Why My Serve Isn’t What It Used to Be!

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The Mystery Behind My Struggling Serve

I’ve been struggling with my serve lately, especially when it comes to achieving full rotation. I decided to call in the expert—”Magic Fingers” at Trident. After a thorough evaluation, Dave delivered the bad news: my range of motion has decreased by 30 cm since we measured it five years ago. My thoracic spine feels like “concrete,” and I just can’t rotate my torso the way I used to.

The Importance of Thoracic Mobility for Tennis Players

Thoracic spine mobility—specifically rotation and extension—is crucial for excelling in tennis and other rotational sports. Research shows that elite tennis players demonstrate approximately 20 degrees more trunk rotation than non-elite players. Ideally, you should aim for ~45 degrees of rotation on each side, with symmetrical movement.

Why Does Thoracic Mobility Matter?

In tennis, powerful and precise ball contact during serves and ground strokes hinges on upper back mobility. Limited thoracic motion can reduce power output and increase the risk of injuries to the lower back, neck, and shoulders. The thoracic spine is also closely connected to the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions, as well as the scapula, directly impacting shoulder mobility.

By improving thoracic mobility, you enhance overall biomechanics, reduce stress on interconnected areas, and ultimately elevate your game while minimizing injury risk.

Key Takeaways

Improving thoracic mobility isn’t just about injury prevention; it’s about reaching your peak performance on the court. Addressing restrictions can help you generate more power, achieve better ball control, and reduce stress on vulnerable areas of your body.

And yes, Dave has prescribed a series of exercises to work on this issue. You’ll definitely know when it’s fixed—my serve will have a whole lot more zip!