Novak Djokovic unquestionably wields what many consider the best double handed backhand in the history of tennis. His backhand is often described as a masterpiece.
The Serbian maestro has perfected the essential elements of this shot, reaching an extraordinary level where the stroke leaves virtually no room for improvement; it really is a testament to his dedication to tennis.
His footwork mechanics, precise body positioning, and the coordination of both arms exemplify the epitome of a faultless double hander.
Let’s dissect the elements within this article, and go through, in great detail, the brilliance behind this shot.
PREPERATION
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Novak Djokovic’s early preparation on the tennis court is nothing short of a masterclass in anticipatory prowess. He readies himself right from the moment of the split step, effortlessly adjusting his grip and smoothly drawing his racket back. This quick and instinctive response sets the stage for the precise execution of his backhand.
What sets Djokovic apart is his ability to initiate this early preparation, granting him a crucial advantage over his opponents. By doing so, he affords himself the luxury of more time to position his feet and unfold the entire arc of his swing. This deliberate approach ensures that he doesn’t find himself compelled to rush through his motion or awkwardly squeeze the ball too close to his body, resulting in more control and effective shot placement.
His preparation not only showcases his acute understanding of the game but also serves as a testament to the importance of timing and positioning in the world of tennis. By making these split second decisions right after the split step, Novak crafts a rhythm that allows him to dictate the flow of the point, all while maintaining a level of control that can be the defining factor in the outcome of a match.
TAKEBACK
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When dissecting Djokovic’s backhand, one can observe a key element in his technique – the consistent level of the racket head during the takeback. The Serbian maestro doesn’t tinker with the height of his racket head throughout this phase. This is not by chance; it’s a conscious decision.
The rationale behind this approach is crystal clear in the fast paced world of tennis. Altering the height of the racket head could prove key. If Djokovic were to hoist it higher, he’d sacrifice valuable time needed to complete the swing.
On the flip side, lowering the racket head might seem like a shortcut, but it comes with its own set of trade offs. This adjustment reduces the size of the swing circle, directly impacting the spin and power he can impart to the ball. Tennis is a game of nuances, and finding that sweet spot is an art Djokovic has mastered to perfection.
For one of the worlds best, it’s not just about avoiding extremes; it’s about finding that optimal middle ground. Djokovic has turned this balancing act into a science, understanding that the right height of the racket head during the takeback is a delicate equilibrium that can tip the scales in his favour during matches.
RACKET DROP
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To master the art of topspin, it’s important to create a racket path that drops beneath the ball, gracefully brushes up the back of the ball, and ideally ends with a finish above the shoulder – a technique expertly demonstrated by Djokovic.
Djokovic lowers the racket head until it aligns with the hamstring of his left leg. What sets him apart is not just the destination of the racket head but the manner in which he executes this maneuver. Djokovic achieves this feat with a blend of fluidity and ease, with a loose and smooth approach. He relaxes his shoulders and wrists, allowing the racket head to descend comfortably, yet aggressively, through the ball.
This deliberate and controlled action highlights Djokovic’s mastery, illustrating how he transforms a seemingly simple motion into a sublime stroke that is both effective and aesthetically pleasing. The subtleties of his topspin technique not only showcase his technical genius, but also highlight the significance of a relaxed yet precise swing motion.
USE OF THE LEGS
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As Djokovic performs the descent of the racket head, he bends his knees, aligning his body in a position that places him in the ideal position to truly get beneath the ball. This deliberate move isn’t just about lowering the racket; it’s also allows him to execute a sweeping swing trajectory from a low to high.
Crucially, as Djokovic bends his knees, he positions himself to explosively ascend into the ball with great force. This knee bend isn’t a pointless act; it’s an important part of the shot that harnesses the power of the legs, a large muscle group. In tennis, where each movement is a tactical decision, Djokovic exemplifies the significance of maximising the effectiveness of this leg drive.
This deliberate bending of the knees facilitates a more forceful upward thrust into the ball, resulting in an injection of power into his backhand strokes. His backhand isn’t just a display of technical finesse; it’s a demonstration of how leveraging the strength of the legs can truly be a game changer.
WEIGHT TRANSFER
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As strides towards the point of contact, a dynamic transfer of body weight unfolds—he shifts his weights from his back foot to his front foot. This deliberate weight transfer is not just a choreography of movement; it’s to harness forward momentum, infusing the ball with extra energy and, consequently, making for a more powerful shot.
As he approaches the pinnacle of contact, there’s an extension of his knees—a move that propels him upward through the shot. This movement is imperative. Firstly, it allows him to ascend through the ball, guiding his racket on a trajectory that artfully swings up the back of the ball. Secondly, it strategically guards against the flattening out of the ball.
The unbending of his knees and the upward propulsion through the shot are not mere embellishments; they are critical components in Novak’s double hander. This sophisticated interplay of movements underscores the intricacies of high-level tennis, where every shift, bend, and unbend is a strategic decision contributing to this world class stroke.
UNIT TURN
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Picture yourself on the court, executing a routine backhand, but here’s the twist—you remain completely sideways. In this scenario, your only power source is your arms, a situation that clearly needs adjusting. To maximise the force behind your shot, there’s the need to engage your shoulders and hips, ensuring that every ounce of your body weight is channeled into the swing.
In the quest for a prime example embodying these qualities, one need not look further than Djokovic. His skill lies not just in the execution of strokes but in the engagement of his entire body. His backhand becomes a canvas where the twist of shoulders and hips is a deliberate brushstroke, painting a picture of power and finesse. This integration of body mechanics is a testament to the artistry and strategy that elevate a routine backhand into a stroke of brilliance.
BALANCE THROUGH THE SHOT
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It’s not uncommon to witness players inadvertently concluding their strokes with the left foot crossing over to the right side of their body (closed stance), a move that can compromise the equilibrium of balance. However, one notable exception to this trend is Novak Djokovic, who consistently exhibits exceptional body stabilisation in the aftermath of his shots.
Novak stands out among his peers by maintaining a distinctive finish – a finish characterised by the left foot firmly planted on the left side of his body and the right foot steadfastly anchored on the right side. This intentional adherence to proper foot placement is not merely a stylistic choice; it’s how he achieves great balance of a normal rally backhand.
Djokovic’s conscious effort to avoid the common pitfall of a crossover finish is a testament to his attention to detail. By keeping both feet in their designated zones, he creates a stable and well aligned foundation, allowing him to seamlessly transition from one shot to the next with efficiency. This choice enhances his court coverage and agility, emphasising how the subtleties of a post shot finish can be a defining factor in the overall prowess of a double handed backhand.
KEEP THE HEAD STILL
Djokovic’s focus on the ball is a hallmark of his technique, with his gaze fixed and head down through the point of contact—a practice that echoes the renowned style of Roger Federer, who maintains his head position long after the ball has left his racket.
This deliberate commitment to visual engagement serves a pivotal purpose in Djokovic’s backhand. By keeping his eyes locked on the ball and maintaining a steady head position during and after contact, he ensures that his swing path remains consistent. The rationale behind this approach is deeply rooted in tennis dynamics: pulling the head too early tends to disrupt the racket path, pushing it excessively upward. In contrast, Djokovic’s focus enables a more precise execution of the ideal racket path required to strike the ball with accuracy, power and control.
This emphasis on visual acuity and sustained head position is a technical decision that makes perfect sense. Djokovic’s commitment to this fundamental aspect of his technique underscores the importance of a clear line of sight in crafting strokes with the desired accuracy.