SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER!
 
 
Facebook Social Button Twitter Social Button Follow Us on InstagramYouTube Social Button
front
NewsScoresRankingsLucky Letcord PodcastShopPro GearPickleballGear Sale

Popular This Week

Rafa Nadal Defines Legacy in Three Words Rafa Nadal Defines Legacy in Three Words
Rafa That! Federer Pens Emotional Tribute to Retiring Nadal Rafa That! Federer Pens Emotional Tribute to Retirin...
Depth and Desire Keys for U.S. Davis Cup Quest Depth and Desire Keys for U.S. Davis Cup Quest
TC to Televise Nadal's Davis Cup Farewell TC to Televise Nadal's Davis Cup Farewell
Netherlands Captain: Hope to Give Nadal Nice Adios Netherlands Captain: Hope to Give Nadal Nice Adios
Fritz: All In for Davis Cup Fritz: All In for Davis Cup
Sinner's Extraordinary 2024, By the Numbers Sinner's Extraordinary 2024, By the Numbers
Net Notes - A Tennis Now Blog

Net Posts

Industry Insider - A Tennis Now Blog

Industry Insider

Second Serve - A Tennis Now Blog

Second Serve

 

Video: Federer Shines on Offense, Defense vs. Nishikori in London



The awesome video above shows off Roger Federer's ability to turn defense into offense, but we're going to dedicate this post to the video below (embedded in tweet) to Federer's remarkable net game in 2014.

Video: Rojer and Tecau Win Amazing Doubles Ricochet Rally

It’s no secret that Roger Federer has shored up his net game in 2014. Under the tutelage of his childhood Idol and present coach, Stefan Edberg, the Swiss maestro has completely revitalized that once dormant part of his arsenal, and it has helped him win points, shorten points and keep his opponents off balance by forcing them to alot a considerable amount of their concentration to trying to defuse Federer’s aggressive tactics.

Not only do they have to plan for Federer being all over the net, opponents can no longer get comfortable from the baseline and sink into an easy, repeatable groove. Federer’s relentless attacking presence serves to force opponents to break rhythm and be forced to go for passes, lobs and reaction shots while having time taken away from them. Frequently, they are having to bend lower at the knee to scoop out Federer’s dastardly, backspinning volleys or run from the baseline to the net to try to cover.

The approach has helped Federer get close to the No. 1 ranking and earn a tour-leading 70 wins so far this season. And, as it did on this play (see below), it has helped Federer win points he really had no business winning.

Watch the video below and see how Federer makes a miracle dig off a rifled Nishikori return. He makes contact behind his body and, in self defense, isn’t able to do a whole lot with the ball. Despite the fact that Federer did incredibly well to put the ball in play, there is too much air on it and not enough depth, and Nishikori is in perfect position to hit a winning shot. The Japanese rears back and lets go on a wicked backhand, and, somehow, Federer, positioned perfectly and reading the play, lunges to make a forehand volley winner that he had absolutely no business making contact with let alone punching for a clean, decisive winner.

Just another example of Federer shining at the net. It has been a recurring theme in 2014, and for those that are a fan of improvisational and sublime net play, it has been a delight to watch.


Posted: