The Serve in 3D: The Upward Swing Part 1

Let's start our analysis of the complexities in the upward swing. In my previous articles we've looked at the windup and the backswing from a three dimensional, quantitative perspective. We've seen there are many possible ways to organize the motions of individual body segments in the service motion.(Click Here) Players who want to improve their serves have to understand these options, and consider them in the context of their physical capabilities. Now, in the next two articles, let's take the same approach and explore the options in our investigation of the upward swing. We'll start in this article by seeing how the conditions of the trunk are critical for setting up certain elements of the upward motion. As in the previous articles, we'll use 3D data for a high level junior player to provide examples of how the various segments interact. Developmental coaches should take special note of this data, as this junior exhibits issues that are almost universal in the development of the serve. My belief is that these issues should be addressed in coaching as early as possible. Blinding acceleration gaining 70mph in a fraction of a second. We've already seen that defining the options in the motion...