Roger Federer's Inside-Out Forehand / FYB Strategy Quiz #2

[MrTonyInchpractice]

look to the great graf for the answer- a good slice stays low, taking away ur opponent's option of a flatly hit reply; the opponent has to *dig* the ball out of the court which forces them to produce a shot which comes over the net higher which gives fed/graf more time to run around the b/hand to hit the (relatively) high-bouncing slower reply to the slice.

lovelovelove fyb.

any plans of detailing hingis's strategies?

[thezlatkom]

The correct answer is because slice backhands usually means getting a slice backhand back (slower ball more time to go around it) or low top spin backhand wish is also usually very slow because Feds slice bounced low and it is immposible to attack it. So by slice he gets something like matrix moment for him where he can travel faster than the opponents ball and get prepared for the forehand and change the rhythm completely of the point.

[thatmusikman]

Isn't Roddick's inside out better?

[EthanMauAsam1]

Because,

if you hit the slice most people will hit a slower slice back and that gives federer more time to turn around the ball (i think)

[slatz20]

The ball on 2:00 is O U T . ^ ^

[181erob]

It's more difficult to hit back a slice with a lot of speed on it than a regular ball. Because of this, Roger has more time to run around the shot and hit a forehand.

[arunrajesh2429]

Alternating shots with his backhand makes his opponent's return weaker and more towards serve line rather than the baseline , so he will have more time to switch sides to go inside out .....

[idontsignin]

9 times out of 10 he will hit his forehand to the open court, the guys are reading it too easy

[tommycfc]

It invokes an ancient magical formula to victory: topspin, slice, topspin, topspin, slice, topspin, slice, slice, DIE.

[sultanabran1]

@tommycfc like!

[krahnema]

Thanks a lot Will for all your well presented lessons and (your humor!) They are extremely useful and pleasant for learning and teaching.

[dartishere]

do u sell cock

[iversonjai]

because it'll cause your opponent's arm to become numb...forgot how it's done but read it in a Japanese manga call prince of tennis...

[vlaknall]

@iversonjai KUDOS - PRINCE OF TENNIS FTW

[learnworkplay]

Aside from the opponent's rhythm answers, the reason that the alternating slice and topspin backhands works is that, it helps Roger's rhythm of getting the slice backhand to fall into the opponent's court in the correct spot, which typically is low, very close to the service line, and on a right-handed opponent's backhand side. Usually the opponent hits a cross-court shot, then Roger can hit an inside-out forehand down the line.

[timaku]

slice with alternating topspin backhands throw opponents off their rhythm and they tend to hit shorter and weaker balls because of it

[beni777777]

haha FyB = Fuck you Bitch

[nelonthenet]

Haven't come across a video on the following. Have seen a Federer backhand video where his wrist has been focused on and how it works during the swing right from the start 9o degree angle and all.. How does it work for the forehand?? Is it supposed to be in line with the forearm or at 90 degree?? any thoughts??

[robskeXx]

i've gone to your site... But if i want to see how to learn a 'move' from a pro player, i don't know where to go... i've gone to the pro player library, but you can only see them hitting the balls what's usefull to but i don't know how to get to the movies were you explain how to do it. please help me. by the way your vids rock!

[ubicomp]

I just read your other comments before I posted this...

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Note to the guy in this vid... You do not orient the racquets properly in your demonstrations. You always tilt them in the wrong direction. You explain a backhand, and position it as a forehand on the board and vice versa. You should really fix this because it muddles your explanations.

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Ok... then maybe instead you should use magnets that look less like tennis racquets if they represent people. Your method now confuses.

[migor1973]

I would guess that in throwing off his opponent's rhythm or giving his opponent a variety of pace and shot like this, he is able to create a situation in which the ball is essentially fed to him at the pace and location at which point he can then use his stronger, often point-ending (or nearly so) weapon, the inside-out forehand.

[2knowfun2]

If you want to become a GREAT TENNIS PLAYER (match player), go to my channel: ( 2knowfun2 ) and watch the video: World Class Tennis (Part1/2) and (Part2/2). I have designed both tennis videos in a very unique way .

[whitarl]

I need to know how to defend against a very good inside out forehand from a 4.0 player with youthful legs and good mobility.

