dagblog - Comments for "Endurance Topspin"

O'Shannessy, at the Straight

Donal — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:33:53 +0000

O'Shannessy, at the Straight Sets blog, credits the Djokovic return game:

Novak Djokovic’s heroic victory over Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open singles final was one of the best performances returning serve in the history of the game.

Djokovic’s spectacular return of serve was the engine room for his victory, constantly putting Nadal on defense with his first groundstroke after the serve, enabling Djokovic to establish superior court position closer to the baseline for the rest of the point.

As noted, topspin isn't new.

dufus — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:17:48 +0000

In reply to Endurance Topspin

As noted, topspin isn't new. What is new is the power topspin, plus a strategy that is safe with an edge of danger.

The modern power topspin forehand ground stroke breaks down into two separate actions -- the opposite arm is stretched out towards the path of the incoming ball, then it is forcefully tucked unto it's side, much like a skater does to initiate a spin. This opposite arm movement provides an axis of rotational power to the core and shoulder which powers up the racquet arm to unsung speed, without requiring any power from the racquet arm. This motion also provides stability and consistency to the player's core rotation -- resulting in more power AND accuracy -- errors tend to run lateral, rather than short or deep. Furthermore, this motion's time frame can be purposefully adjusted from early to right on with the ball contact to help direct the ball to one side or the other of the court in a disguised fashion. The racquet arm's basic task is to set the amount of spin plus additional power according to how much or little low to high action is desired for the shot. Let it also be mentioned that another oft overlooked key in the modern power topspin is core movement from low to high by the knees and legs. Even a flat shot gets topspin when the legs are moving the core upwards.

This is all fine and dandy, but doesn't necessarily win you points or games or matches. The next key to the modern game is a safe but dangerous strategy -- hit the baskets. Divide the baseline/service court box in half down the tee, and put a basket in the middle of each of the two boxes that are defined. Then just hit the ball as hard as you can with varied spin and power at the baskets. The modern power topspin groundies make this a relatively easy task for accomplished players. If you miss wide -- whoops, a wide winner near the lines, or a set up for subsequent winner. If you miss down the middle, whoops, a tough to handle jam -- if you hit the basket, the opponent has to gage the power and spin to make a return that minimally keeps the ball in play, ideally repeats the process to prolong the rally. If a return opens up an opportunity for a winner or setup for winner, take it, otherwise, just play another shot to the baskets...

"Playing to the baskets" as noted above isn't particularly complex strategy. It takes into account how small variants of the modern power topspin can safely win or set up winning points by accident as much as on purpose. Opponents who can't keep up with the power and accuracy while running from basket to basket at the baseline are forced to attempt risky shots from behind the baseline that end in error more than as success. Errors either directly end the point, or provide an opening for a passing shot, particularly for the player who is at or near the baseline to take time away from the opponent. Attempts to change the pace or muck up timing with slice or side spin may occasionally cause an error, but more likely than not, the result is just another ball safely returned to the baskets and the point continues.

Where the intrigue in this sort of battle is when you've got two equally fit players who are both very capable players to the baskets as well as finishers outside the basket game. Pretty soon, even they start to wear down and are forced by fatigue to shorten points by forcing the issue one way or another to go "outside the baskets"... Such was the essence of the AO Finals -- great strategy pairs up with great technique until fatigue takes it's toll, then it's guts versus guts...

Yeah, I guess that court

A Guy Called LULU — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:04:00 +0000

In reply to Well as I mentioned, they

Yeah, I guess that court speed doesn't register quite as significant for me although I know it is a deal changer at higher levels. I noticed the difference in surface speed once and that was coming off a slick city concrete court that had the paint worn of in big spots. it was fast. I got to play once on clay coming off that surface. The main thing I liked was the way it was possible to slide to a shot.

Tennis would be bigger as a spectator sport if the length of the matches could be regulated with any consistency. I wouldn't expect a rule change that made six hour matches more common but on the women's side I think they could change up and start not playing tie breakers, but instead play it out and stay at two out of three sets.

Well as I mentioned, they

Donal — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:48:32 +0000

In reply to In the average NFL football

Well as I mentioned, they have slowed down the fast courts. In fact the courts at the four majors play more alike than they ever have, which might explain why there are fewer fast or slow court specialists upsetting the draws.

In the average NFL football

A Guy Called LULU — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:05:46 +0000

In reply to Endurance Topspin

In the average NFL football game each team has the ball for about 70 plays. Figure thirty-five each for offense and defense. Figure that a long play would last for twenty seconds. So, if a player was to play every single down he would be exerting himself about as hard as he was capable of doing for about eleven and a half minutes spread over three and a half hours.
About midway in the final of the tennis match they showed a graphic that said Nadal was taking just under thirty-five seconds between points and that other guy, Joko something, only a few seconds less. Even with extended time between change-overs they must have been in strenuous action for at least two hours of their five hour and fifty- three minute match. Probably longer. They were sprinting virtually all that time.
That was a tremendously impressive match. A few years ago there was much talk that rules would have to be changed or court dimensions or something because with the modern equipment the balls were just coming too fast. Now the players have caught up.
I wasn't making fun of what's his name, just too lazy to look up the correct spelling. I like your tennis posts but for a bit I was afraid this one was going to be about why topspin makes a ball dip. In case anyone wonders, it aint Bernoulli's principle.