Don't get Caught out by the American Twist Serve
by: Dave Winship @ On The Line

There is a type of kick serve - commonly known as an American twist serve - which can confound the receiver by having two contradictory flights. The combination of sidespin with topspin causes the ball to curve one way through the air and then twist the other way after the bounce. It can catch you totally unawares if you've not encountered it before and you may find yourself dancing the twist in an attempt to follow the ball!

Here's the good news: the server can't sneak this one on you. It's so obvious what's coming. He might as well start doing a Chubby Checker impression and start singing "Come on baby, let's do the twist"! He places the ball well over his head, arches his back, bends his knees ready for an exaggerated brush of the racket face up and across the back of the ball. It's a really exceptional player who can disguise the American twist!

Forewarned is fore-armed.

As with most returns of serve, emulate Andre Agassi by combining the shoulder turn and backswing into one compact movement. It's usually advisable to take kick serves on the rise. Step in to meet the ball between waist and shoulder height with a smooth, short stroke, using a little bit of slice for control.

The Twist is supposed to be a really easy dance to learn. Returning the American twist can be just as easy once you know it's coming. The server's preparation gives the game away. When you see the ball toss over the head and the arched back and the deep knee-bend, you know the ball is going to break to your left after it bounces (assuming the server is right-handed). Twistin' time is here!

Regards.

Dave Winship