[sgsawant]

A truly informative video. Never saw it this way. Always thought that a backhand should played when a backhand is offered.

[xbanditxinzx]

is it possible to hit an inside out with an eastern grip?

[themaliced]

@xbanditxinzx fed does it all the time

[themaliced]

@xbanditxinzx also, i would say that its more about positioning than grip, it might be easier with a certain type of grip, but not impossible.

[TRUFFLIEPUFFF]

wait i dont get this...damn lefty

[genius4tru]

@douglasdavies . Actually I think the racquets are in the correct orientation. You have to remember that the circle denotes the player and the stick pointing out denotes the direction of the racquet. Just thought I'd mention. Great Videos.

[mistersky123]

The variations of spin and speed on Federer's backhand made it more difficult for his opponents to achieve precision and power consistently. This causes some returns to be short, or in the wrong spot, say a foot too far to the center, or for the pace to be off. Some of federer's shot were deliberately hit not to far into the corner, so his opponent would be not so far in the corner. It is in such a situation, Fed would run around and hit an inside-out forhand, and take control of the point.

[rmsprowler]

mixing it up with the pace and spin won't allow opponent to get into rhythm. thus they will give many more short balls. especially against tall players, slice sticks close to ground and skids, making it difficult in many cases to hit back. slower pace allows himself more time to get back into point.

[tuneuputilities]

Slices slow down the play giving Roger time and therefor ,opportunity to run around and hit his better shot.

[AltairXC]

The reason that greater variation between Roger's backhand and other Pro's backhands allows him to hit more inside-out forehands is b/c of disrupting his opponent's rhythm and due to this being able read his opponent's shot better b/c of percentage play.

Roger's goal by mixing in the slice w/ topspin is to keep giving his opponent a different ball every time. So that they have a harder time attacking his shot because it's harder to develop a rhythm.

[Baddieko]

@AltairXC the problem is nadal is not afraid of any slice from roger disabling the inside out forehand. He resets the rally when federer slices, has enough time to change backspin to topspin, and it clears the net every time.

[AltairXC]

Federer realizes this and if his opponent does not do anything special with their backhand (due to Federer's variety) to his backhand he can anticipate the cross-court ball.

As a result he can get a head start. This allows him time to get around the ball, set, and hit his better shot.

[Rosprav]

Roger's slice stays lower to the ground and has a bit less pace than his topspin. His opponent is forced to hit up over the net and is unable to generate his usual pace and still keep the ball in the court.

It is these factors plus Roger's prior knowledge of this unfolding which gives him extra time. He can then run around the opponents return of his slice and execute the inside-out forehand.

[NickStriker]

I think that the variation that Federer has developed on his backhand is the key. His opponent isn't absolutely sure where the ball will be placed,for instance,federer may go for deep ball on his opponent's backhand to increase the pressure on this side,and after that use slice at the same direction. Then he may expect to be sent a short ball or slow one,so he would be able to make a move and prepare for the inside -out or inside-in forehand.

[TheShahdawg]

Federer is not a lefty. Get it straight dude with the rackets!

[ummwathe234]

because it mixes up the pace. and his opponent will always have to adjust. when federer gets the easy backhand he uses his insideout. its a dominant shot and you can hit anywhere in the court with it.

[crowleyspicks]

When he is mixing it up between his slice and topspin backhand, he is forcing his opponent to set up well for every ball. He is mixing up his opponents contact points which means if his opponent slacks on his footwork for a split second, he will hit a shorter ball, which federer can attack with his inside out forehand.

[jeff15nero12hardy27]

It's because when Federer hits the slice the player has to get up the ball over the net so the shot might not be so good, that gives Federer a chance to hit very hard the ball.... That shot is the inside out forehand.

[TheChrischify]

its because the other player dont know whitch ball federer plays so may a short slice or a long topspin so he can't easylie react and federer gets an easy may high and slow ball that he can attack with his forehand

[Yuck121]

I think the other player constantly has to adjust the back hand to the spin so they can't hit as strong a ball giving him a good setup so he can just continue to alternate and then wait for the perfect ball

[lilhu93]

Where is the answer to this, I can't find it

[FYB2007]

Click on the link in the description

[ulizinho]

go to his webside

[mrcha0s]

@lilhu93 lol and then they try to make you subscribe to get some email shit that you most likely don't care about. If you want your site to look good just give the answer without the bullshit.

