Fix Your Toss: The #1 Cause of Missed Serves and How to Make It Consistent

Key Points

• The ball toss is one of the most important and overlooked parts of the serve.

  • • It must be consistent in location and height every time.

    • Inconsistencies usually come from bending the wrist or elbow, leading to a flicked or erratic toss.

• Technique for a Consistent Toss

  • Lock the wrist and elbow.

    • Hold the ball in the fingertips, not the palm.

    • Raise the ball using only the shoulder — no wrist or elbow flick.

    • Release the ball around eye or head height for control.

  • Ball toss should stay on the correct side of your head:

    • For a right-handed player: toss should be forward and to the right (ideal for both slice and flat serves).

    • For a left-handed player: toss should be forward and to the left.

• Toss Height & Timing

  • Many players toss too high, thinking it gives them more time.

    • But a higher toss falls faster through the contact zone, making timing harder.

    • A slightly lower toss drops more slowly, allowing for more consistent timing.

  • Elite servers toss lower, striking the ball at or near the peak, when it’s moving slowest.

  • Important distinction:

    • Toss height ≠ Contact height — you can hit a high contact point with a low toss if timed properly.

   

• Toss Cues to Improve Accuracy

  1. Lock the wrist and elbow.
     Keep the arm straight to remove unnecessary motion.

  2. Toss and turn → becomes turn and toss.

     • Many players face their opponent and toss first, which leads to poor coil and alignment.

     • Instead, turn your shoulders first, then toss.

     • This creates better coil, toss direction, and uncoiling power.

  3. Coiling hides your serve intention.
     Turning before tossing delays visual cues for your opponent — making your serve more deceptive.

• Final Takeaway

  • A great serve starts with a great toss.

  • Use a locked-arm, shoulder-driven motion, toss lower, and turn before tossing to create a consistent, powerful, and hard-to-read serve.