Carlos Alcaraz Forehand Analysis - Tennis Forehand Tutorial

Carlos Alcaraz Forehand Analysis - Tennis Forehand Tutorial
Download our FREE forehand guide here - www.top-tennis-training.com/f...
Carlos Alcaraz is the new world number one and 2022 US Open champion. No doubt, the first of many grand slam titles for the Spaniard. In this lesson, Top Tennis Training coach Simon Konov will break down the main components of the Carlos Alcaraz forehand and explain why it's a mix of the modern ATP style forehand and the NextGen style forehand.
Carlos Alcaraz Forehand Grip - Alcaraz uses the semi-western forehand grip, which is the most commonly used forehand grip on both the ATP and WTA tours.
Alcaraz Forehand Swing - Carlos uses a hybrid forehand swing, which uses elements of both the modern ATP style swing and the NextGen swing.
Alcaraz leads the backswing with his elbow, creating space between his body and the racket. When Carlos reaches the side of his body, the tip of the racket points towards the net, which gives him extra space to create racket head speed and momentum with the swing.
Massive Racket Lag - Alcaraz creates great racket lag by uncoiling his body and extending the arm. This phase of the Alcaraz forehand is very similar to Roger Federer.
Unique Forehand Finish - Alcaraz can and does finish in the traditional way, however, he also uses a very unique finish. After contact, his wrist snaps and the racket face ends up facing the ground. This is the result of a loose arm and wrist but also due to the extreme racket head speed he produces.
Video Timeline
00:00 - Alcaraz Uses A Hybrid Forehand
01:24 - Alcaraz Forehand Grip
02:20 - Alcaraz Forehand Swing
04:30 - The Unique Finish
06:48 - Ground Force Power
#alcaraz #usopen #toptennistraining

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Download our FREE Forehand guide here - www.top-tennis-training.com/forehand-guide/

[@hyttennis]

I feel Alcaraz has developed a forehand that blends the best elements from Federer and Nadal, both of whom have straightened forearms at contact

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Much more technically sound than Rafa’s swing to the lag phase

[@kuhooatrey]

Thank you for providing such a detailed description of Alcaraz’s forehand. I was able to implement the techniques in my forehead the very first day itself. Thank you. 🙏🏻

[@honkymonky7033]

Alcaraz legs look insane, this is where must of his power comes from

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

His legs are definitely a major factor but he’s still creating lots of power from his upper body (coil) and swing

[@davidcane8011]

yup, amazing player... but that extra something definitely comes from the labs... err, I mean, the legs. ;)

[@lellamas2778]

underrated analysis

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Many thanks 🙏

[@tamasajtony9855]

Yes, all of those what was highlighted here, what makes it outstanding is the the degree of the shoulder turn angle way beyond of other players in the video, seems like a left shoulder pull drives the stroke even further and extends the follow through, gaining more momentum

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

That helps for sure

[@purps9798]

Great explanation

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Glad it was helpful!

[@22niloc]

Great insight. Alcarez also seems to keep his eyes on the racquet / ball contact point as long as - or even longer - than Federer.

[@sergeikuznetsov5800]

Great footage and explanation, Simon!

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Many thanks 🙏 Sergei

[@scottstorchfan]

Such extreme force transmission.

[@RH_Core]

Great vid

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@rolandinnamorato1953]

amazing presentation

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Many thanks for the support 🙏

[@asyrafnukman1991]

Thank you very much

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Thanks for watching

[@konstantinosdiplas8579]

G R E A T G R E A T ANALYSIS...THANK YOU

[@sebastiansantos5561]

Which forehand backswing do you recommend for more consistency with less mistakes and more power Nadal's or Djokovic's¿?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

I don’t recommend copying a certain players forehand, rather, copying the fundamentals- kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5nMn3R3ephqhbs

[@jpaulglobal]

Well done. One of the only breakdowns that noticed the wrist snap finish rather than forearm finish of Federer. I really wonder pros/cons of both!