[waaltue]

Of course not!

But i know what u mean dude!! in this vid the white "things" should be the players but at the beginning i also thougt it s a racket! and actually it defentely looks more than a racket!!!

[Bantick101]

hahahaha!! this is an example of a 'tennis gimp'

you know when you go to a match and theres those groupss of willys that physically live at the club.

[hotty198]

i always thought an inside out forehand was when you hit the ball outwards(in my case to my right) when your body angle is not showing that direction at all. what kinda shot is that called?

[Ewer03]

çlpç

[loondoo]

Hey Will, good job with these online tennis quizzes and with the great hi-def footage.

My thinking regarding why Fed gets more chances for inside out forehands off of a slice backhand combo is that the low slice forehand to the opponent's backhand forces the opponent to hit up on the ball a bit.

This leaves Fed with a high bouncing meatball right in the strike zone of his inside out forehand. Fed says "Thank you very much!", and puts it away for a winner!

Good stuff, keep 'em coming!

[loondoo]

Oops...I meant that Fed's slick Backhand--NOT slice forehand--keeps the ball low and that leaves Fed with a Chest High meatball that he can put away.

[teachtennis101]

you are a good source for tennis fanatics

[revolvolut1on]

Your videos are great, but I really dislike that intro sound with the static. Please change it...

[pedrog1496]

im brasil =/

[jeffrx]

Off of the low, skidding slice, the ball will come back with less pace, giving Federer more time to run around.

[entermcbeth]

playing the slice cross court to his opponents backhand, federer can then reasonable assume that he will get a return cross court hit with not much pace because its difficult to generate pace off a slice. This will allow federer to run around his backhand to hit a forehand. also, mixing in topspin shot with slice shots will generally throw off an opponents rythem and make it difficult to hit agressive shots. this would also allow federer to run around the backhand

[fbinsulation]

I think it's just to give his opponent no rhythm to work on.

But in a situation where Federer hits maybe 3 topspins and then one slice, he can almost sidle a little to [his] left during the float-time of his own slice. I don't know if that makes sense

[chikkychappy]

nice videos ;) but next time make sure you do not have your back completely to the audience while speaking, bec it doesn't look good and does not give an open and engaging impression. otherwise all's good and keep up the good work!

[morgand536]

I think the main point is making the opponent confused. As we know, it is different to return a slice shot and a top spin shot, if Fed mixs it together, his opponent starts thinking and confusing, then his opponent returns a low quality shot, and Fed has time to switch to his forehand and hit to whatever he likes.

[wickedmario007]

why are u giving wrong information to people?? the shot u explained which goes to the left hand side of federer is not a inside out forehand: its an inside in forehand....

inside out forehand will always be hit to the right hand side of federer since he is right handed!!

[bluenigma]

hmmm now that i think about it

Actually I think Inside supposed to mean that the ball crosses your body. and out is opposite direction you hit it, becoming inside out. rather than inside in where you have a forehand-forehand or backhand-backhand rally. So when you run around a forehand wouldn't that make it an outside out? haha. I think the term inside out just evolved from people running around forehands and it looking similar to the original inside out. forehand to forehand to outside.

[attybong]

an inside out forehand is simply a cross court forehand hit the other way around. enjoy!

[FYB2007]

Quick note about the magnets -- they are not tennis rackets. The circle represents the player's body. The stick coming out of the circle is the tennis racket. So everything is oriented properly but I can understand the confusion.

[FishMaster328]

haha i was wondering about that too. But that makes sense. It might be better to use magnets with some color or something next time so that we can tell the difference though.

[sudheern84]

federe is right handed.... so ur video shuld be that way..... other than that.... you could add probably a ten sec video of him actually doing it!!

nice job tho!

[Fazigu]

variation on speed and height causes short balls, that gives him more time to move to his forehand

[wiismashbrosking]

i think that alternating the topspin and the slice back hand doesnt let the opponent get a good rythm so it is easy to predict the shot and hit an inside out forehand

[lawlitssoo1n]

i believe when you go down the line that is a inside-in

[Ripley01]

Dude ... Federer is right handed!

