Great technical review. Not so worried about FAA forehand. I do agree that his technique forces him to correct with the wrist after impact instead of doing the wrist work before which causes an increase in volatility. Alcaraz forehand is very wristy, but the wrist work is done before impact.
Now. The backhand. My assessment was that he doesn't follow through enough with the righ arm. Especially when he gets tight. This makes it hard for him to really aim properly, especially down the line. And I still think it's a main problem, but it's also a symptom not the cause. You may have actually nailed the main reason why. Square edge, outside in. The only guy, top of my head, that seemed to nail it was Agassi, because his follow through was so solid. It is hard for him to do it the Agassi way because when doubt creeps in, his impact point is all over the place. In the end, Felix would have to choose how to commit to it. Either drop the racquet head and go inside-out or or keep as is and learn how to follow through like a Mofo and make sure that contact point doesn't budge.
And Agassi spoke about how much he hit with his right hand. Kept the wrists locked for longer that way. Korda (who works with agassi) has a similiar feature, as does Fritz and Alcaraz at times. See below:
Felix either needs to stay more side on as he swings to create more space between his left elbow and body/help get the outside of the ball, OR, really emphasise the right hand and get the left hand as a passenger. At the moment he has Steve Johnson tendencies.
Great technical review. Not so worried about FAA forehand. I do agree that his technique forces him to correct with the wrist after impact instead of doing the wrist work before which causes an increase in volatility. Alcaraz forehand is very wristy, but the wrist work is done before impact.
Now. The backhand. My assessment was that he doesn't follow through enough with the righ arm. Especially when he gets tight. This makes it hard for him to really aim properly, especially down the line. And I still think it's a main problem, but it's also a symptom not the cause. You may have actually nailed the main reason why. Square edge, outside in. The only guy, top of my head, that seemed to nail it was Agassi, because his follow through was so solid. It is hard for him to do it the Agassi way because when doubt creeps in, his impact point is all over the place. In the end, Felix would have to choose how to commit to it. Either drop the racquet head and go inside-out or or keep as is and learn how to follow through like a Mofo and make sure that contact point doesn't budge.
And Agassi spoke about how much he hit with his right hand. Kept the wrists locked for longer that way. Korda (who works with agassi) has a similiar feature, as does Fritz and Alcaraz at times. See below:
https://hughclarke.substack.com/p/djokovic-v-korda-adelaide-final-analysis
Felix either needs to stay more side on as he swings to create more space between his left elbow and body/help get the outside of the ball, OR, really emphasise the right hand and get the left hand as a passenger. At the moment he has Steve Johnson tendencies.
We should get the big bucks!
I've greatly enjoyed your technical reviews of the Next Gen guys! I am curious if you plan to look at Draper, Baez, or Nakashima in depth?
Hi Angrybirdstar, I’m glad you’re enjoying the articles! Certainly
Might be on the cards—all 3 have pretty solid technique