so does novak not run around for his fh as much as fed and nadal? or is he just more proficient with his back hand that he never really wants to run around it. ur basically saying novak is a counter puncher. what does he do if this opportunity never really comes up. how does he usually win then
Rafa has a REAL problem playing Djokovic. Federer doesn't. If only he didn't keep getting beaten by Nadal, he'd probably have beaten Djokovic a few times by now.
@thrillseeking He beat Nadal every single time they played...that was 5 times and twice one clay. To even have one win against him if he demolished the greatest clay court player of all time twice in a row in that year is pretty impressive.
You are stupid! That what he said because you don't even know where the game is from or what it is for...it for Frenchman to practice their behavior...tit for tat....as well as keep 'em fit in such a small space...in cold place you can play ping pong, it is the same.
But according to the Italians, human are bipedal and tennis will cause joint injury in the long run. Practice in moderato.
Novak's backhand works much the same way Federer's forehand worked in his prime. People thought they had the offensive position vs Roger and then he would put them on defense with one swing.
The key to beating Novak is to hit up the middle, since he has rather poor footwork compared to Federer and Nadal. And he can't exploit the angles that way as well.
his own game, plain and simple... Physical play, punishing returns, and just outdueling Rafa from the baseline..... His 2 handed backhand is just one component of his game that has vaulted him into the clear world #1...
becoming number 1 with a win got to him, he was not getting his footing at all because he was uncomfortable with the clay on that particular Friday on June 3rd, and it was just so evident in the rallies they got into....3) Roger is the greatest player in history, he was just on that day, and he pulled out all the stops and really took the wind out Djokovic's sails by winning an epic first set and taking advantage early in the 2nd... Nole almost came back, but Roger still won. He beats Rafa at..
Stating the obvious, stating the obvious.... What really pisses me off about this video is when he mentions the French Open.. Roger beat Nole because of 3 things.... 1) His calmness and experience on Parisian clay, he's been to 5 French Open Finals and won 1 of them, he's widely acknowledged as the 2nd best clay court player on the tour... 2) The pressure on Nole..... The crowd was so against him in that Semi-Final he could taste it, and he didn't like it one bit, the pressure of potentially....
Isn't this the most simplistic strategy in tennis? Hit it into the empty space. Novak can do it because he has a great backhand and Rafa and Roger keep hitting it there because they think it's his weak spot. It all depends on the player. It's not sneaky, he just has a great backhand and also footwork so that he can hit those countershots.
@G4MBAs they dont think its his weakness, its just his weaker shot. hardly anyones back hand is their stronger shot, so why hit it to their stronger shot? even if his backhand is stellar...
Seems no one really tries to play on the middle 1/3 deep court enough. Would be for someone nice to try to attack the center before getting the quality ball needed to really drag someone out. If Djokovic is so good with managing the center, why not attack the center and force him to really come up with something, since he covers the laterals well.
In other words, key to playing Novak is to play more patiently. But overall wait for a much better ball to work with. Which alludes to hitting more shots deep in the middle. Play like the best clay court player there is. The other key I would think is maybe not to simply flatten out strokes but add a lot of topspin to it. While it may phase Djokovic too much, the fact that the ball is rising more steeply can produce better opportunities to attack, as the timing on the rise must be more accurate.
after some thinking, my secret weapon applies to doubles and is easy to do. Let's say i'm on deuce side returning a serve with my backhand. automaticly, the vollier would assume i would aim it cross court so they would approach, exposing the alley for a easy and powerful down the line shot. try out my strategy, like my comment, and share the wisdom
hey will i am stuck and i was wondering if i could get some advice,
i am a competitive, junior, and i play tournaments and i am probably about a 5 on the ntrp playing scale. i have a lot of weapons and can hit big, consistent and well placed shots, but my shot selection is horrible. every time i get in an advantageous position, a approach shot or lob, i rush myself and screw it up. how can i calm myself down during a point so i pick the right shot to hit?
If they stay back and are playing very defensive tennis, then simply train your drop shot and throw in a few of those in a game. tennis isnt a game were you absolutely need to be powerful to win. in my opinion, 70% of the game is control and only about 30% is power. learn a few different serves, different shots, and make sure to try to up your precision and consistency. If you do this, Im positive those " only hit the ball over guys " will have A LOT of problems winning with you ;)
nice video! i tried it on court today when i played it made my opponent suffer coz he was running up and down none stop. your a good coach, keep up the good work. i also wanted to say, i so most of your videos and i subscribed so i can get videos on my e mail too.
i always have the same problem in my matches. I can't win against players who only play the ball back. even if my shots are better than his. i lose quite often against players like this. they only play really slow or high topspin shots. its really frustrating because after 10-15 shots i always make an unforced error. and if i try to attack i shot 3-4 balls in the corner and then i can't finish the point.
i know many other players who can't deal with these "only play back players"
I actually use this a lot, but many times it is after they try to hit an approach shot to my backhand side, and come to the net, and i can just rip it down the line. :D i don't do this very much during baseline rallies to put them on offense, so i should probably do this a little earlier in the points. Thanks!
there is this concept about rafa that i think you havent got in mind, when he does those inside-outside forehands in 7:14, he ussualy does, also in paralel ones, a quite high shot, so his opponent can risk on a hard to get ball and wont attack him and keep the rally, and when rafa wants to approach to the net, he ussualy changes this high far balls for low and short lifted balls, ussualy looking for open angles. or, a high speed one close to the player that would return as an easy ball to win
I try to do what Federer does, look for a good forehand and go inside out wide. On the last few times i played a friend he has been ready and there to hit that ball back to me when i thought it was all over. So this was a good analysis. I think i will be more patient and careful for picking that shot and perhaps go inside in down the line to add variety rather being so predictable to go inside out. perhaps approach the net to follow through if struck well.
