Peter Smith: Serving Techniques & Drills

with Peter Smith,
Jack Kramer Club (CA) Director of Tennis & General Manager;
University of Southern California Men's Tennis Coach from 2002 through 2019;
5x NCAA Champions, including Back-to-Back-to-Back-to-Back (2009/2010/2011/2012) titles;
5x Pac-10 Coach of the Year;
2011 & 2014 USPTA National College "Coach of the Year";
2x Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) "Coach of the Year" (2010 & 2012);
Pepperdine Head Coach from 1997 to 2002;
5x WCC Champion, 5x WCC Coach of the Year;
Fresno State Head Coach from 1992 to 1997;
3x WAC Champions;
ATP Player - played Wimbeldon & US Open qualifying;
over 600 career wins

Decorated USC head coach Peter Smith teaches you about the most important shot in tennis: the serve. The serve is the only shot that you have 100% control over during a given point. This video is greatly beneficial for individuals and teams looking to improve their game by learning tips and drills that are used by one of the best collegiate programs in the country.

Breaking Down the Serve

Coach Smith breaks down the basic fundamentals and techniques needed to maximize your serve's potential. You'll see him explain the analogy of how a serve is closely related to throwing a football or baseball. Smith also covers two types of stance, the continental grip, placement of the toss, how to generate power, and finishing the swing.

Types of Serves

While power is important, Smith places a higher priority on the placement and the spin of the serve. He has his players demonstrate three types of serves and the keys to each of them.

Serves covered include:

• Flat - When you're trying to beat someone with pure speed.
• Slice - Ideal for doubles, when you're trying to generate some movement.
• Kick - When you want height, security, and movement.

Smith ends the segment by talking about common mistakes that players make on each serve and how to fix them on the court.

Serving Drills

The last portion of this video includes different drills that individuals and teams can use that are fun, competitive, and will provide repetitions for each type of serve. You'll learn the following drills:

• Target Serving
• Target Serving Competition
• Towel Hop Drill
• Kneeling Serves
• Coil Serves
• Wall Taps

The serve is the most important shot in the game and USC's Peter Smith breaks down all of the different parts of the serve that are essential to achieve mastery. This video features great breakdowns and drills for players of all skill levels!

46 minutes. 2018.