Why do people talk about the federer forehand moreso than a nadal forehand?

[firstblud]

same goes with backhand...

it could just be me, but i don't see much discussion about "how to hit xyz like nadal" as opposed to federer. i'm just curious, not trying to start a flame war.

nadal's obviously got some crazy kick to his forehand.

perhaps because federer's been #1 for so long? do you think these discussions will start leaning moreso towards nadal in the very near future?

[DarthCow]

Federer's is more practical.
He uses a conservative grip, and does not create any insane spin like Nadal.
Nadals forehand is too physically demanding for a lot of people to do over and over again

[Voltron]

Because we've got a chance to copy Fed's forehand (a slim chance, but a chance nontheless) without needing years of bulking up and a 4-5 shoulder surgeries afterwords.

[drakulie]

Because Fed's FH is one of the best shots in the history of the game. Also, as Volt pointed out, it is a more traditional stroke, and therefore more practical to copy.

Nadal's reverse FH is the same as Sharapovas, Capriattis, davenport's, etc. Except his is way better of course.

[BU-Tennis]

Because up until this year he has been one of the most dominating forces in tennis. Everyone wants to play like a champion!! I guarantee we'll see more about nadal in the next few months especially if he can win the US Open, which is on a hardcourt so it would make his success more relatable to the North American tennis players who are looking for success on those courts as well.

Fed's FH is also much more classic and attacking with the ablility for great defense as well.

[Interceptor]

Dude I started playing tennis because of Federer! I even had a court when I grew up here in my house, but I wasn't too interested in the sport and didn't play much. Then, some years later this guy came, and since he was so good and played cool I decided to pick it up.

Personally I think Federer's is the best-looking (and on court) forehand I've ever seen, and it looks easier to imitate than Nadal's as others have pointed out here.

[tennisfreak15347]

Federer's forehand is more practical and text-book-like, with excellent form, whereas Nadal's forehand is crazy and involves alot of physical ability.

[Bungalo Bill]

same goes with backhand...

it could just be me, but i don't see much discussion about "how to hit xyz like nadal" as opposed to federer. i'm just curious, not trying to start a flame war.

nadal's obviously got some crazy kick to his forehand.

perhaps because federer's been #1 for so long? do you think these discussions will start leaning moreso towards nadal in the very near future?

I have been here for years and I notice this: When a player is doing real well, we get a flood of posts that ask to hit like this guy. Let's say the person was #15 in the world, then all of a suddent he runs the table and beats Federer. We will get posts from people who now want to hit like that guy.

It is a weird thing around here. So, whoever is in vogue, is the player everyone wants to imitate. I remember when everyone desperately wanted to play like Federer, now he is sort of fading a bit, now everyone wants to hit like Nadal.

:)

[raiden031]

Alot of tennis instructional books would have to be re-written because they don't encourage people to finish their strokes on the same side from which they are swinging.

[baek57]

i see a lot of young kids with the yellow babolat racquet and western forehands. i assume they are trying to imitate nadal. i think federer appeals more to older folk while nadal the younger.

[Interceptor]

I have been here for years and I notice this: When a player is doing real well, we get a flood of posts that ask to hit like this guy. Let's say the person was #15 in the world, then all of a suddent he runs the table and beats Federer. We will get posts from people who now want to hit like that guy.

It is a weird thing around here. So, whoever is in vogue, is the player everyone wants to imitate. I remember when everyone desperately wanted to play like Federer, now he is sort of fading a bit, now everyone wants to hit like Nadal.

:)

Yep, this is the way it will always be, because everyone naturally thinks and accepts that the person who is beating everyone and is at the top, has the best game, and would be the best to copy/learn from, which could be true.
As for me, I'll always preffer to play like Federer than any other player, even right now that he's kinda fading, I really don't like the way Nadal plays, besides I have 1hbh (I'm not saying he's not good or anything, he is, but I just don't like his style)

i see a lot of young kids with the yellow babolat racquet and western forehands. i assume they are trying to imitate nadal. i think federer appeals more to older folk while nadal the younger.

Yeah, I think Nadal definately influences the younger crowds more than Federer, maybe, I see almost every kid with babolat rackets and hiting western.

[Bungalo Bill]

As for me, I'll always preffer to play like Federer than any other player, even right now that he's kinda fading, I really don't like the way Nadal plays, besides I have 1hbh (I'm not saying he's not good or anything, he is, but I just don't like his style)

I try to take away from the pros that they perform the fundamentals very well. There is enough to learn from the beginning levels to the advanced levels in the fundamentals to keep players busy for a long time working on the fundamentals.

Fundamentals include, technique, footwork, legspeed, strength development, movement, mental toughness, tennis strategy and tactics, and to actually get real good in each area.

But dont get me wrong, I dont think Federer is done, I just think since he got sick, he has faded a bit and running the table isn't as easy for him anymore.

[autumn_leaf]

I have been here for years and I notice this: When a player is doing real well, we get a flood of posts that ask to hit like this guy. Let's say the person was #15 in the world, then all of a suddent he runs the table and beats Federer. We will get posts from people who now want to hit like that guy.



you're also forgetting what racquet / headsize/ string setup they use also =)

[Interceptor]

I try to take away from the pros that they perform the fundamentals very well. There is enough to learn for players that are th beginning level to the advanced levels to keep them busy for a long time working on the fundamentals.

Fundamentals include, technique, footwork, legspeed, strength development, movement, mental toughness, tennis strategy and tactics, and to actually get real good in each area.

But dont get me wrong, I dont think Federer is done, I just think since he got sick, he has faded a bit and running the table isn't as easy for him anymore.

Yeah, he was very unlucky this year, getting sick, that messed him up.
I too think like you, I don't just see Federer and try to do the exact same thing on court next day, without any idea or anything, I just try to see and study the best I can many things of their game and try to apply them to mine, and well, learn from them. I do know there are fundamentals and basics that have to be learned, and I moved on as I got the fundamentals and stuff. There's no shortcut to getting better.

[Bungalo Bill]

you're also forgetting what racquet / headsize/ string setup they use also =)

and clothes...

[SystemicAnomaly]

Gawd, guess I've got some catching up to do. Now that I've mastered Françoise Durr's grips & strokes, I'm moving on to the Jimmy Conner's serve. I'll probably try to emulate Mac's serve after that.

[autumn_leaf]

and clothes...

omg i can't believe i missed that, we even have and apparels section asking all about pros clothes, and shoes. and ankle braces,etc. (yep, went with the etc cause people would be an exact clone if they could).

[Vincent Left]

I hit with lots of topspin, and some of my friend said I play life Rafa (which is the best praise I would like to hear).

Anyway, I don't hit exactly as he did, I just try to learn from his play and spirit, and do it in my way and within my capability - this might be a practical way to imitate him.

[rosewall4ever]

same goes with backhand...

it could just be me, but i don't see much discussion about "how to hit xyz like nadal" as opposed to federer. i'm just curious, not trying to start a flame war.

nadal's obviously got some crazy kick to his forehand.

perhaps because federer's been #1 for so long? do you think these discussions will start leaning moreso towards nadal in the very near future?


It should be obvious shouldn't it....sports stardom...Beckam's kick.Be like Mike(MJ).Woods' drive. That's what being/having an idol is all about...

Go with the flow. That is why partly this forum is for. :)