@omgwatdouwant i personally dont recomend you doing that inside outside concept with the forehand as a tacticall weapon looking for the point, i try to follow rogers moves in court and that kind of ball just gives you a maybe, easier, not necessary, return, which with a next high quality shot by yourself would give you the point, but what federer does with his shot, i personally just leave it to roger LOL he does unbelievable things xD
Hi Will. Great video. First class analysis as always. I'm no expert at all, but the one thing I like what Novak does is that he returns a wicked running cross-court forehand when he is pushed wide on the forehand side. I've seen him turn defense into attack in an instant so many times using this. It totally throws off his opponent and gives him time to set up the killer put-away for the winner.
How about adding some short clips of actual matches to clarify the points? A nice quick clip from the Australian Open where Novak succeeded in taking advantage of Fed's mistaken move from Neutral to Offense?
I`m a tennis beginner and after seeing your FYB Videos my game seems to have come on leaps and bounds...keep up the good work and keep sending me the links to the coaching videos...great job !
I'm just a beginner, so forgive me if I'm missing something crucial. But after watching this video, Federer pretty much figured out how to counter it right? But its not as effective, so wouldn't it be easier for Federer to, instead of an inside out forehand, go down the line, effectively putting Djokovic from N to D?
There are so many great concepts and ideas from all of these videos. My question is to Will and anyone who reads this: What do you do about that one guy you always play and can literally never beat? I get so so close so many times and then just lose it on crucial points ie: from deuce. I read in an article that one of the best things you can do is to never play that person ever again but i refuse quit. Not looking for some secret thing, just how to teach myself how to beat him. thanks advance
i like to enquire about something. When djokovic try to hit down the line backhand to federer forehand side, isn"t it risker? then why is he able to do it time and time again?
hey will, awesome video as always, I am a huge fan!!! However, could you tell me why you think djokovic has improved so much in the past year to earn him the no. 1 spot? Some people say it's sth to do with his diet? What do you think?
H ah a, he said "The Situation." I know its weird but the jearsey shore "The situation" guy showing up to playing tennis puts a disturbing picture in the head.
Will, I think your explanations based on DNO are excellent; however, the only thing that makes sense to me in calling Djokovic's strategy "sneaky" would be if Djokovic intentionally hit "poor" crosscourt backhands (to Roger's backhand) to "bait" Roger into running around his backhand (to expose his forehand side). The fact that Djokovic can brilliantly counterpunch the powerful strokes of Federer and Nadal is not "sneaky" in itself. I tend to agree with simon44 and michy67. Thanks for FYB!
Hey Will! Quick question: after watching this lesson, is it okay to say that the "sneakiest weapon" that Djokovic uses is anticipation followed by a "counter-punching" backhand shot?
Of course now that Will's made a video of it, it's no longer sneaky;-)
Another shot that is no longer "sneaky" is the Rafa winner. One of the standard shot drills goes like this: Shot 1: hit a good shot that your opponent returns short. Shot 2: place a volley deep to the backhand. Shot 3: the slam. But Rafa is so blazing fast and hits with so much topspin that he hits winners off shot 2(forehand and backhand).
It's no longer sneaky, because nobody comes to net anymore against Rafa.
i appreciate all the videos you put up and what you have to say, will, but they are always so talkative and it takes 5+ minutes to get to your point. I really believe that if you cut down your videos a bit your viewership would rise quicker. Typical youtube audiences (myself included) have the attention span of a puppy. You have great points to be made but most people won't get to them before they exit or open a new tab. Sorry for the criticism and hope it doesn't come off as rude.
This is more or less the "counterpunching" strategy. It requires an ability to anticipate the aggressive shot and redirect the heavy ball with accuracy.
What makes Novak so awesome is his ability to overwhelm his opponent's weaknesses but also to attack his opponent's strengths.
This is not sneaky really. If you put yourself out of position to go for a winner of course your going to leave yourself vulnerable if the other player gets it back. They just need to get a half decent shot down the line on the opposite side.
Will instead of just explaining which side of the model foam is the racket and which is the player, wouldnt it be easy to just change it to what EVERYONE thinks? lol u explain it every video.
I've never tried that strategy mostly because of the fact that I hit a one-handed backhand (a rather good one). But hey, I've got a strategy for that as well. I just make sure I hit a more than decent backhand to my opponent's backhand side. That way I can get move into the court to attack my opponent.
Another factor is that Rafa's backhand seems to have gotten weaker, most of time it comes back as looper and Novak is taking advantage of that. For Roger the exchange can never last long enough backhand to backhand either he shanks it or just leaves it too short for Novak to take advantage.
I'd say this "sneaky" tactic is vintage Nadal style. Once his opponent moves in to clean up the point, down comes the running forehand up the line winner.
