Nadal Creates a New Shot

Side-spin on groundstrokes is nothing new, but usually when it is employed it is from a specific side.  For instance, a left hander that puts sidespin on a forehand will usually pull the stroke from 9-3 on a clock face to cause the ball to move leftward.  To go in the opposite direction is almost against biomechanical  laws but somehow Rafa has found a way to do it.  I first saw him do it against an opponent who stood there at the net as he watched a ball sail down the alley apparently out of bounds only to watch it curve inward which never happens in normal earthbound tennis.  Among the gods of tennis this may be a normal event but to see it brought down from on high was astounding to the player on the receiving end, to the announcers, and to me.  Rafa just introduced a new shot.


Look for his side-spin pass among this group.

https://youtu.be/jDvR6tgUMLg


Also, go to minute 7:22 to see what looks to be the side-spin curve forehand.

  All of his passes are great but he has added a new level of deception to making the pass.

Approach Shots: The Flat Approach

Nowadays you see the few pros that come to the net often hitting topspin approach shots.  Not only is this difficult to time well when moving forward and attempting to drive a shot while keeping it in the court, it is not the ideal for getting the job done.

Most players now aren't adept at using chip/backspin on approach shots since they rarely use backspin with two handed backhands.  A good compromise method for both forehand and backhand approach shots is to hit the ball flat.  This is especially useful when the ball is close to net height, or even above it.

Advantages

With the flat approach you can cleanly target the ball to a corner or fire it directly at the feet of your opponent at the baseline while they are centered on the court.  Unlike a chip approach the ball will reach the target quickly and not skid,  but instead continue forward and result in a rushed shot for your opponent.

Your advantage increases at the net when your opponent trying to pass you is facing a fast moving ball and little time to prepare.   You can use this shortened response time to your advantage by virtually eliminating your opponent's chance to plan an offensive lob or a well placed passing shot.  You force them to look at the ball and do so in such a rush as to have less of an opportunity to use their peripheral view to decide on a direction to pass you.  If by chance they see you coming forward especially if you make a show of the split step you might even distract them from hitting the ball well.  In either case you can beat the passing shot by using a quick response since you've eliminated the time for disguise and deception from your opponent on the pass.

This is why I like the forced and flat approach as a great tool for handling higher balls that are not useful for the chip approach.   It allows you to use a dynamic forward motion through the approach rather than hitting a static shot after stopping to hit it as heavy topspin shots require except for lateral movement.    This allows the same advantage of the carioca step (grapevine) on the chip backhand approach by not excessively slowing the forward motion to the net.  You use a balanced pause with your momentum in check but not stopped as you rotate through the shot and then continue forward.

Since on a high ball lift is not required because you are closer to the net all your focus is on racket face direction rather than an upward lift.  Get the feel of using your palm to push the ball to the target in an inside out motion on the forehand.  Do the same with the back of your hand on a one handed backhand.  With the two handed backhand use the palm of the non-dominant hand as your directional tool.

I found the best means of pointing to the target prior to rotation is to point the lead shoulder directly at the target while at finish your are facing forward and then moving forward.

Try it yourself and you might find the flat approach shot is another great tool for your offensive game.

Drop Shots

A drop shot only has to be as good as the player you are trying to catch in the trap. How do you judge it? If your opponent never comes to net, make them. Drop the ball short, but more importantly low with under-spin and test their net game with a lob. This sequence can be repeated as often as it gains points. It will also force your opponent to play closer, thus allowing you to apply pressure with deep ground strokes.