Tanner Tomassi’s Power Serve Technique: In pickleball, a powerful serve can be the difference between controlling a point and playing catch-up. Tanner Tomassi, a professional pickleball player, recently shared his secrets for achieving maximum power on a serve. His pickleball technique, honed through years of experience, emphasizes using the body’s natural movement rather than relying solely on arm strength. Tomassi’s advice provides invaluable insight for beginners and seasoned players looking to elevate their game.

Step 1: Loading the Hips for Explosive Power
The foundation of a powerful pickleball serve starts with proper body alignment, and according to Tomassi, the key to this lies in loading the hips.
“You want to load your hips onto your dominant side leg.” – (Tanner Tomassi)
This ensures that the energy generated from the serve comes from the entire body, rather than relying solely on arm strength. By turning the body toward the net post, players engage their core and hips, creating a solid base from which to unleash their shot.
Tomassi’s method focuses on a natural motion, with energy originating from the hips. This, he believes, is the real driver of power in a serve. “Watch my hips. Bam. That explosion is what sends the ball,” he demonstrates, reinforcing the importance of the body’s lower half in generating force.
Step 2: Finding the Optimal Arm Position
One common mistake many players make is holding the ball too far back or out in front, a position that diminishes the power of the serve. Tomassi stresses the importance of a relaxed arm, letting it rest naturally at the side.
“The best way to do this is to let your arm rest naturally and reach out for the ball.” – (Tanner Tomassi)
This position optimizes the body’s range of motion and ensures the arm isn’t tense, allowing for a fluid, powerful serve. The key to maximizing power, Tomassi explains, is making sure the ball is held in the right position to allow for the most natural, unhindered swing. A relaxed arm not only maintains the flow of the shot but also minimizes the risk of injury, making it a critical aspect of the serving technique.
Step 3: Using the Legs for Added Force
While most players understand the importance of the arms in serving, Tomassi brings attention to an often-overlooked factor: the legs. In his video, he emphasizes the necessity of using the legs to get as close to a jump as possible, while still keeping one foot on the ground. This pickleball technique, according to Tomassi, provides a significant boost in power.
“The legs generate the force.” – (Tanner Tomassi)
The serve is not just about the arm; it’s a full-body movement. By pushing off the dominant leg and incorporating a slight jump, players can add extra force to their shot. This subtle yet powerful movement activates the larger muscle groups in the legs, translating into greater power on the serve.
A Complete, Smooth Motion
The beauty of Tomassi’s serve lies in its simplicity. By combining the body’s natural movements—hips loading to one side, an optimal arm position, and utilizing the legs for force—players can achieve maximum power without overexertion. His technique emphasizes fluidity and natural motion, allowing for a more controlled yet powerful serve.
News in Brief: Tanner Tomassi’s Power Serve Technique
Tanner Tomassi, a professional pickleball player, shares his pickleball technique for achieving maximum power on a serve. His method focuses on using natural body movement rather than arm strength.
Key steps include loading the hips for explosive power, finding the optimal arm position for fluidity, and incorporating the legs for added force. Tomassi’s approach emphasizes a full-body motion for a powerful, controlled serve. His advice provides invaluable insight for players at all levels looking to enhance their serving technique in pickleball.
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