Thks for putting it togetther. One thing that dicates the direction of Rafa's inside-out forehand would be where Dj is in the court. I dont think he would run around his backhand to hit his forehand up the line unless he thought Dj was positioned more in the deuce court. If Dj is leaning or in the add court seems Rafa would hit the forehand inside out.. hope that is clear
What it boils down to is this: Novak's backhand is strong enough to rebuff the offensive power of his opponents' forehands. ie, Djokovic's backhand is not a relative soft spot in his arsenal like it is for Federer and most other players. By improving his backhand (making it on par in terms of strength with his forehand) he has effectively limited his vulnerability on that side. LESSON: Players should minimize their vulnerabilities by focusing on strengthening their weaker side.
Thanks Will; I tell beginners not to run around their backhand as they will be punished for creating a space for their opponent to hit into. Thanks for pointing out that even Roger and Rafa get punished too.
Hey Will Ben here from NY. While I was watching the video I remembered an ultra long rally in the Men's Aussie Open 09 final where the rally ended with Rafa painting a down the line shot after a relatively well struck inside out forehand by Roger. Considering the fact that Rafa is a lefty, do you think it was a better idea for Fed to hit that inside out from the alley or take the chance of going inside in?
Hi Will, Nice job as always. Your presentations are always so clear and informed, yet not professorial and boring. The one criticism I would have with the theory is in the situation where the player attempting to go on offense hits the ball AWAY from Djokovic (not into his wheelhouse backhand), making him switch to forehand and dash to the far right corner of the court. Wouldn't this put Novak on the D and lead to a potentially N return that Fed/Rafa could pounce on?
@ROCCOPY Yes, assuming that Roger / Rafa hit a quality ball. But the inside-in forehand is riskier because you have less court to work with and your recovery point is further. So if you don't hit a great shot your (right-handed) opponent will have a pretty good look on his forehand.
On the other hand, if you don't hit a great inside-out forehand you'll probably be able to hit another one on the next shot because your opponent will hit the ball back cross court. But not Novak!
@FYB2007 Great analysis! So basicly, by all means you're implicitly suggesting that it's impossible to overcome Novak right now? I mean are you expecting Nadal to have a solution on Novak on the short term? I think Nadal is playing big at the moment, but Novak simply is too good.
@FYB2007 What if the right hander was hitting the inside forehand from the alley? Should he/she aim to go sharp or deep? If the opponent is a lefty would it be smarter to hit the lower percentage inside in forehand to the lefty's backhand? Thanks for the great videos man.
Yes I have used this before lol. My coach has a huge inside out forehand. So I've noticed if I slice it short to his backhand he will run around it and 9/10 will hit an inside out forehand to my backhand. Now my backhand isn't the greatest but when you give me plenty of pace its easy just to redirect it down the line. Win's me a lot of free points even when he knows its coming hes just in such a bad position.
Good analysis, though I don't know if I'd use Djokovic's backhand as an example. The backhand down the line is a very low percentage shot, it's just that Novak just happens to have the best bachand in the world. You might review the Wardlaws for a short bit when talking about strategy.
@scooobydoo27 Oh I never said this was easy to pull off. Actually, it's quite difficult, particularly w/ the example I provided. But that's why it's a "sneak attack" and why it's so effective when you can do it.
Hi Will, nice video. Great analysis and explanation. However, after I watched the video I am just not sure what exactly is "sneaky" about it. Yeah, I hear you explain that by doing what Novak is doing with his double-handed backhand, it takes the opponent from N->O and then to D. But how is this really "sneaky"? I mean, isn't this quite obvious to the player when the opponent leaves so much open space on their side? It would seem like the obvious thing to do. Am I missing something here?
Will, a very solid job on this video. The best I have seen from you yet. Your delivery was efficient and easy to understand. As for the strategy, that was great insight. One of my take-aways is that players need to have balanced forehand and backhand strokes. Too many weak backhands out there. Also, as Roger did at the French, use your offensive weapon when it makes sense it in terms of the odds. I think Rafa runs around his backhand too much, and as you stated, Novak exploits that tactic. Vamos
Great video Will. I think we all know this subconsciously (because it has happened to us all), but it is great re-enforcement of what's actually happening. When Roger lost multiple times against Rafa, I actually thought Roger's power worked against him because all Rafa had to do is deflect the power.
Nothing is more alarming than thinking you hit a killer shot, which you follow by coming in, only to be passed or lobbed and scrambling to react.
@UTKZ1 Novak takes his backhands pretty early on the rise almost like Davydenko (but with better results). This is how he uses his opponents power and steals time from them also.
I've been watching Nadal expose himself this way for most of this year and wondered why more opponents haven't been taking advantage of all the wide open court he leaves to put him away. I guess it must not be that easy.
so it's a sneaky tactic, basically, but can you really call it a "weapon"? Similar comparison would be to scout an opponent and figure out that when they come to the net, they don't really ever split step so they are always committed to come forward; with him you could try to bring that person to the net and mostly lob over them. Something like that seems much more accessible of a counter-punching tactic to rec players, than the one pointed out in this video.
@FYB2007 - Would you say this technique is more of 'what your opponents do to themselves', and just being prepared to be aggressive at the right time with a consistent shot? Nice video btw!1
@samm876 How was he lying? Did you even watch it? If this works on top players like Nadal and Roger than obviously there's something to this "weapon".
@HHSW99HC Because it is not "the sneakiest weapon in tennis" He is just exaggerating to get more views It may be a small tip. But it is definitely not what the title says.
@samm876 So getting your opponent to switch from offense to defense without them realizing isn't that sneaky to you? What do you think is then? Even if you don't agree with him you don't have to call his video stupid.
@HHSW99HC I didn't call his video stupid. If you look back i said the name was stupid, the video is good but there are lots of tactics in tennis which are "sneakier" than this as basically all he has told you is to hit into open space with power. Like i didnt already know.
I feel as though I lost 5:33 of my life that I cannot get back. I really thought that this was going to be something revolutionary. My bad.......
deedubbauu 1 week ago
This guy is amazing, keep going FYB!!!
peacemaker3042 2 weeks ago
That's why you're not a coaching any of the top players
gkBISON 2 weeks ago in playlist Uploaded videos
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Proffesional tennis betting
tennistrading,tk
DreamBetSystems 3 weeks ago
your t-shirt is freaking gay dude
order619 3 weeks ago
so does novak not run around for his fh as much as fed and nadal? or is he just more proficient with his back hand that he never really wants to run around it. ur basically saying novak is a counter puncher. what does he do if this opportunity never really comes up. how does he usually win then
millionairejh 1 month ago
i need actual...
babykolyn2010 1 month ago
Rafa has a REAL problem playing Djokovic. Federer doesn't. If only he didn't keep getting beaten by Nadal, he'd probably have beaten Djokovic a few times by now.
hattrickster33 1 month ago
@hattrickster33
Rafa can beat Fed, Fed can beat Djo, Djo can beat Rafa, and Fish can't beat any of 'em.
gsruler 1 month ago
@gsruler True. He's not going to be in the top 10 for long if he can't.
hattrickster33 1 month ago
@hattrickster33 you realise that Novak beat Fed 4 times last year?
thrillseeking 3 weeks ago
@thrillseeking He beat Nadal every single time they played...that was 5 times and twice one clay. To even have one win against him if he demolished the greatest clay court player of all time twice in a row in that year is pretty impressive.
hattrickster33 3 weeks ago
@hattrickster33 well if you put it in that perspective, you're totally right :)
thrillseeking 3 weeks ago
you are stupid
Scor10ner 2 months ago
@Scor10ner
You are stupid! That what he said because you don't even know where the game is from or what it is for...it for Frenchman to practice their behavior...tit for tat....as well as keep 'em fit in such a small space...in cold place you can play ping pong, it is the same.
But according to the Italians, human are bipedal and tennis will cause joint injury in the long run. Practice in moderato.
UnitedPebbles 2 months ago
You should use some actual footage to illustrate your points.
mrricefield 2 months ago 5
Novak's backhand works much the same way Federer's forehand worked in his prime. People thought they had the offensive position vs Roger and then he would put them on defense with one swing.
The key to beating Novak is to hit up the middle, since he has rather poor footwork compared to Federer and Nadal. And he can't exploit the angles that way as well.
3timeMVPNash 3 months ago
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to me it is simple - If they attack you attack back better if you can - if you can't you are defending to stay in the game. this is not just tennis
johnbozi 3 months ago
his own game, plain and simple... Physical play, punishing returns, and just outdueling Rafa from the baseline..... His 2 handed backhand is just one component of his game that has vaulted him into the clear world #1...
LegendKiller0084 3 months ago
becoming number 1 with a win got to him, he was not getting his footing at all because he was uncomfortable with the clay on that particular Friday on June 3rd, and it was just so evident in the rallies they got into....3) Roger is the greatest player in history, he was just on that day, and he pulled out all the stops and really took the wind out Djokovic's sails by winning an epic first set and taking advantage early in the 2nd... Nole almost came back, but Roger still won. He beats Rafa at..
LegendKiller0084 3 months ago
Stating the obvious, stating the obvious.... What really pisses me off about this video is when he mentions the French Open.. Roger beat Nole because of 3 things.... 1) His calmness and experience on Parisian clay, he's been to 5 French Open Finals and won 1 of them, he's widely acknowledged as the 2nd best clay court player on the tour... 2) The pressure on Nole..... The crowd was so against him in that Semi-Final he could taste it, and he didn't like it one bit, the pressure of potentially....
LegendKiller0084 3 months ago
You sir, are very well spoken. How refreshing to see in a day in age where most people say much more than "that's hot" or "I work out". :)
waspy89 3 months ago
Its not sneaky at all this giy is stupid
shoogabashi1 4 months ago
Great Scope of knowledge ,insight, and tacticle strategy!!!!!! Thank You!!!!!!!
Ulrich2112 4 months ago
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EVERYONE CHECK OUT MY MUSIC VIDEO ITS SEXY AND FUN LOVE ALL!!!
The1Tempest1 4 months ago
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I have a question.... Can u guys tell me of any good exercises good for muscle explosiveness that doesn't require too much equipment? Tks so much!
TennisFreak845 4 months ago
Meh
Jast007 5 months ago 34
Isn't this the most simplistic strategy in tennis? Hit it into the empty space. Novak can do it because he has a great backhand and Rafa and Roger keep hitting it there because they think it's his weak spot. It all depends on the player. It's not sneaky, he just has a great backhand and also footwork so that he can hit those countershots.
G4MBAs 5 months ago 23
@G4MBAs they dont think its his weakness, its just his weaker shot. hardly anyones back hand is their stronger shot, so why hit it to their stronger shot? even if his backhand is stellar...
huntbug1 1 month ago
HD looks SEXY!!!
banditjr770 5 months ago
Writing on your board when your back is turned, if somebody hit you with spitballs...that would be real sneaky. BTW, great vid
Chipinjack 5 months ago
Where did you get your shirt, Will?
afshiro8 5 months ago
Seems no one really tries to play on the middle 1/3 deep court enough. Would be for someone nice to try to attack the center before getting the quality ball needed to really drag someone out. If Djokovic is so good with managing the center, why not attack the center and force him to really come up with something, since he covers the laterals well.
JiraiyaSama86 5 months ago
No match predictions this US Open?
TrolloftheTube 5 months ago
In other words, key to playing Novak is to play more patiently. But overall wait for a much better ball to work with. Which alludes to hitting more shots deep in the middle. Play like the best clay court player there is. The other key I would think is maybe not to simply flatten out strokes but add a lot of topspin to it. While it may phase Djokovic too much, the fact that the ball is rising more steeply can produce better opportunities to attack, as the timing on the rise must be more accurate.
JiraiyaSama86 5 months ago
after some thinking, my secret weapon applies to doubles and is easy to do. Let's say i'm on deuce side returning a serve with my backhand. automaticly, the vollier would assume i would aim it cross court so they would approach, exposing the alley for a easy and powerful down the line shot. try out my strategy, like my comment, and share the wisdom
tranman816 5 months ago
booring
homeygeorge101 6 months ago
his shirt says it all
xXblacknectarXx 6 months ago
hey will i am stuck and i was wondering if i could get some advice,
i am a competitive, junior, and i play tournaments and i am probably about a 5 on the ntrp playing scale. i have a lot of weapons and can hit big, consistent and well placed shots, but my shot selection is horrible. every time i get in an advantageous position, a approach shot or lob, i rush myself and screw it up. how can i calm myself down during a point so i pick the right shot to hit?
shardv36 6 months ago
this video is lame
antoinebarrouil 6 months ago
Like the part on being patient to stay on neutral rallies.
syhyh 6 months ago
meh.
BlakeAintNoJoke 6 months ago
you remind me of George from grey's anatomy, that's a good thing lol
345waffles 6 months ago
so your just saying novak has a good backhand......
meh.......
AdenosineTriphosph8 6 months ago
although im a big fan of roger, i have a lot of repect for novak aswell these days.
2007fbk 6 months ago
@dietasse24
If they stay back and are playing very defensive tennis, then simply train your drop shot and throw in a few of those in a game. tennis isnt a game were you absolutely need to be powerful to win. in my opinion, 70% of the game is control and only about 30% is power. learn a few different serves, different shots, and make sure to try to up your precision and consistency. If you do this, Im positive those " only hit the ball over guys " will have A LOT of problems winning with you ;)
BuRnOuTzOfThEOvEn 6 months ago
nice video! i tried it on court today when i played it made my opponent suffer coz he was running up and down none stop. your a good coach, keep up the good work. i also wanted to say, i so most of your videos and i subscribed so i can get videos on my e mail too.
magtricks 6 months ago
if this were a college class i would definitely take it!
Tader321 6 months ago
hey will :)
i always have the same problem in my matches. I can't win against players who only play the ball back. even if my shots are better than his. i lose quite often against players like this. they only play really slow or high topspin shots. its really frustrating because after 10-15 shots i always make an unforced error. and if i try to attack i shot 3-4 balls in the corner and then i can't finish the point.
i know many other players who can't deal with these "only play back players"
dietasse24 6 months ago
I actually use this a lot, but many times it is after they try to hit an approach shot to my backhand side, and come to the net, and i can just rip it down the line. :D i don't do this very much during baseline rallies to put them on offense, so i should probably do this a little earlier in the points. Thanks!
zKronious 6 months ago
I think Rafa and Federer should study Novak and put him back on #3 haha.
mcortezzzzzzz 6 months ago
Comment removed
mcortezzzzzzz 6 months ago
lost a match in 3 tiebreakers the other day where all my opponent did was hit off forehands from his backhand corner/side, wish I had seen this :@
TheMickeyjet 6 months ago
I play a lot of table tennis and apply a lot of the tactics you talk about in my play so it can be used for similar sports too :)
GilkeMasterFunk 6 months ago
The sneakiest weapon in tennis is having no weapon. Reply when you figure out what I mean. Smirk.
Shodai24 6 months ago
the sneakiest weapon in tennis is AIDS. From all those fags fucking eachother
alakbakbak 6 months ago
The sneakiest weapon in tennis is serving while the opponent is toweling off.
cosmeticcarrepair 6 months ago
DUDE this video is awesome! Thanks Will! I'll be using this tomorrow to beat my rival!
o15523 6 months ago
YOU ALWAYS HAVE THE BEST SHIRTS LOL. i still remember the "updog" shirt, (yes i get the joke!) you wore with yann. where do you find these novelties?
octanesc2 6 months ago
there is this concept about rafa that i think you havent got in mind, when he does those inside-outside forehands in 7:14, he ussualy does, also in paralel ones, a quite high shot, so his opponent can risk on a hard to get ball and wont attack him and keep the rally, and when rafa wants to approach to the net, he ussualy changes this high far balls for low and short lifted balls, ussualy looking for open angles. or, a high speed one close to the player that would return as an easy ball to win
miguelsaez340 6 months ago
I try to do what Federer does, look for a good forehand and go inside out wide. On the last few times i played a friend he has been ready and there to hit that ball back to me when i thought it was all over. So this was a good analysis. I think i will be more patient and careful for picking that shot and perhaps go inside in down the line to add variety rather being so predictable to go inside out. perhaps approach the net to follow through if struck well.
