By Leo Canaparo. Director of TENNIS7.NET and coach
In modern tennis, the serve is not just a way to start the point—it is a weapon. At the highest level, the difference between a good serve and a great serve often comes down to the details that casual fans may overlook. One of the most critical aspects is the concept of maximum extension at the moment of contact.
When a player reaches up to strike the ball, the goal is to create the longest possible kinetic chain—from the ground up to the very fingertips of the racquet hand. This begins with the leg drive. Strong, explosive push from the legs provides the upward thrust that allows the player to reach higher into the ball. The legs are the engine of the serve: without them, the upper body works in isolation, and the result is a serve that lacks both pace and consistency.
As the legs extend, the torso naturally uncoils, transferring energy into the shoulder and arm. But what separates an efficient serve from a merely functional one is the timing of the wrist movement just before contact. This subtle pronation and snap of the wrist ensure that the racquet face accelerates through the ball at maximum speed, producing both power and spin. It’s a small movement, almost invisible to the untrained eye, but it’s where the magic of disguise and precision comes from.
The combination of leg push, body rotation, and wrist action creates a fluid motion that maximizes reach and control. Think of Novak Djokovic’s balance, Serena Williams’ explosive leg drive, or Jannik Sinner’s whipping wrist snap—each shows how extension transforms the serve into a dominant shot.
In coaching terms, I often remind players that a serve is not just “hit” with the arm; it is built from the ground up. If you want more power without forcing your arm, focus on the legs. If you want more spin without sacrificing accuracy, refine your wrist snap. And if you want consistency under pressure, commit to reaching for the absolute maximum extension on every single serve.
Ultimately, serving is about creating the perfect chain reaction. And when all the links connect—from legs, to core, to wrist—you don’t just strike the ball. You own it.