[RobT89]

The back hand slice, especially when hit as well as Federer buys a lot of time. It also dips low and becomes risky to hit a down the line return. So this guys Federer alot of time to set up a inside out Forehand. As to why he may vary it with top spin shots, im not to sure.

[carrotstien]

When he hits a slice, the ball takes more time to get to the other side of the court. During this extra time, federer can move into a better position, or, if he is anticipating, move straight into the proper inside out forehand position.

btw, your racquets are switched - fed's a righty ;)

Also, what you forgot to mention, is that fed doesn't just hit inside outs because his fh is better - he does it because an inside out forehand has diagonal topspin which makes it move away from the opponent

[Magicman53911]

He makes the opposing player do the same type of shot/slow down their backhand so it gives him enough time to run around the ball and perform a spectacular inside-out forehand. Obviously that is only a guess... I love these videos! Keep it up!

[demondayzzz]

during his "slump" for the last 2 years he's hit this shot relatively worse than usual, i.e not hitting it for a winner, dropping it short and letting the opponent easily direct it into the open court. his movement, condition, mentality, etc. need to be exceptionally good for all parts of his game to come together (inc the i/o fh) which is why when one part is more lacking than others it tells, and why it's a tremendous achievement for him to stay at this level for so long.

[fivemoreexits]

Alternating not only keeps his competitor guessing, it can allow him more time to run around for the inside-out forehand.

[champ1193]

FYB... does it make sense that i have a hard time keeping my backhand slice low over the net because i am not very tall (5'6")?

[prorockeATgmail]

I don't think so, instead i suggest you to find right strings and tension

[glueisyummy]

Obviously I am not FYB but I can still tell you what i think. I am only 5' 1'' so i am short. But my slice stays low over the net. I think all you need to do is position yourself in a position where you have the most leverage on the ball, and make sure that your follow through goes forward through the ball, and finishes at a level higher than the net, rather than follow throughing in a sideways motion.. This should keep the ball from popping up.

[RobT89]

no my cousin has a low slice hes 5 7

[Rafasgrl]

he disrupts the pace of the ball and after a few slow slices he can hit his big backhand and outlast his opponent

[lazarsavke]

Dude! There's no answer!!!

[FYB2007]

There is now!

[TheNameDoesntFi]

INSIDE-OUT FOREHAND IS GOOD!!!

[RFServeRF]

Very Well Done

[Elohite]

in side out forehand not just backhand to backhand... vs nadal being a lefty it is a backhand to forhand rally.

It is a lot harder to hit a faster paced shot off a low bouncing slice. So like timaku says, the chances of a less agressive ball coming off a slice is very high. Federer expects this and is prepared to run around and smack a winner and win another 5 slams

[sukivan27]

Slices stay low and are difficult to attack (especially off of the backhand wing); the opponent must hit up on the ball and produce their own pace. When Federer slices, he can be more confident that he will get a relatively slow ball (certainly not an attacking ball) to his backhand side. This allows him to cheat over a little bit to his left and begin dictating with an angled inside out forehand.

[habibko]

I suppose because it gives the opponent less chance to predict the next shot, making it less likely for him to hit a great backhand DTL or sharp angled CC, which means Fed will eventually find an opportunity to run around it...?

[Babakc]

Your web site is not updated with the answer

[olivierntk]

Alternating between sliced and topspin back hand breaks the opponent hitting rhythm hence increasing the chance to receive a softer ball where Fed can hit a winner inside/out ...

[timaku]

The alternation between slice and topspin throws off other players' rhythm and they tend to hit their shots just a little bit more conservatively (more spin less pace) and federer expecting a slower ball is mentally prepared to hit an aggressive inside out forehand.  Federer's slice is really unique in that it contains a little more spin and pace than other slices and this helps in catching people off guard when they expect a topspin shot.

[agoodfriend601]

zomg 2nd comment on this

[Linkster3o3]

the slice backhand is a change in pace. So it gives Federer more time to move over to his forehand side. However, sometimes I think Federer uses his slice mainly to change up the rhythm of the rally, being less predictable to his opponents or to play more on his pace. BTW, GREAT videos and ideas on using the eraseable board. I always wondered if there was something like this available. The way I see the eraseable board, is like a "Tennis Chess match". Always gotta think about your next move.

[HellRaiser51]

to intelligent fr my liking...