Nadal Cheat Code: APDC, PDR, Exo3 Graphite 100

BillyIdol · 08-21-2009, 01:50 PM

I realize that this may already be evident to some, but not to all.

While I was watching French Open 08, Wimbledon 08, and Australian Open 09, I started to realize that Nadal seems to have figured out a way to hit the ball with POWER and CONSISTENCY (Cheat Code). Sure, Federer does this too, but with less consistency. Why? Nadal hits with more margin over the net. He uses his APDC (100 in), poly, and western grip to hit the ball higher over the net, with more spin, and with more power all done with incredible consistency.

What is the Nadal Cheat Code?

1)Play with a 98-100 racket, preferably APDC or PDR. Babolat is preferably. I also like the Exo Graphite 100. POG OS also, but I'm suspect of its serving potential. Bottom line, the racket needs to be a spin monster. It need to serve well also. You will be hitting a very heavy ball with these rackets.

2)Drop some full poly into it. I'd recommend Lux Alu Power 1.25, but use what you like. See what the pros are using. I see most of them using Lux Alu Power 1.25, and I love it.

3)Use a two handed backhand to drive balls off the backhand side. I'm already assuming the your forehand is insane. Now you have topspins bombs off both sides. Armed and ready.

4) Get really quick. Do intervals at the gym and footwork drills. You need to be in perfect position to hit the ball this hard with this much spin. The spin will bring these hard shots down.

Now....I'm used to be a racket traditionalist. You know, PS 85, Head IPrestige Mid, Head FXP Prestige Mid.

I played Player A with FXP Mid. I won 7-6.

I played Player A a week later (with PDR+) and won 6-2, 6-3.

This pattern has repeated itself about 6 times in a row for me against different players.

The Nadal Cheat Code allows you to go from just winning to dominating. Of course, all your strokes need to be well developed.

I get comments like, "Now...I always have to back up to hit your shots. I'm 4 feet behind the baseline now. I'm way more defensive now. Your shots kick up too high now and are hard to deal with. Your shots with the FXP Mid were lower and easier to handle. You are way more aggressive with the Pure Drive Roddick Plus and Alu Power 1.25"

Now...I have absolutely raved about the Head Flexpoint Prestige Mid with Alu Power 1.25. But, based on results. I'm winning more, and more easily with the PDR+ with Alu Power 1.25. More spin, more power, more aggression. How much more power? 20-25% and that's huge.

The power, control, and consistency of the PDR+ is just addicting. I've never hit the ball this hard with consistency. When an opponent shows up with a traditional racket, I start to think that they are going to be in for a long day. I'm also evaluating the PDR Stand.

Am I going to the Dark Side? I guess I am. I'm 42, so I am older, but I think this works well for the younger crowd too.

If you haven't already, you might try the Nadal Cheat Code.

John

Arize · 08-21-2009, 02:58 PM

Hey John,

Nice post, I agree with you and I am also trying to do sort of the same but my problem is that I play a 1 hand backhand and the round racquets that produce heavy top spin really suck for 1 hand back hand

, I just bought 2x prestige MG mids and I am also not sure if I want to play with them or not but I can't seem to find a good weight balance and swing weight stick that can produce good spin and 1 hand back hand, the only thing that comes close would probably be the Prestige Pro since it's 16x19 and more oval shaped for the backhand, but nice post I enjoyed reading it.

tribunal4555 · 08-21-2009, 06:34 PM

Good post! I just disagree w/ a couple of points.

1. The racquet doesn't really need to be a Babolat. For example, I use a Head Microgel Extreme Pro original and hit a heavy ball.

2. Luxilon is a great string, but expensive and breaks quickly. I use a cheaper poly- Golden Set Poly 18g. Ridiculously playable and damn cheap- since I buy in reels and string for myself, it comes out to about $3 a set- and for a poly of this quality, I feel like I'm stealing.

3. For a one-handed backhand, the Nadal Cheatcode doesn't really work. In complete agreement with what is posted here. A windshield wiper forehand helps generate topspin on the forehand side.

4. Quickness and footwork is absolutely essential. I recommend strengthening your legs and core to cover the court quickly. As long as your momentum is forward, you can crack the ball w/o huge biceps, so while you should work on your arms, it isn't as vital.

Just my $.02.

Ross K · 08-21-2009, 11:31 PM

Billy Idol,

What's your tension with the PDR?

Cheers

R.

BillyIdol · 08-21-2009, 11:50 PM

Well, the PDR+ is not mine. It is at 60 and it was strung 11/2008. I know that is old. But the power, spin, and consistency is absolutely insane. Every player with a traditional racket without AluPower is at a distinct disadvantage.

Try out 60, you might like it.

John

BillyIdol · 08-21-2009, 11:55 PM

I demoed the MG Prestige Mid. It hit pretty awesome, but I thought that is was sort of hard to manuver, especially on the serve. I felt the the Head FXP Prestige Mid was way more manuverable, but still very solid. I used to have a one hand bh, and Head FXP Prestige Mid was awesome for that. The Exo3 Graphite 100 and PDR GT Stand. both could be used for 1 hand bh. GT sort of made the PDR more solid, so now it works on 1 hand bh.