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Windshield wiper finish will help to create more topspin and brush on the ball. The loose wrist forehand will help the player hit through the contact zone more and produce a flatter shot in general

[@priya929g]

Could you do an Iga Swiatek forehand analysis??!!

[@iainstewart2102]

great

[@cesarfernandezlopez5063]

THANK YOU COACH SIMON

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Thanks for watching Cesar 🙏

[@LGLG-mc3dt]

Thanks! Can you analyze the forehand stroke of Karen Khachanov or frances tiafoe? Their technique seems like the same and not very common. What are their advantage and disadvantage?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

We’ve got the KK forehand analysis inside our forehand course on our website 👍

[@iainstewart2102]

both use extreme western grips, lots of power/spin but huge swing paths

[@Tennisconmathieu]

Hey ! Im curious, to know your of view about the end of the stroke like ATP forehand with racket strings pointing into to direction of the left fence (racket vertical) and later the racket face points out into the direction of the ground. How this difference affects the shot ?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

That’s a very advanced technique, something that many players wouldn’t be able to pull off. Agassi is a good starting point if you want to examine the strings down method (he used both, but one was his go to for power/flat shots)

[@Tennisconmathieu]

I get it. Cheers !

[@ViniciusTinti]

One thing that grabs my attention a lot in Alcatraz style is that he seems to be always jumping. He does it in a really good way imho. Specially when he decides to skip his backhand and do a forehand. One question Simon, when I try to skip my backhand and hit a forehand (I don't know if skip is the correct term, not native English), should I position to a forehand and then try to move as fast as possible or should I move as fast as possible the position to hit a forehand?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

This lesson may help you - kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4bPeneKnbNgpJI

[@maxpowers4436]

When you are airborne in tennis including the serve its not really a jump its more of a launch you move so violently and quickly you go airborne. Different neurologically from a "jump". Sometimes you launch yourself out of a chair when in a hurry or when you get scared. Funnily enough its called a "jumpscare" but you arnt jumping.

[@sebastiansantos5561]

Another example of an hybrid forehand on the Atp tour¿?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Sinner

[@at1838]

How do we separate what is mere style from what is a genuine technical improvement to be copied in this forehand? What’s he doing differently that’s not personal style? Hitting further in front? Throwing his arm / elbow better? Getting more gravity assist with his high take back?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

His elbow left gives him more space to create a whip effect, the looseness and arm extension during the lag phase gives him massive power. His finish allows him to flatten out the ball when he wants to. The loading and unloading of the legs allow him to create huge power in a safe way. Relying on the major muscle groups is always best practice. Hope that helps. Best regards Simon

[@topspin1715]

Simon, so when using the ground force for power, the back leg is driving down into the ground resulting in the body going from a low to high position? So it is wrong then to drive the back leg forward like a runner does to propel themselves?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

The legs drive up, you’re using the ground as your springboard. As for as the running analogy, you can try it, some players really lift up but others come off the ground just slightly when they do drive. It’s important to remember this won’t happen on every shot, just the more aggressive ones

[@sebastiansantos5561]

in the next gen forehand you can invert the raquet or the face of the raquet has to point the floor? I mean always

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Most next gen forehands use extreme grips which makes the strings face the ground, however, a semi or eastern forehand grip wouldn’t create that extreme angle

[@Bascomblodge]

Regarding the relaxation of the wrist thru the swing to have the strings facing the ground: do you think that maybe it is more than relaxation and maybe it is a squeezing of the grip which brings the last joint of the body..(the wrist) into the kinetic chain and contributing a final bit to the force generated to the ball? BTW, I think your videos are great. thanks

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

I don’t think so, squeezing the grip would tighten up the muscles and slow down the racket head. His wrist may be snapping as a final power source intentionally but he’s doing it in a very relaxed way which allows him to create insane RHS

[@Bascomblodge]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial By squeezing, I mean contraction of the muscles. Don't you find that most shots are hit with a loose to tight grip pressure?

