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Is this the Archer’s Bow? Is it central to high performance serving?
What is the “Archer’s Bow” and is it a vital component in high level serving? Should players at all levels be trying to develop it?
The term Archer’s Bow refers to the curve along the edge the torso and arms at the extension of the tossing motion. Allegedly this curve is in the shape of a bow, with the tossing arm over the head, the torso leaning back and the front hip jutting out into the court.
It’s one of those catchy phrases that has become part of the teaching lexicon. Many coaches believe that it’s a key to the high performance serve.
The reality is that the Archer’s Bow is a myth. Great servers don’t have an archer’s bow and trying to develop one is actually one of the most detrimental things you could do to your service motion.
Shoulder Over Shoulder
How did the idea develop such traction? It has to do with a misunderstanding about how the shoulders work in the motion.
One of the insights from biomechanical research is the role of the shoulder tilt in contributing to racket speed. The shoulders tilt back…