How Rafa Nadal Dominates on Clay Courts
Rafa Nadal is having an amazing run during the clay court season. Can anyone beat him at the French Open? Maybe the more important question is, “How does Nadal win so readily on the clay?” Obviously he is a great defender. But he not only defends, he hits “offensive shots off of defensive positions.” Nadal does this with his movement, shot-making ability, and determination. Let's look at each. Nadal has the best recovery burst in the game. He doesn't wait around and watch his shot. This is something I constantly have to work on with young kids. They like to watch their shot. Nadal bursts back into position for the next ball. This way he is ready to go for ten or twenty balls, if needed. Nadal's shot-making ability is enhanced by the clay because he has a little more time to run down balls. He also can hit more angles on clay and go behind his opponent. He can use the drop shot to bring in his opponent, then look for the opportunity to pass them. He can step up and take time from his opponent, which is important on all surfaces including clay. One of the real keys to Nadal’s passing shots is the strength of his right hand on the backhand. In his early years he played right handed, so this gives him an advantage on his current backhand. The wrist action on his forehand is what gives him the extreme angles and spin. He can dip the angle or blast the ball by his opponent. When you think of tough mental players in all of the history of the game, Nadal has to be right at the top. He is unwavering and tenacious. He is prepared to go the distance on each and every point. He must train for this, and I'm sure some of this is his natural ability to focus on the task at hand. This kind of focus can be learned through training with purpose.
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