[@sebastiansantos5561]

comparing to alcaraz forehand. What is your comment about the elbow position compared to the next gen forehand

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Alcaraz starts his swing by lifting the elbow, very similar to many next gen forehands

[@Bascomblodge]

What if any effect does this style have on the way he returns serve?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

He obviously changes the swing when returning. As all players do

[@transklutz]

Huh.. interesting to see that the clip you showed at the beginning of RF has him do some of that "nextgen " point forward racquet on takeback. I guess it depends on how much whip you want in your forehand.

[@transklutz]

CA's takeback is high up by his head.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Alcaraz definitely has a higher loop than Roger, more in common with Federer’s 2006 forehand swing

[@drewgiles-ry6op]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial did Federer change his forehand swing after 2006 ?

[@sebastiansantos5561]

In your opinion where do you find a more consistency forehand with less mistakes in an hybrid forehand like Alcaraz, next gen or modern¿? And why

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Modern. Simpler technique and easier to time

[@sebastiansantos5561]

Is Alcaraz hybrid forehand for a player from 5.0 and up because is a more advanced technique and a modern forehand like Nadal for a player of until 4.5 because is a more older and basic technique¿?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

You’re focusing on the wrong things here pal. Master the fundamentals, trying to emulate another persons forehand isn’t the best way to get a solid forehand.

[@rosePetrichor]

I have tried to hit forehands in what you call the 'next gen' style and I just spray errors all the time. I also don't feel like I get any more power, just a lot of sidespin. I guess it really does need exaggerated body movement and a lot of upper body strength which I just don't have. I end up shanking it to the side. It'll be interesting to see how these guys adapt as they get older.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

I don’t think the nextgen style is an improvement on the modern ATP forehand at all

[@Apstenusrazbega]

The muscle memory is so strong, beacause all they did was hitting the ball for entire life. They don't have to adapt. And as Simon noted - "nextgen" is more style thing - fundamentals are same.

[@rjovanov13]

Absolutely

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

👍

[@sebastiansantos5561]

do we can call the Alcaraz forehand a next gen forehand style more than a modern? yes or no and why

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

I call it a hybrid, because it’s a mixture of both. To class it as modern or next gen would be wrong. Kyrgios has a next gen forehand. Federer has a modern

[@sebastiansantos5561]

Do you think the hybrid forehand is an advanced forehand version?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

It’s definitely advanced yes

[@king23_ff65]

Hello simon, lately I have been having problems with the two handed backhand, I have seen most of your videos of the backhand, but I keep hitting it wrong, or I slice it because of my insecurity with the backhand, do you have some steps or tricks to hit it stronger and with more spin

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Follow the steps in this lesson - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnPKpp5prreDnas

[@ibf2010]

look how late they all keep their left hand on the racquet in the take back - most of us don't ever think about getting that level of shoulder rotation!

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Extra shoulder coil and separation from the hips

[@lex2400]

Is flipping the racket over something he does intentionally or is it the result of pulling the arm forward, which makes the racket lag behind?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Flipping the racket over is the only way he can swing towards the ball, so it’s not an intentional move but the take back sets it up.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Can Alcaraz win more than 10 grand slams in his career?

[@040FILI]

If he stays healthy, there is no doubt in my mind.

[@mrpog5620]

Prob will win like 3 to 6

[@cesarfernandezlopez5063]

IF HE KEEPS WORKING HARD ,WITHOUT INJURIES , WITH HUMILITY AND THE FEET IN THE GROUND (I MEAN OUTSIDE THE COURT LOL ,WE JUST SAW THAT HE CAN HIT THE FOREHAND FLOATING IN THE AIR, LOL , JOKES ASIDE HE DEFINITELY CAN DO IT , I WISH HIM THE BEST , NOT BECAUSE HE IS SPANISH LIKE MYSELF , WELL THAT TOO LOL , BUT NOW SERIOUSLY , IS BECAUSE I LOVE TENNIS AND IT IS A JOY TO SEE HIM PLAYING

[@fabrimedeiros9888]

Pretty Possible

[@ViniciusTinti]

I believe so. Specially because he is very agressive but is also very consistent. Very weird. I consider Federer aggressive (I want short points, I will force you to do mistakes, any small opening you gave I will punish), Djokovic and Nadal grinders (we will have long points and as soon as you make the first mistake I will punish). Alcaraz is both.