omgwatdouwant 6 months ago
@omgwatdouwant i personally dont recomend you doing that inside outside concept with the forehand as a tacticall weapon looking for the point, i try to follow rogers moves in court and that kind of ball just gives you a maybe, easier, not necessary, return, which with a next high quality shot by yourself would give you the point, but what federer does with his shot, i personally just leave it to roger LOL he does unbelievable things xD
miguelsaez340 6 months ago
Hi Will. Great video. First class analysis as always. I'm no expert at all, but the one thing I like what Novak does is that he returns a wicked running cross-court forehand when he is pushed wide on the forehand side. I've seen him turn defense into attack in an instant so many times using this. It totally throws off his opponent and gives him time to set up the killer put-away for the winner.
waashu 6 months ago
@TennisAnnalyst oh i see but won"t Djokovic make more errors if his confidence isn't high?
TennisRocks01 6 months ago
How about adding some short clips of actual matches to clarify the points? A nice quick clip from the Australian Open where Novak succeeded in taking advantage of Fed's mistaken move from Neutral to Offense?
jamesblackburnlynch 6 months ago
woww thanks for that! will use it in my matches as well ;)
Rafasgrl 6 months ago
I`m a tennis beginner and after seeing your FYB Videos my game seems to have come on leaps and bounds...keep up the good work and keep sending me the links to the coaching videos...great job !
MyBallsRBest 6 months ago
I'm just a beginner, so forgive me if I'm missing something crucial. But after watching this video, Federer pretty much figured out how to counter it right? But its not as effective, so wouldn't it be easier for Federer to, instead of an inside out forehand, go down the line, effectively putting Djokovic from N to D?
AwaisIrfan 6 months ago
I think this is not one of your best analysis - you are pushing the boundaries of analysis
avrono 6 months ago
There are so many great concepts and ideas from all of these videos. My question is to Will and anyone who reads this: What do you do about that one guy you always play and can literally never beat? I get so so close so many times and then just lose it on crucial points ie: from deuce. I read in an article that one of the best things you can do is to never play that person ever again but i refuse quit. Not looking for some secret thing, just how to teach myself how to beat him. thanks advance
TheJayBz 6 months ago
i like to enquire about something. When djokovic try to hit down the line backhand to federer forehand side, isn"t it risker? then why is he able to do it time and time again?
TennisRocks01 6 months ago
did you get that shirt from thinkgeek??
BlaydeZ28 6 months ago
@FYB2007
hey will, awesome video as always, I am a huge fan!!! However, could you tell me why you think djokovic has improved so much in the past year to earn him the no. 1 spot? Some people say it's sth to do with his diet? What do you think?
joshwesthill 6 months ago
When I read the title, first thing that popped to mind was steroids.
QuannieBoy 6 months ago
H ah a, he said "The Situation." I know its weird but the jearsey shore "The situation" guy showing up to playing tennis puts a disturbing picture in the head.
geepeeone 6 months ago
@geepeeone Hahaha>>> i know...can never hear 'the situation' and not think about JS. btw Will and JS rock!
knkklful 6 months ago
I wonder if nadal needs to see this XD
danielzhang0 6 months ago
Will, I think your explanations based on DNO are excellent; however, the only thing that makes sense to me in calling Djokovic's strategy "sneaky" would be if Djokovic intentionally hit "poor" crosscourt backhands (to Roger's backhand) to "bait" Roger into running around his backhand (to expose his forehand side). The fact that Djokovic can brilliantly counterpunch the powerful strokes of Federer and Nadal is not "sneaky" in itself. I tend to agree with simon44 and michy67. Thanks for FYB!
jcmorales1564 6 months ago
Hey Will! Quick question: after watching this lesson, is it okay to say that the "sneakiest weapon" that Djokovic uses is anticipation followed by a "counter-punching" backhand shot?
Thanks for the time.
P.S. Don't forget Nalbandian's double-backhand. :)
diegochangos 6 months ago
this is one of the rare time where people are not focusing on Will's hair lols
ductrung3993 6 months ago
Of course now that Will's made a video of it, it's no longer sneaky;-)
Another shot that is no longer "sneaky" is the Rafa winner. One of the standard shot drills goes like this: Shot 1: hit a good shot that your opponent returns short. Shot 2: place a volley deep to the backhand. Shot 3: the slam. But Rafa is so blazing fast and hits with so much topspin that he hits winners off shot 2(forehand and backhand).
It's no longer sneaky, because nobody comes to net anymore against Rafa.
scooobydoo27 6 months ago
I play one guy that ALWAYS runs around his backhand, going to focus on punishing him, at least make him run far for the next forehand.
scrabbleking1965 6 months ago
Am i the only one who had to replay the beggining of the video because i was caught staring at his shirt?
mw2pkers 6 months ago
i appreciate all the videos you put up and what you have to say, will, but they are always so talkative and it takes 5+ minutes to get to your point. I really believe that if you cut down your videos a bit your viewership would rise quicker. Typical youtube audiences (myself included) have the attention span of a puppy. You have great points to be made but most people won't get to them before they exit or open a new tab. Sorry for the criticism and hope it doesn't come off as rude.
j00dypoo 6 months ago
This is more or less the "counterpunching" strategy. It requires an ability to anticipate the aggressive shot and redirect the heavy ball with accuracy.
What makes Novak so awesome is his ability to overwhelm his opponent's weaknesses but also to attack his opponent's strengths.
michy67 6 months ago
This is not sneaky really. If you put yourself out of position to go for a winner of course your going to leave yourself vulnerable if the other player gets it back. They just need to get a half decent shot down the line on the opposite side.
simon44 6 months ago
Will instead of just explaining which side of the model foam is the racket and which is the player, wouldnt it be easy to just change it to what EVERYONE thinks? lol u explain it every video.
16Grantf 6 months ago
@16Grantf completely agree. every dang time lol. sunk costs man... just go with the flow and make it a racket already.
j00dypoo 6 months ago
Good point there (as usual I'd have to say)
I've never tried that strategy mostly because of the fact that I hit a one-handed backhand (a rather good one). But hey, I've got a strategy for that as well. I just make sure I hit a more than decent backhand to my opponent's backhand side. That way I can get move into the court to attack my opponent.
lucashernou 6 months ago
hehehe they're exposing themselves xD
gigity!
VDroid711 6 months ago
5 Djoker fans dislike this xD
VDroid711 6 months ago
Great Video.
Agree with your points.
Another factor is that Rafa's backhand seems to have gotten weaker, most of time it comes back as looper and Novak is taking advantage of that. For Roger the exchange can never last long enough backhand to backhand either he shanks it or just leaves it too short for Novak to take advantage.
roletnabih 6 months ago
I'd say this "sneaky" tactic is vintage Nadal style. Once his opponent moves in to clean up the point, down comes the running forehand up the line winner.
smithcm14 6 months ago
Hi Wil,
Thks for putting it togetther. One thing that dicates the direction of Rafa's inside-out forehand would be where Dj is in the court. I dont think he would run around his backhand to hit his forehand up the line unless he thought Dj was positioned more in the deuce court. If Dj is leaning or in the add court seems Rafa would hit the forehand inside out.. hope that is clear
nihsumi 6 months ago
dude will you have the awesomest shirts ever
zjosephz1834 6 months ago
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chrissiekm 6 months ago
What it boils down to is this: Novak's backhand is strong enough to rebuff the offensive power of his opponents' forehands. ie, Djokovic's backhand is not a relative soft spot in his arsenal like it is for Federer and most other players. By improving his backhand (making it on par in terms of strength with his forehand) he has effectively limited his vulnerability on that side. LESSON: Players should minimize their vulnerabilities by focusing on strengthening their weaker side.
NYCHammer 6 months ago
i thought the sneakiest weapon was a tennis racket......
TheSouthCompass 6 months ago
Thanks Will; I tell beginners not to run around their backhand as they will be punished for creating a space for their opponent to hit into. Thanks for pointing out that even Roger and Rafa get punished too.
Colin
ColinStringerTennis 6 months ago
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AznRey619 6 months ago
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AznRey619 6 months ago
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AznRey619 6 months ago
Hey Will Ben here from NY. While I was watching the video I remembered an ultra long rally in the Men's Aussie Open 09 final where the rally ended with Rafa painting a down the line shot after a relatively well struck inside out forehand by Roger. Considering the fact that Rafa is a lefty, do you think it was a better idea for Fed to hit that inside out from the alley or take the chance of going inside in?
AznRey619 6 months ago
Hi Will, Nice job as always. Your presentations are always so clear and informed, yet not professorial and boring. The one criticism I would have with the theory is in the situation where the player attempting to go on offense hits the ball AWAY from Djokovic (not into his wheelhouse backhand), making him switch to forehand and dash to the far right corner of the court. Wouldn't this put Novak on the D and lead to a potentially N return that Fed/Rafa could pounce on?
ROCCOPY 6 months ago 2
@ROCCOPY Yes, assuming that Roger / Rafa hit a quality ball. But the inside-in forehand is riskier because you have less court to work with and your recovery point is further. So if you don't hit a great shot your (right-handed) opponent will have a pretty good look on his forehand.
On the other hand, if you don't hit a great inside-out forehand you'll probably be able to hit another one on the next shot because your opponent will hit the ball back cross court. But not Novak!
FYB2007 6 months ago 4
@FYB2007 Great analysis! So basicly, by all means you're implicitly suggesting that it's impossible to overcome Novak right now? I mean are you expecting Nadal to have a solution on Novak on the short term? I think Nadal is playing big at the moment, but Novak simply is too good.
dafreestyler 6 months ago
@FYB2007 What if the right hander was hitting the inside forehand from the alley? Should he/she aim to go sharp or deep? If the opponent is a lefty would it be smarter to hit the lower percentage inside in forehand to the lefty's backhand? Thanks for the great videos man.
AznRey619 6 months ago
@ROCCOPY Your right dude
TheChessMaster1245 5 months ago
Yes I have used this before lol. My coach has a huge inside out forehand. So I've noticed if I slice it short to his backhand he will run around it and 9/10 will hit an inside out forehand to my backhand. Now my backhand isn't the greatest but when you give me plenty of pace its easy just to redirect it down the line. Win's me a lot of free points even when he knows its coming hes just in such a bad position.
TColeTrainT 6 months ago
Good analysis, though I don't know if I'd use Djokovic's backhand as an example. The backhand down the line is a very low percentage shot, it's just that Novak just happens to have the best bachand in the world. You might review the Wardlaws for a short bit when talking about strategy.
scooobydoo27 6 months ago
@scooobydoo27 Oh I never said this was easy to pull off. Actually, it's quite difficult, particularly w/ the example I provided. But that's why it's a "sneak attack" and why it's so effective when you can do it.
