One key difference between Nadal and Federer forehand

[Rubens]

In Nadal's forehand, the straightening of the arm and the racquet flip occur at the same time. See here: (mirrored video)

In contrast, Federer straightens the arm first, and then does the flip.

Personally I prefer Nadal's. I find Federer's technique harder to time.
Disgust.

 

[dnguyen]

Nadal should serve with right hand to shorten the match and win many slams!

 

[nvr2old]

So the backwards printing of words in background doesn't bother anyone?

 

[acintya]

Kachanov!

 

[Hmgraphite1]

Why is the sound not inverted also, I'm so cnfused.
Tough for me to see your point, maybe if it was slo mo.

 

[Rubens]

Watch slo motion videos (preferably from the back) of both players' FHs, focusing solely on the elbow of the hitting arm. In each case, pause the video AS SOON AS the arm becomes straight. You will see that in Nadal's case, the racquet head is already pointing to the back fence at that point in his motion.

In Federer's case, racquet is still pointing roughly towards the (right) side fence. Look at this pic:

Try as you might, you will not find a pic of Nadal's forehand in which his arm is straightened and the racquet is still pointing to the side as much as Fed's. That is because by the time his arm is straight, Nadal's racquet is already pointing back. That is a key difference. Subtle but crucial.

 

[Dragy]

Subtle but crucial.

Crucial for what?

 

[Rubens]

Crucial for what?

Easier timing. Fed's motion is more sequential : arm straightening, then "racquet flip" (for lackof better term), whereas in Nadal's motion they both happen at same time, so less risk of being late on the racquet flip. Plus, I'd rather be a Nadal wannabe than the 7 billionth Fed wannabe.

 

[NLBwell]

Plus, I'd rather be a Nadal wannabe than the 7 billionth Fed wannabe.

Do you wear capri pants?

 

[Rubens]

Do you wear capri pants?

I used to.

 

[Dragy]

Plus, I'd rather be a Nadal wannabe than the 7 billionth Fed wannabe.

Ah, ok, have fun!