[@timpwn]

I feel that I keep starting my forehand swing just a wee bit too late everytime. (Which hinders me to go cross court easily). Tip to change this? All the best! /Tim from Sweden

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Work on early prep or shorten the swing to make timing the ball in front easier. If you're still late, get a partner to whip you with a belt across the legs every time you prepare late. Works every time

[@adrianbu9615]

Make sure to do a Split step, everything Starts With it

[@timpwn]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Hahah, cheers Simon!

[@flowarea2664]

As you track the ball after the bounce, visualize exactly where in space in front of you on that path, you will hit the ball. Slap it away right there. Don't worry about timing anymore then that. Your brain will know when to pull the trigger. Best!

[@timpwn]

@@flowarea2664 Thanks mate, I'll try that trick!

[@srinitaaigaura]

A semi western version of Federer, not as extreme as Nadal. But maybe his takeback position combined with a full bed of poly and no dampener may cause elbow problems in the future?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

It could do, he’s already had elbow issues if I’m not mistaken

[@LauncherSpiderMk7]

I don't think dampeners do much for preventing elbow injury.

[@dastanprobg2071]

Please do not confuse, its not semi western version of Fed, Carlos has totally different swing.

[@LauncherSpiderMk7]

@@dastanprobg2071 Semi-Western refers to the way you grip the racquet, not the swing pattern.

[@maxpowers4436]

@@LauncherSpiderMk7 This is true but easterners and semi westerners have a different swing arc due to the forhand grip.

[@PL-fh8cz]

Would be interesting to compare the Delpo forehand and Alcaraz's forehand. Apart from Kyrgios, Delpo had one of the biggest forehands on the tour. Great analysis... Thanks.

[@hyttennis]

Delpos was completely different. Eastern grip and flat.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Delpo and Alcaraz share some common traits on the swing. Extended arm during the lag phase, relaxed wrist during contact with a wrist snap, high loop, elbow lifts up in the prep phase

[@marcomarchionni4617]

I wonder how Carlito could deal with the pot instead of the racket

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

🤣 that would be interesting

[@burrbentine]

I think you forgot to mention is balance. Post follow through he's never off balance. He recovers into a run or into a balanced position for a split step. He's not over torqing

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

If I mentioned every small detail, the video would be 45 minutes long and put people to sleep

[@burrbentine]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial True. The phrase, "he's never off balance using his footwork" is too much.

[@johnholdsworth1878]

Other than the comment re: speed, distance and midpoint, coaches are completely clueless about the science behind what makes a good or bad forehand. What direction the racket points in at takeback, the extension of the arm, positioning of the hips, shoulders, elbow, free arm etc play a role, but they are not in anyway pivotal. There are only 3 characteristics that determine the effectiveness of a forehand, namely 1) speed of the racket head at contact 2) the amount of revolutions aka topspin on the ball, and; 3) critically the flight path or trajectory of the ball when it leaves the racket head. The goal should be to hit the ball as hard as you can, with as much topspin as possible, whilst given it the best chance of not flying long. The only way to do this is to ensure that the ball leaves the racket at a no more than a 5% angle. I have modelled this mathematically and the secret to a killer forehand is striking the ball in a manner that it travels parallel to the strike point i.e. flat. This will give you the maximum chance of hitting the ball hard without fear of it traveling long. The minute that angle increases beyond 5% (obviously depending on court conditions, speed of the ball and amount of topspin) the prospect of the ball being struck long increases exponentially. One of the biggest myths in tennis which Mouratoglou repeats in this video, is that you can impart topspin by hitting underneath the ball. The only way you can hit under a ball is to open the racket face as in a slice. It is a physically impossible to hit under the ball and impart topspin. Topspin is generated by causing the ball to roll over itself, to do this the ball should struck somewhere between 10h00 and 12h00, with the racket head travelling in the opposite direction of the flight path of the ball as fast as possible. Using a western or semi western forehand, which results in a closed face at impact will guarantee the maximum spin. Revolutions on the ball or topspin has nothing to do with the trajectory of the shot. You will often hear commentators marvel at a looped topspin forehand exclaiming how many revs are on the ball. Alcaraz and Rublev hit with just as many revs or topspin, but the trajectory of the ball is completely flat - check out the slo mo videos. By hitting with this low trajectory they reduce the prospect of hitting the ball long (statistically the most common unforced error by order of magnitude on forehand shots), whilst still being able to strike the ball with enormous power.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Opening the strings at contact to create a slice style forehand will result in more topspin and a better net clearance. Wow, I’ve heard some wild claims in my 30 years in tennis, but that’s one of the best. Well played sir, you win the Mr Clueless award for 2022.

