaching and hitting the kick. Finally, in the upcoming in the fourth article, I'll present the last critical component in my system, the prehabilitation and strengthening exercises I use with my students everyday at my academy. There are plenty of "kick" issues worthy of discussion. Let me preface this discussion by saying that, although I have been a certified personal trainer, I am not a doctor, nor am I physical therapist. This article presents my personal observations regarding the kick serve. It is intended to promote...