Roger Federer + Paul Annacone

[tennisenthusiast]

Did you folks notice that Roger was using body serves and down-the-line backhands more frequently? Commentators told that Annacone is recommending them....is that true?

Also, please feel free to share your thoughts on Annacone's coaching so far.

[Steve0904]

I think Annacone has been nothing short of fantastic for Federer's game as he ages. They needed some time obviously to figure things out, but since they have Roger's played great. The patented Annacone chip and charge works wonders on certain points, and I do think Annacone has worked on his DTL BH which is great because he has to shorten more points these days. Overall since Annacone has come on board, Federer has won a major and gotten back to #1, so it can only be classified as a success because I think that was the main point of it.

[Warmaster]

Originally Posted by tennisenthusiast

Did you folks notice that Roger was using body serves and down-the-line backhands more frequently? Commentators told that Annacone is recommending them....is that true?

Also, please feel free to share your thoughts on Annacone's coaching so far.

He doesn't use the BH DTL that much imo, but when he does it's often on the big points these days. It wins him a lot of important points, especially because it's so unexpected.

I didn't really notice more body serves, I'll pay attention to it next time. His serve is really all about placement now though, it's becoming slower and slower!

[forzamilan90]

I like Annacone, seems like a well mannered babysitter. Has also gotten Fed to play more net game and emphasize some more backhand. Gotta have more backhand!

[tennisenthusiast]

Originally Posted by Warmaster

He doesn't use the BH DTL that much imo, but when he does it's often on the big points these days. It wins him a lot of important points, especially because it's so unexpected.

I didn't really notice more body serves, I'll pay attention to it next time. His serve is really all about placement now though, it's becoming slower and slower!

I think body serve is great strategy against offensive players like Tsonga for instance and Djokovic in particular who can whip the forehands at the same speed. For instance Tsongs whipped an out wide-serve of Roger's to a cross-court winner at an amazing speed. In those cases, body serves can be very effective because the opponent will not have much room to play with.

[Warmaster]

Originally Posted by tennisenthusiast

I think body serve is great strategy against offensive players like Tsonga for instance and Djokovic in particular who can whip the forehands at the same speed. For instance Tsongs whipped an out wide-serve of Roger's to a cross-court winner at an amazing speed. In those cases, body serves can be very effective because the opponent will not have much room to play with.

True, but you have to get them absolutely spot on, especially against Djokovic or you will get punished. It's definitely a good idea to mix it up though, even if it's not really successful it still keeps them guessing.

[underground]

I think Fed watched Stan's match against Djoker the day before and realised how important the BH DTL is, that was the main shot that caused trouble because it was so unpredictable.

[kOaMaster]

Originally Posted by underground

I think Fed watched Stan's match against Djoker the day before and realised how important the BH DTL is, that was the main shot that caused trouble because it was so unpredictable.

yeah right, federer watches this game and thinks "oh, pretty cool and effective shot by wawrinka, let me try this one" and decides to do this based on watching a match 3 days earlier?

[effervescence]

Originally Posted by forzamilan90

I like Annacone, seems like a well mannered babysitter. Has also gotten Fed to play more net game and emphasize some more backhand. Gotta have more backhand!

This made me LOL. :P

[The Meat]

Originally Posted by kOaMaster

yeah right, federer watches this game and thinks "oh, pretty cool and effective shot by wawrinka, let me try this one" and decides to do this based on watching a match 3 days earlier?

Pretty sure if he makes it to the finals, he'll use it against Djokovic