[@johnholdsworth1878]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Huh? I said the opposite of that?

[@johnholdsworth1878]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial mythology and ignorance aside, I have built machine learning models that prove this. Using speed, topspin and trajectory as parameters, it is possible to simulate a range of outcomes no different to determining the perfect angle and speed an F1 driver should use to approach/navigate a corner on a racetrack (which I have done) for optimal effect. So the question for tennis is within physiological boundaries, what is the perfect combination of speed, spin and trajectory to guarantee the best outcome, and how is it possible to reproduce that outcome with the least number of errors. Trust me it is possible to model this. Computers are amazing things ;-)

[@batmon696]

Next up, his backhand?? Also everyone and their mothers are saying "Alcaraz needs to upgrade his serve". You fellas think you can make a video on that, whatever you feel about it (analysis, commentary, etc)

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

We’ve got around 8 lessons on the Alcaraz game which we’ll be adding to our Pros Revolution course on our website 👍

[@K4R3N]

What if Alacarz has simply been doing next gen incorrectly this whole time? 🤔

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

If he has, he’s been doing a terrible job of copying the nextgen style and a great job of creating a hybrid

[@K4R3N]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial lolol 😂😂😂

[@omfgisucklol]

great analysis but please water those grass courts!

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

I would if they were mine.

[@probb9385]

personal habit

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

Could be, however it’s a very advanced technique to have developed naturally

[@rondunn4336]

Does any one think that it is unfair to allow a players ranking to benefit from others not being allowed to compete?

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

The rankings this year are a joke. We all know that. Djokovic probably would have won the Aussie and US if he had done what plenty of other pros did. Pretend they got the you know what. I’d say more than 50% didn’t get it. Their doctors pretended they did and gave them the pass

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

And don’t get me started on the Russian ban at Wimbledon. Biggest hypocrite’s going. Did Wimby ban Americans or the Brits when the US and UK lied about WMDs in Iraq and killed over a million civilians? Or Libya, or Afghanistan?

[@Whisper555]

Hey Simon The analysis was good, but did we get the whole video? The ending is extremely abrupt. No conclusions, no summary, none of the usual explanations on how any of us should go about recreating this forehand. Just odd for you guys is all.

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

This lesson was part one to an 8 video series on Alcaraz’s game which will be inside our pros course on the website. It wasn’t going to be on KZbin but we decided to give this away for free

[@AB-nm7vy]

Alcaraz forehand is very similar to Djokovic …

[@TopTennisTrainingOfficial]

In which way?

[@AB-nm7vy]

@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial : grip and finish and overall motion

[@carelngounoue2008]

@@AB-nm7vy Djokovic's grip is slightly more western, it's in between semi western and full western. And the finish on Djokovic's shot compared to Alcaraz is quite different.

[@ifeanyiikpegbu6465]

Djokovic doesn't use straight arm forehand and is the weakest forehand amongst the big three + Alcaraz. Alcaraz forehand looks more like Federer's and lots of videos have done comparisons between them