The 5 Step Routine to Develop a Visual Ritual for Your Serve
It is important to develop a serving ritual so that you feel totally in control when you are serving. Watch the pros play and you will notice they go through a set service routine before each serve. It includes specific breathing, engaging or relaxing the body, as well as bouncing the ball a specific number of times. So, step one is to come up with a physical routine that you use on every serve.
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Equally important is having a visual ritual for your serve. Unfortunately, recreational players often go through their service routine and then serve without even looking to see where they want the ball to go! This player is only guessing where to serve to and often ends up missing serves because of this lack of mental clarity. To solve this problem, choose a precise spot on the court to aim to on every serve. Even if you are just a beginner, defining your target will help you mentally and physically focus on a common objective.
Use the 5 Step routine to help you visualize the serve:
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Look: Look at the service box when you are setting up to serve.
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Bounce: Bounce the ball a specific number of times. (Experiment on your own to find out what number of bounces best helps you relax and still keep your rhythm.)
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Look: Look at the specific spot you want to aim your serve
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Look: Visualize the spot above the net that the serve must travel through to hit your intended service target.
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Lock: Give yourself a second or two to lock this point above the net into your brain
You are now physically and mentally engaged and ready to serve!
© Greg Fowler