Shots of the pros, EPISODE 1: Novak Djokovic's forehand

In this new video format, I will go deep into the best shots we've ever seen in tennis. Today, let's focus on Novak Djokovic's forehand. Djokovic is often praised for his backhand, which is logical because it's the best in the game.

But Novak's forehand can be underestimated even if he made three times more winners with his forehand than with his backhand at the 2023 Australian Open.

In this video, I'll help you to focus on three major aspects in the Novak's forehand :
1/ His preparation
2/ The whip effect
3/ The body transfer

Chapters :
0:00 - Intro : one of the best forehands in the world
0:25 - Three key points to focus on
0:43 - Novak's preparation (while moving)
1:37 - The grip is extreme!
2:02 - Novak's whip effet : a huge acceleration
2:51 - The contact point
3:21 - The path of his racket head
3:59 - His arm is bent!
4:18 - Your turn to play!

#tennis #tennistip #djokovic #novakđoković #tenniscoach #nolefam

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THE COACH
Patrick

[wty]

Djokovic's forehand is very underrated - consistent and versatile

[aymanrammal]

Here after Nole won the Olympics gold medal. He shot some sensational forehands to beat the mighty Alcaraz! Now I know how. Great explanation.

[jimclawley]

You appreciate how much racket head speed Novak generates when you watch it live. His cross court forehand when pushed wide is the best in the game. I always felt Federer dominated him when he kept the ball central. When he’s moved wide, he gets crazy angles on both sides

[rucas]

Sensational video about Djokovic's forehand and the explanation and analysis of the blow is brilliant !

[SwagDawg]

Probably not super relevant anymore... but I've always been fascinated with how nalbandian got so much easy power on the backhand and how he hit so many crazy angles.

[keyboardwarrior]

he has also mastered the forced and avoid unforced errors. His technique can be replicated but knowing where the balls are going is years of experience.

[grimson]

Something almost everyone gets wrong is the idea that the backhand is Novak's best shot. It's not. His backhand is just better than pretty much everyone else's backhand. But it's not better than his forehand. He has more winners and fewer errors on his forehand side than his backhand. It's extremely underrated.

[caoy]

Djokovic's bent arm is also his choice of style. He is not very aggressive. He is more balanced on his consistancy. A bending arm gives him move room to adjust at the price of power and topspin.

[denisfogel]

The kids FH at 0:24 is also very underrated 🤣

[Charles-xmml]

Agree his FH is underrated. Thx Coach.

[Shankar-Bhaskar]

I don't think Djokovic's bent arm is because of his 'grip', he employs a semi western forehand grip just like Alcaraz, and Nadal, but those guys have a straight arm forehand at point of contact.
I think the bent arm is a result of bio- mechanics, every person has a unique way of hitting their forehand.

[miguellauandos]

Of course you make the best videos. And I know you’re coaching Rune. If there’s anyway you could make a video talking about the new modern, two hand backhand that those guys are hitting. Thanks again.

[kelvintrollol]

Do you think Novak's elbow problems are from the grip? I am just speculating but in the bodybuilding community, people think when you do bicep curls with palm up, it is 90% biceps, 10% brachioradialis. But if hammer curls, it is 70% biceps and 30% brachioradialis. So more burden on the biceps causing imbalance around the elbow joint and also palm up distorts the elbow from its natural position.

[michaelbattat]

Excellent analysis as usual! Could you let us know when are the next few episodes? Thank you.
Greetings from London

[helloeveryone]

I’ve a eastern grip but I follow the same way Djokovic pushes his upper body forward to keep the ball in contact with the strings as long as possible. And it really helps.

[mantiskf]

Very many of the players with all time great backhands, only began to consistently win tournaments when their forehand became the weapon that hit the most winners. In some of the great rivalries, the one with the better Fh dominated.

[nikoladjelic]

Wow, feet, hips shoulders, movement. I have no idea what is important to be in balance to hit the right shot. Hours and hours of practice.

[egg]

o be honest, Novak doesn't have a single weakness in every skill. Almost every skill is at a very high level. Plus he has super strong mentality.
That's why he's so great

[yakzivz]

this is the best breakdown of Novak's forehand. Djokovic's forehand is better than Fed's to me.

[KarolínaČechová-vv]

Hello Patrick. Thank you very much for your valuable content, lot of respect. As a former tennis player and now a coach, I would like to know your opinion on two things: What do you think about playing international tournaments for kids - U12, U14, ITF U18 when they are not top in those categories VS. concentrate more on improving their game in practice and playing domestic tournaments. Second thing: How do you see ideal training plan/concept for children when they are still in the process of developing their bodies and growing in terms of quantity and redistribution of tennis/ physical prep./recovery/other complementary sports. Just an idea for some of your other videos🐻 All the best. Karo.