Tactical genius or total disrespect 🎾
If you haven’t heard Andy’s take on the underarm serve, watch this week's episode out now!
https://youtu.be/t8p_EdSBYqQ?si=6nEGN-McafoJ9b1O
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Comments 100robertvaleon36:
If you want to neutralize a big serve by standing at the ba…
If you want to neutralize a big serve by standing at the back wall then the server should be able to neutralize your return position with a short/underhand serve......no different than drop shots when you are far behind the baseline or lobs when you are too close to the net......its legal and the returner needs to be prepared for it just like any other serve
V
vincent_webb4 months ago
If underarm serves are unsportsmanlike and need banning - so do drop shots! 'How disgustingly rude you just made me run forward!'
diego_almeida4 months ago
Couldn’t agree more PREACH ANDY!!! Real tennis fans and real tennis players know there is nothing softer than complaining about losing a point because of something completely legal and allowed. Aim for me at the net and underarm serve at me whenever you want. It’s part of the game
severin.geisel4 months ago
Totally agree with Andy. The real issue is not whether the underarm serve is legal, but where we draw the line on when the ball is actually considered “live” in the context of readiness. The question is whether introducing surprise before that transition is appropriate in the most demanding sport. A possible solution is to define a clearer readiness window: give the receiver at least 5 seconds—to settle into position, while maintaining an overall expectation that they are ready within 20 second. In some cases, receivers are not even holding the racquet in a prepared position or visually engaging with the server, which creates a gray area. Both extremes can be problematic: a server exploiting that ambiguity can be considered unsportsmanlike, but so can a receiver deliberately delaying or avoiding readiness cues. The core issue remains the lack of a clearly defined transition point between “not live” preparation and “live” initiation.
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vincent_webb4 months ago
I'm baffled that tennis fans are annoyed by shots in the rules. Ask Lendl how to deal with a persistent volleyer. Hit a ball at the body to keep them honest.
jamesstream974 months ago
Andy thank you
ashleyjames9854 months ago
That’s like banning drop shots
C
christopher_moon4 months ago
Exactly andy !! Imagine offended by getting hit on doubles... Its a risk for playing doubles
maríaluisa_lemus4 months ago
M' man 💪🏻
M
matthewpalmer7204 months ago
I have NO issues with underarm serve as long as it's done NOT hiding the ball and during a regular serve ritual from the player.. a lot of people do it hiding the tennis ball.
M
maytemarroquín7194 months ago
Either you should toss the ball before underarm serve then its fine, but just hitting of hand should be made illegal. Within the rules is not an excuse, rules can be changed to make the sport fair
T
trinidad_apodaca4 months ago
Hi Andy, I just wanted to share a bit of appreciation. I grew up watching tennis during your era, I was still in my teenage years back then, and you were one of the players we really admired. I still remember reading tennis magazines my dad used to collect, and seeing one of your covers with your signature on it. That moment stuck with me. You were such a dominant presence, and your serve was your defining weapon, explosive, compact, and deceptively quick in motion. What made it special wasn’t just speed, but the way you could hit different spots, wide, body, T, with the same toss and motion, making it so difficult for returners to read. I also remember hearing a story from a WTA player who said she was once a ball kid in a final, waving a flag and accidentally hit you, it stuck with her because it was you, Andy Roddick. Moments like that really show how much of a legend you are to so many players who grew up watching you. To us, you were truly one of the best players of your era, and your intensity and fighting spirit made you exciting to watch every time. It’s really nice to see you now sharing stories and insights on your podcast. Thank you for the inspiration you gave us growing up, it really stayed with me. Much respect and appreciation from someone who grew up watching you.
N
nehaganesh9764 months ago
Love Andy's take here for once
I
ianvoid394 months ago
Yes! Thank you Andy!
A
andrew_montgomery4 months ago
Hell yeah well said Andy. It’s a great tactic.
lakshmiatlas434 months ago
Amen 🙏 love Andy
R
rebecca.jordan4 months ago
I don't like the underhand "sneaky" serve either, but its no different than hitting a "drop" shot when the opponent least suspects it.
