Roger Federer is the most “watchable” champion the game has known. His game is moulded on the Rod Laver and Pete Sampras model, but Federer has taken it to a new level. Quite simply he is superb in all elements of the game:-
• His strokes are technically flawless
• He is able to tactically impose his strengths on his opponents weakness’
• He is physically in tremendous shape, moving beautifully around court and suffering few
injuries, and
• He displays mental strength (especially recently) which has overwhelmed several adversaries in recent tight matches.
His execution of the all round game has resulted in him claiming 12 grand slam trophies and reached 10 consecutive grand slam finals (at end of 2007).
It was not always this way:-
“I remember when my game was still up in the air, on any given day I could play very well. But on off days I would be very vulnerable.”
This statement summed up Federer’s early career and also the problems facing players wishing to emulate his style. Federer has so many strokes and strategies that during his first years on tour he hadn’t mastered his game. The more decisions a player has to make, the more mistakes they can make.
This was best reflected in Federer’s early exchanges with Australia’s Lleyton Hewitt. Hewitt was a number 1 at age 19 and at one point held a 7 – 1 career record against Roger although they were both the same age. Hewitt is a fierce counter puncher and really relied on a few patterns and strokes to wear down his opponent, a style that was easier to master than Federer’s.
Twelve straight losses later and Hewitt is conceding he needs to become a more all round player to compete with the world’s best again. The all round style may not deliver immediate results – learning (and teaching) it will be frustrating. It is worth putting in the hard work to achieve an all round game that will allow players to play with creativity and the variety to win in different conditions, on a variety of court surfaces and against diverse opponents.
The key elements of Federer’s all round game include:-
• The ripping inside out forehand is the most damaging stroke in Federer’s repertoire.
• Federer hits a closed stance forehand when transitioning through the mid court. This is in direct contrast to Roddick who likes to hit the inside out open stance shot – resulting in poor positioning for the volley.
• The backhand is hit with tremendous variety; heavy topspin cross court, flat and deep down the line and biting slice.
• Beautifully disguised serve, which creates effectiveness on both 1st and 2nd serve. The additional option of serve and volley is available to Federer when he chooses.
• Superb volley technique and the touch to execute drop and angled volleys to win the point.
• Federer’s moves swiftly with balance and grace. His mechanically sound movement and
stroke technique mean he is rarely injured and out of the game.
• Outwardly he is calm and composed – although we have seen he is fiercely competitive and motivated to take his place amongst the game’s greats.
• Federer has an adaptable game plan that he can change to suit each opponent and he can change tactics mid match if the situation arises.
Developing a Federer or a Henin is difficult. Observing junior tournaments the world over it seems modern coaching is producing more and more one dimensional players. These players are very comfortable around 1 metre behind the baseline hammering the most devastating forehands and backhands imaginable. Unfortunately this is the only way they know to play the game and if they cannot win overpowering their opponent from the baseline they have no viable alternative.
Emerging young players who have been taught on clay courts are increasingly demonstrating the variety needed to make it at the top level. They can hit heavy topspin, change of pace, loop and drop shots, angles, slice and a sound volley. Additionally these players are coming into pro tennis with tremendous fitness and mental strength.
For coaches in the US and Australia where hard and synthetic courts are more common – consider Progressive Tennis. Progressive tennis has many different names in many different countries. Essentially what it entails is the use of modified equipment when teaching developing players.
How does progressive tennis help teach an all court game?
• Using a modified ball which doesn’t bounce so high allows young players to develop more moderate grips (semi western), which are then easier to change for volleys or slice.
• Using modified balls which don’t bounce so high allow young players to move forwards, take the ball early and attack the net effectively.
• Using a smaller, lighter racquet allows the young player to develop effective mechanics on strokes, including racquet speed, rather than compensating for a difficult to handle senior model.
• Using a modified court (ie. shorter baseline) allows the young player to move to the net – and have a chance to cover the lobs of their opponent.
The modifications of progressive tennis can apply to young players up to the age of 10 – but can be implemented for all ages to help even adults who are new to the game. Significantly Federer’s home country Switzerland implements a progressive tennis program, as do successful tennis federations in France, Belgium and the Netherlands. The system can make the game easier and more enjoyable for beginners; or lay the foundations for a future champion to play the all round game.
Can developing players hope to emulate the mastery Federer has over so many aspects of the game? No! Coaches can, however, invest the time in developing an all round player and athlete. While it will take a long time and may never be mastered, it will challenge the student and keep the learning process enjoyable. The burnout in developing players learning a one dimensional baseline game is alarming, especially the girls. Give young players the chance to copy the Federer style, if not achieve his spectacular results.
I found this articles about Roger Federer.
The author :Rufus Keown
~Sayyid~^_^
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