Try them out.

John

Tipsy · 08-22-2009, 02:53 AM

BillyIdol are you a Babolat rep? If you are you are very good at your job.

tlm · 08-22-2009, 06:03 AM

I am a topspin player+ have used the aero pro+ other big spin racquets. I do agree you can get a ton of spin,but you also lose some control.

When playing against better players they can turn your spin machine into a trampoline.I have found that using a more control racquet like the yonex rquis 1 tour is much better.Still can get great spin, but also have excellent control.

Power Player · 08-22-2009, 06:21 AM

I play exactly how you described, but it is not a "cheat code", you are just playing lower end players. Anyone who has to back up 4 feet to handle topspin kick is doing it wrong. I play full poly, 17 gauge and have a ton of kick, but the good players who know what they are doing attack the ball on the rise and can rally with you and play their game after they adjust.

Yes, the lower end players complain about my spin and say it drives them nuts.

I don't judge a guy with a "traditional racquet" though. I can get heavy spin with those too. It doesn't matter too much. I have a thin beamed Head Master from 1989 that gives me the same amount. I agree that the APDC is an amazing modern racquet and is really built for this style, but you have to have the strokes.

dgoran · 08-22-2009, 05:28 PM

Nice marketing attempt John...lol

BillyIdol · 08-22-2009, 05:36 PM

I recommended other rackets other than Babolat. Exo3 Graphite 100, POG OS, and there must be some 100 inch Head rackets that must be good for this purpose (see Murray's Radical Pro). I just haven't hit with that many 100 inch Heads. You can't demo everything, ya know.

For what it is worth, I bought an Exo3 Graphite 100 today. I am going to pick up a PDR Stan. used. I am not going to pay $200 per racket...sorry. This will be like my extend 6 month demo. I will naturally gravitate towards one racket over time.

John

dgoran · 08-22-2009, 05:56 PM

I agree and I have posted back in the day about the similar babolat experience see post:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=186611

No question I have seen improvement when playing with Babolat APD or Pure Drive the trouble is I would have to have personal stringer in order to have my PD/APD always at 65lb otherwise my "improvement stick" becomes rocket launcher and the only thin that improves at that moment is my opponent's chances of winning.

...but I still believe this is John's marketing attempt.

vkartikv · 08-22-2009, 06:47 PM

I agree with everything except for the poly. As a diablo tour MP (100 sq.in.) user myself, I find multis to be more spin-friendly than polys. I know people think otherwise but hey, that's me.

Ross K · 08-22-2009, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillyIdol

Well, the PDR+ is not mine. It is at 60 and it was strung 11/2008. I know that is old. But the power, spin, and consistency is absolutely insane. Every player with a traditional racket without AluPower is at a distinct disadvantage.

Try out 60, you might like it.

John

Got to say, as a past user of different Babs for quite a while, despite a few attempts, I could never gel with the PDR. The feel was just too harsh. The balance always seemed a bit odd. And it also felt a tad bulky to me somehow.

That said, it is undeniably a power, topspin, b-line machine. And I played it previously with Gosen @ 63 - which I would change now if I were to try hitting with it ever again tbh.

R.

Meaghan · 08-23-2009, 01:58 AM

I had the PDR and could not swing it as fast as my usual players rackets cos of its bulk, therefore i didnt get my normal power. Nor did i get as much spin. I did expect different results, it was strung with PHT and gut and maybe the 16g than my normal 17g made a difference??
I dislike widebody frames and find them difficult to swing, so I cant agree.
As for the APD ive nly hit with a friends and it felt like a toy and the graphite 100 feels like a brick due to its balance weight.
I have got a prince ozone pro tour, now thats a proper good racket like you descibed with its 18" beam and 100" head, with full poly and a big swing its a demon.

goldenyama · 08-23-2009, 02:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Power Player

I play exactly how you described, but it is not a "cheat code", you are just playing lower end players. Anyone who has to back up 4 feet to handle topspin kick is doing it wrong. I play full poly, 17 gauge and have a ton of kick, but the good players who know what they are doing attack the ball on the rise and can rally with you and play their game after they adjust.

Yes, the lower end players complain about my spin and say it drives them nuts.

I don't judge a guy with a "traditional racquet" though. I can get heavy spin with those too. It doesn't matter too much. I have a thin beamed Head Master from 1989 that gives me the same amount. I agree that the APDC is an amazing modern racquet and is really built for this style, but you have to have the strokes.

Hey Power Player which Head Master do you have? Comp, Graphite or Prestige? How does it play?

khw72004 · 08-23-2009, 06:43 AM

I'm sure Nadal practices everyday for countless hours too. And works out.

Power Player · 08-23-2009, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goldenyama

Hey Power Player which Head Master do you have? Comp, Graphite or Prestige? How does it play?

Graphite Master.

