Tennis is a sport that requires excellent coordination, skills, precision, and speed. Serving is one of the most vital aspects of the game, which can greatly impact your performance against your opponent.

But before you serve, it’s essential to warm up and prepare your muscles to avoid potential injuries and mistakes. These seven pre-serve exercises with a racket can help you master the art of tennis and improve your serves.

1. Warm-Up

Before starting your pre-serve exercises, it is essential to do some warm-ups. A simple jog for a couple of minutes around the court can get your body moving and blood circulating.

This will also help your body to adjust to the movement, temperature, and environment of the court.

2. Arm Circles

The next exercise is arm circles, which can help improve your shoulder mobility. Stand on the baseline with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms outstretched on each side.

Rotate your arms in a circular motion, starting from small circles and gradually increasing in size. Do this exercise for 30-60 seconds to avoid shoulder injuries during a serve.

3. Forearm Flexor Stretch

The forearm flexor stretch can help prevent forearm and wrist injuries. Grip the racket firmly with one hand and extend your arm in front of you. With your other hand, grab the handle of the racket and gently push the racket down.

Hold this position for 15-30 seconds and repeat the exercise with your other hand.

4. Wrist Extension with a Racket

The wrist extension exercise can help improve wrist flexibility and strength. Hold the racket firmly, and extend your arms in front of you. Rotate the wrist of your racket arm, so the racket faces downwards, then slowly lift it up as far as possible.

Repeat this 10 times and then switch to the other hand.

5. Side-to-Side Shuffles

Side-to-side shuffles can help strengthen your leg muscles and improve your balance.

Stand at the center of the court with your racket in hand and take small side-to-side steps from one side of the court to the other, making sure to stay low to the ground. Do this exercise for 30-60 seconds, then rest for a few seconds before continuing the exercise.

6. Jumping Jacks

Jumping jacks are a great exercise to improve your coordination, stamina, and cardiovascular health. Start with your racket in hand and stand at the center of the court.

Perform jumping jacks for 30-60 seconds, and then rest for a few seconds before continuing the exercise.

7. Serve Tosses

Finally, finish your pre-serve exercises with some serve tosses. Take your position and toss the ball into the air, simulating a serve action, but without hitting the ball. Repeat this exercise 5-10 times until you feel confident and ready to serve.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of tennis requires discipline, practice, and patience. These pre-serve exercises can help you warm-up, improve balance, strengthen your muscles, and avoid injuries.

Tennis is a game of strategy, accuracy, and consistent performance, and with these pre-serve exercises with a racket, you can improve your game and perform better on the court.