S
suzannelloyd4764 months ago
The only sport people complain about a legitimate move. I dont hear people complaining about a panenka, or 3 pointer in basketball etc
N
nicholas_smith4 months ago
*Hi Mr. Roddick, can you please explain how to beat a pusher at the amateur level (7-10 UTR)? I always struggle with generating power off of weak, neutral balls.*
If you want to neutralize a big serve by standing at the back wall then the server should be able to neutralize your return position with a short/underhand serve......no different than drop shots when you are far behind the baseline or lobs when you are too close to the net......its legal and the returner needs to be prepared for it just like any other serve
If underarm serves are unsportsmanlike and need banning - so do drop shots! 'How disgustingly rude you just made me run forward!'
Couldn’t agree more PREACH ANDY!!! Real tennis fans and real tennis players know there is nothing softer than complaining about losing a point because of something completely legal and allowed. Aim for me at the net and underarm serve at me whenever you want. It’s part of the game
Totally agree with Andy. The real issue is not whether the underarm serve is legal, but where we draw the line on when the ball is actually considered “live” in the context of readiness. The question is whether introducing surprise before that transition is appropriate in the most demanding sport. A possible solution is to define a clearer readiness window: give the receiver at least 5 seconds—to settle into position, while maintaining an overall expectation that they are ready within 20 second. In some cases, receivers are not even holding the racquet in a prepared position or visually engaging with the server, which creates a gray area. Both extremes can be problematic: a server exploiting that ambiguity can be considered unsportsmanlike, but so can a receiver deliberately delaying or avoiding readiness cues. The core issue remains the lack of a clearly defined transition point between “not live” preparation and “live” initiation.
I'm baffled that tennis fans are annoyed by shots in the rules. Ask Lendl how to deal with a persistent volleyer. Hit a ball at the body to keep them honest.
Andy thank you
That’s like banning drop shots
Exactly andy !! Imagine offended by getting hit on doubles... Its a risk for playing doubles
M' man 💪🏻
I have NO issues with underarm serve as long as it's done NOT hiding the ball and during a regular serve ritual from the player.. a lot of people do it hiding the tennis ball.
Either you should toss the ball before underarm serve then its fine, but just hitting of hand should be made illegal. Within the rules is not an excuse, rules can be changed to make the sport fair
Hi Andy, I just wanted to share a bit of appreciation. I grew up watching tennis during your era, I was still in my teenage years back then, and you were one of the players we really admired. I still remember reading tennis magazines my dad used to collect, and seeing one of your covers with your signature on it. That moment stuck with me. You were such a dominant presence, and your serve was your defining weapon, explosive, compact, and deceptively quick in motion. What made it special wasn’t just speed, but the way you could hit different spots, wide, body, T, with the same toss and motion, making it so difficult for returners to read. I also remember hearing a story from a WTA player who said she was once a ball kid in a final, waving a flag and accidentally hit you, it stuck with her because it was you, Andy Roddick. Moments like that really show how much of a legend you are to so many players who grew up watching you. To us, you were truly one of the best players of your era, and your intensity and fighting spirit made you exciting to watch every time. It’s really nice to see you now sharing stories and insights on your podcast. Thank you for the inspiration you gave us growing up, it really stayed with me. Much respect and appreciation from someone who grew up watching you.
Love Andy's take here for once
Yes! Thank you Andy!
Hell yeah well said Andy. It’s a great tactic.
Amen 🙏 love Andy
I don't like the underhand "sneaky" serve either, but its no different than hitting a "drop" shot when the opponent least suspects it.
The only sport people complain about a legitimate move. I dont hear people complaining about a panenka, or 3 pointer in basketball etc
*Hi Mr. Roddick, can you please explain how to beat a pusher at the amateur level (7-10 UTR)? I always struggle with generating power off of weak, neutral balls.*
Nice loop!🔥