I have new CAP grommets I have to put in it, so I'm getting that done now. But it plays amazing. I need to find specs on it. I know it is heavy, but the SW is low and I think it is head light also.

gunnd5000 · 08-24-2009, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tipsy

BillyIdol are you a Babolat rep? If you are you are very good at your job.

if he was he would have went for hurricane and said you need a babolat sensor machine to put it in the racket and then told you to get like L18 hurricane

Tipsy · 08-24-2009, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunnd5000

if he was he would have went for hurricane and said you need a babolat sensor machine to put it in the racket and then told you to get like L18 hurricane

Makes sense

08-21-2009, 01:50 PM	#1
BillyIdol Rookie Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 101	Nadal Cheat Code: APDC, PDR, Exo3 Graphite 100 I realize that this may already be evident to some, but not to all. While I was watching French Open 08, Wimbledon 08, and Australian Open 09, I started to realize that Nadal seems to have figured out a way to hit the ball with POWER and CONSISTENCY (Cheat Code). Sure, Federer does this too, but with less consistency. Why? Nadal hits with more margin over the net. He uses his APDC (100 in), poly, and western grip to hit the ball higher over the net, with more spin, and with more power all done with incredible consistency. What is the Nadal Cheat Code? 1)Play with a 98-100 racket, preferably APDC or PDR. Babolat is preferably. I also like the Exo Graphite 100. POG OS also, but I'm suspect of its serving potential. Bottom line, the racket needs to be a spin monster. It need to serve well also. You will be hitting a very heavy ball with these rackets. 2)Drop some full poly into it. I'd recommend Lux Alu Power 1.25, but use what you like. See what the pros are using. I see most of them using Lux Alu Power 1.25, and I love it. 3)Use a two handed backhand to drive balls off the backhand side. I'm already assuming the your forehand is insane. Now you have topspins bombs off both sides. Armed and ready. 4) Get really quick. Do intervals at the gym and footwork drills. You need to be in perfect position to hit the ball this hard with this much spin. The spin will bring these hard shots down. Now....I'm used to be a racket traditionalist. You know, PS 85, Head IPrestige Mid, Head FXP Prestige Mid. I played Player A with FXP Mid. I won 7-6. I played Player A a week later (with PDR+) and won 6-2, 6-3. This pattern has repeated itself about 6 times in a row for me against different players. The Nadal Cheat Code allows you to go from just winning to dominating. Of course, all your strokes need to be well developed. I get comments like, "Now...I always have to back up to hit your shots. I'm 4 feet behind the baseline now. I'm way more defensive now. Your shots kick up too high now and are hard to deal with. Your shots with the FXP Mid were lower and easier to handle. You are way more aggressive with the Pure Drive Roddick Plus and Alu Power 1.25" Now...I have absolutely raved about the Head Flexpoint Prestige Mid with Alu Power 1.25. But, based on results. I'm winning more, and more easily with the PDR+ with Alu Power 1.25. More spin, more power, more aggression. How much more power? 20-25% and that's huge. The power, control, and consistency of the PDR+ is just addicting. I've never hit the ball this hard with consistency. When an opponent shows up with a traditional racket, I start to think that they are going to be in for a long day. I'm also evaluating the PDR Stand. Am I going to the Dark Side? I guess I am. I'm 42, so I am older, but I think this works well for the younger crowd too. If you haven't already, you might try the Nadal Cheat Code. John

08-21-2009, 02:58 PM	#2
Arize Rookie Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Chicago Posts: 210	Hey John, Nice post, I agree with you and I am also trying to do sort of the same but my problem is that I play a 1 hand backhand and the round racquets that produce heavy top spin really suck for 1 hand back hand , I just bought 2x prestige MG mids and I am also not sure if I want to play with them or not but I can't seem to find a good weight balance and swing weight stick that can produce good spin and 1 hand back hand, the only thing that comes close would probably be the Prestige Pro since it's 16x19 and more oval shaped for the backhand, but nice post I enjoyed reading it. __________________ -2x HEAD PT57A Flexpoint Radical Paint [18x20]- -4x HEAD PT57A Youtek Radical Paint [18x20]-

08-21-2009, 11:31 PM	#4
Ross K Legend Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 7,758	Billy Idol, What's your tension with the PDR? Cheers R. __________________ Steam 99s

08-21-2009, 11:50 PM	#5
BillyIdol Rookie Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 101	PDR+ Tension Well, the PDR+ is not mine. It is at 60 and it was strung 11/2008. I know that is old. But the power, spin, and consistency is absolutely insane. Every player with a traditional racket without AluPower is at a distinct disadvantage. Try out 60, you might like it. John

08-21-2009, 11:55 PM	#6
BillyIdol Rookie Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 101	Arize I demoed the MG Prestige Mid. It hit pretty awesome, but I thought that is was sort of hard to manuver, especially on the serve. I felt the the Head FXP Prestige Mid was way more manuverable, but still very solid. I used to have a one hand bh, and Head FXP Prestige Mid was awesome for that. The Exo3 Graphite 100 and PDR GT Stand. both could be used for 1 hand bh. GT sort of made the PDR more solid, so now it works on 1 hand bh. Try them out. John