The Changeover Podcast Dr. Mark Kovacs: The Truth About Serve Power, Creatine, Adderall, Nicotine & Caffeine in Tennis
Dec 6, 2025
Dr. Mark Kovacs, a sports scientist and former NCAA doubles champion, dives deep into the mechanics of the tennis serve. He explains the crucial role of leg drive versus arm action in generating power and debunks common myths surrounding serve techniques. The conversation shifts to the effects of supplements like creatine and caffeine on performance, while also discussing the risks associated with nicotine and Adderall. Dr. Kovacs emphasizes proper hydration strategies and the importance of individualized supplement approaches to enhance athletic performance.
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Serve Power Is A Whole-Body Chain
- Serve power comes from a summation of forces from the ground up through the body into the arm and racket.
- Legs can contribute roughly 20–50% but technique and arm speed are equally vital.
Two High-Impact Cues To Fix Opening Up
- Push into the first third (ball) of the back foot when loading, especially if using a pinpoint step.
- Keep the left elbow toward the midline to delay opening and maintain side-on alignment.
Weight Shifts Happen In Milliseconds
- Weight distribution during the serve changes in milliseconds as the back hip moves up.
- You may feel weight on the front leg late, but the loading sequence still begins on the back leg.