How to Play Tennis Like Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal is a world class clay court "specialist." His game and mentality gives him the upper hand on tennis court surfaces that are either red clay or hard tru (the grayish green clay seen mostly at country clubs), versus hard courts and grass. Despite his proclivity to succeed on these surfaces, he has done well on the grass courts of Wimbledon, primarily because of his knowledge of the game and the physical attributes that make him world-class. Read on to learn how to play tennis like Rafael Nadal.
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Things You'll Need
- Tennis racket
- Tennis balls
- Tennis court
- Heart of a champion
- Tennis training from a young age
Instructions
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For starters, Nadal's fitness level is extraordinary. His ability to play a tough match with high intensity and without fatiguing is part genetics, part work ethic. In order to adopt a clay court game, one has to resign themselves to the fact that each point can and will last longer than on any other surface. It is important to realize that hitting stroke after stroke and running down each and every ball is a cardiovascular challenge.
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Understand that Nadal has a game consistent with most clay court specialists that have come and gone over the years, however he does it much better and that is why he can crossover onto other surfaces. Typically, clay courters has "western forehands." Meaning that they grip the racket with practically their palm facing up if the racket strings are perpendicular to the ground. This grip facilitates the heavy topspin. However, you must be very strong to get the benefit of the heavy topspin without losing too much velocity on the shot. The western grip can also be extremely detrimental to the elbow specifically if the timing of the shot is not fantastic. The timing refers to striking the ball in the right spot (in front of the body). Nadal has a solid two-handed backhand that he usually positions himself as to not utilize. He "runs around" in order to hit more forehands than backhands, but his backhand is not a weakness. This takes perfect footwork and tremendous fitness.
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Keep in mind that Nadal can volley very adeptly so this separates him from other clay court specialists. He has the ability to attack his opponent by approaching the net and finishing the point. Most clay court specialist would not approach the net and in even offensive situations become defensive. This is acceptable on clay, but will prove costly on every other surface.
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Know Nadal's serve is not a major strength, because it is not particularly fast. Other professionals serve much faster and win points much easier on their serve because of this. Since Nadal grew up playing on a surface that negates the serve to a certain extent, it did not develop in the same way that it may have. However, his weapon when serving is strategy. His placement and ability to change up the pace and spin, puts him a position where he has the offensive once the point has begun. He is left-handed and this is another major reason that Nadal is successful. Lefties are difficult to play because they are in the minority so practicing with one is not commonplace. Plus, everything is backwards. There forehand is where a right-handed players backhand would be and the spin of the ball is in the reverse as well.
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Know that Nadal has mastered strategy. Tennis is not just about missing shots and hitting "winners." At high levels, the misses and winners are for a reason. Sure, a beginner will miss a routine forehand for no reason, but professionals miss because something made them miss. Whether they thought they had to go for more or were one step too slow, placing the other player off guard wins matches. If you watch Nadal, he dictates where his opponent moves. He may be standing in a few foot radius, but his opponent is being guided as though he was attached to a string. Knowing where to place the ball with a plan for future shots comes with practice and studying professionals.
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Tips & Warnings
Tennis is a game that can be played by anyone at any age. Learning the right way with help of a teaching professional is the best way to lay the foundation for future success.
Tailoring your game based on a favorite player can definitely have its downside as physical limitations and gifts as well as mentality should determine your style. If you are a Nadal fan, but do not have the patience to stand out on the court all day and hit ball after ball, then maybe you would be better off playing like a Sampras or McEnroe.
