SERVING
The serve motion is very similar to throwing a ball.

For Right-Handed players (Opposite for Lefties)

  1. Drop the elbow "down" as you hold the ball up
  2. Throw "up and out" to propel the ball over the net.
  3. With the racket in your hand try the same motion until it "feels"
    like you are trying to throw the racket over the back fence.
  4. Using the same motion, toss the ball into the path of the swing.
    Don't worry in the beginning if the ball goes in or out, as long as it carries over the net.
    It will take a few swings to coordinate everything, but you should feel the improvement.
Volleying
To improve your volley, practise using as little motion as possible. (Try not to "hit" at the ball)

Without a racket, try catching a ball thrown to you easily, with one hand. (Note where you catch the ball in relation to your body).

Now with your racket in your hand (and preferably a continental grip), "cock your wrist", put your racket out to "meet the ball", firm up your wrist and shoulder (as you meet the ball) and
move the racket in a straight line (about 12 inches) toward your target.

Once you "feel that you can't get any power because you are not swinging" then the true power comes through the "solidity from your wrist and shoulder" and forward motion.

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colin@colindibley.com