How to serve overhand in tennis
The tennis serve begins with the racket-side foot placed parallel to the net and the lead foot pointed at the nearest net post. As the toss is made, the racket arm extends downward to begin an upward and forward circular motion. The ball is released overhead and just in front. As the ball descends, the body rotates, and the head of the racket moves explosively through the ball.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.The set is essentially a refined overhand pass. With elbows out, the hands should be raised to a position above the head. Palms should be out with fingers spread and thumbs down. The arms should extend to meet the ball with the pads of the fingers. The ball is directed upward and toward a spot where the hitter can make an aggressive play on it.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Positioned about an arm's length from the net and ready to jump, the defender follows the flight of the ball with hands raised. The defender moves toward the net and into a blocking position in front of the presumed attacker. The defender then jumps, with both hands breaking the plane above the net.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.To execute a jump serve, the server stands at the back of the serving area. As the server moves toward the service line, the ball is tossed in front of and above the server. As the server leaps, the forearm rises to shoulder height, and the striking hand is drawn back. At the peak of the jump, the striking arm swings quickly forward with the open hand making contact with the ball out in front of the body.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Learn more about weird moments in Olympic history.
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Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, MainzOverview of wrestling, including a discussion of the freestyle and Greco-Roman styles.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.; thumbnail © kovop58/Shutterstock.comThe first Olympic Games consisted of a singular event: a footrace.
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© MinutePhysics (A Britannica Publishing Partner)Comparison of four different Olympic hurling objects: the hammer, the javelin, the discus, and the shot put.
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