FYB2007 6 months ago
Hi Will, nice video. Great analysis and explanation. However, after I watched the video I am just not sure what exactly is "sneaky" about it. Yeah, I hear you explain that by doing what Novak is doing with his double-handed backhand, it takes the opponent from N->O and then to D. But how is this really "sneaky"? I mean, isn't this quite obvious to the player when the opponent leaves so much open space on their side? It would seem like the obvious thing to do. Am I missing something here?
derektem 6 months ago
@derektem Its called Marketing. Like a news paper uses headlines to capture audience, he needs us to watch the video. Great headline, fooled me!
fvbch2010 6 months ago 3
@fvbch2010 LOL!!! ahh... it is great headline. I watched the video indeed. :)
derektem 6 months ago
Will, a very solid job on this video. The best I have seen from you yet. Your delivery was efficient and easy to understand. As for the strategy, that was great insight. One of my take-aways is that players need to have balanced forehand and backhand strokes. Too many weak backhands out there. Also, as Roger did at the French, use your offensive weapon when it makes sense it in terms of the odds. I think Rafa runs around his backhand too much, and as you stated, Novak exploits that tactic. Vamos
Rexerco 6 months ago
@Rexerco Thanks Rex! I bet others will following Novak's lead and start hitting to the open court versus Rafa.
FYB2007 6 months ago
My club Championships are coming up! FYB is my go to coaching aid! Lovvvve it!
kruls1101 6 months ago
@kruls1101 Good luck!
FYB2007 6 months ago
Will's videos are so money.
TheRob2D 6 months ago 3
@TheRob2D Thanks!
FYB2007 6 months ago
Hey Will! You should draw smiley faces (or game faces) on the circles, maybe that'll clear up some of the confusion with the icons.
Great insight, nice shirt!
psv255 6 months ago
Usually I'll try and just keep the rally neutral if my opponent is trying to go on offense rather than try and make them go on defense.
Krutchtacular 6 months ago
Great video Will. I think we all know this subconsciously (because it has happened to us all), but it is great re-enforcement of what's actually happening. When Roger lost multiple times against Rafa, I actually thought Roger's power worked against him because all Rafa had to do is deflect the power.
Nothing is more alarming than thinking you hit a killer shot, which you follow by coming in, only to be passed or lobbed and scrambling to react.
UTKZ1 6 months ago
@UTKZ1 Novak takes his backhands pretty early on the rise almost like Davydenko (but with better results). This is how he uses his opponents power and steals time from them also.
surfjabroni 6 months ago
I've been watching Nadal expose himself this way for most of this year and wondered why more opponents haven't been taking advantage of all the wide open court he leaves to put him away. I guess it must not be that easy.
louddha 6 months ago
so it's a sneaky tactic, basically, but can you really call it a "weapon"? Similar comparison would be to scout an opponent and figure out that when they come to the net, they don't really ever split step so they are always committed to come forward; with him you could try to bring that person to the net and mostly lob over them. Something like that seems much more accessible of a counter-punching tactic to rec players, than the one pointed out in this video.
slaroche9 6 months ago
@FYB2007 - Would you say this technique is more of 'what your opponents do to themselves', and just being prepared to be aggressive at the right time with a consistent shot? Nice video btw!1
12flosspick03 6 months ago
Going to try this next time im on court! Great analysis!
chuck41520 6 months ago
Awesome video :)
szaydman89 6 months ago
Will your shirt is awesome, but the video is even more awesome i was thinking that strategy is there but wasnt sure great job!!! great video.
xmodcamaro 6 months ago 2
@xmodcamaro Gracias!
FYB2007 6 months ago 5
so uh.. i think i speak for most of us here... Where did you get your shirt?
harbeh 6 months ago
@harbeh A magician never reveals his secrets.... just kidding, Google "SnorgTees" and the website will come up (can't link on Youtube, womp).
FYB2007 6 months ago
@FYB2007 Thanks!
harbeh 6 months ago
@FYB2007 What a stupid name for this video. Why do you just straight up lie in the title?
samm876 6 months ago
@samm876 How was he lying? Did you even watch it? If this works on top players like Nadal and Roger than obviously there's something to this "weapon".
HHSW99HC 6 months ago
@HHSW99HC Because it is not "the sneakiest weapon in tennis" He is just exaggerating to get more views It may be a small tip. But it is definitely not what the title says.
samm876 6 months ago
@samm876 So getting your opponent to switch from offense to defense without them realizing isn't that sneaky to you? What do you think is then? Even if you don't agree with him you don't have to call his video stupid.
HHSW99HC 6 months ago
@HHSW99HC I didn't call his video stupid. If you look back i said the name was stupid, the video is good but there are lots of tactics in tennis which are "sneakier" than this as basically all he has told you is to hit into open space with power. Like i didnt already know.
samm876 6 months ago
cool shirt lol
djlpenguin 6 months ago 12
4th :)
MrNikolajdkk 6 months ago
that shirt is amazing
mikekelley 6 months ago
I was gonna say, "nice shirt.", but then i was like, meh...
blackchrisp 6 months ago 61
@blackchrisp Well played sir, you win this round
FYB2007 6 months ago 25
@blackchrisp What does it mean?
Meh?
mca10spro 6 months ago
meh
ch1ps1 6 months ago