Novak Djokovic Return of Serve Analysis - Pro Tennis Lesson
Novak Djokovic is one of, if not the greatest returners in tennis history. Djokovic's return of serve is one of the main reasons he's been able to dominate and win so many grand slam titles for over the last decade. Novak Djokovic recently defeated Nick Kyrgios in the Men's final at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships to win his 7th Wimbledon title and 21st Grand Slam in total. This win puts him ahead of Roger Federer for the first time, which is even more remarkable since, at one stage, Federer had sixteen grand slams and Novak had only one.
In this lesson, Coach Simon Konov of Top Tennis Training will show you exactly why Djokovic's return of serve is so great.
Novak Djokovic Return of Serve Analysis
Ready Position - Djokovic starts off with a wide base, and a low centre of gravity. His return of serve grip when waiting is his normal forehand grip on the bottom hand and his backhand grip on the top hand. By using this athletic ready position, Djokovic is able to push off explosively in either direction. It gives him the best possible start to his return of serve.
Split-Step - Djokovic times his split-step on his return of serve so that he is mid-air when his opponent makes contact on their serve. This allows Novak to see which side the ball is coming to. Whilst being mid-air on his split-step, Djokovic then pivots out with the foot closer to the ball. This action allows Djokovic to save himself time on landing and then pivoting, which is the standard way to split-step in tennis.
Loading Phase - As soon as Djokovic lands off the split-step/pivot step, he then loads up on his outside leg, and stores energy in the leg muscles. This semi-lunge position allows Djokovic to be stable and balanced prior to hitting his return. It also allows him to reach wider balls, since he can push off explosively from the lunge position.
Coiling The Body - Whilst Djokovic is loading up with his legs, he's also coiling his upper body. This creates a small backswing, eliminating the need for him to swing independently with his arms. By coiling the upper body, Djokovic is storing energy in the core muscles, which will then be released as he swings towards the ball.
Short Swings - Djokovic is a master of timing his return of serve. And he's able to do this because he uses small backswings, most of the time. By shortening his swings, he's able to create time on the ball and make contact out in front of his body.
Cut Off The Ball - Djokovic applies pressure to his opponents by reducing the amount of space they can hit their serve into, by cutting off the return. He does this by always moving forwards, to go and meet the ball, as opposed to chasing the ball backwards.
Tactics When Returning - Novak Djokovic is a master of exposing the server when they are at their most vulnerable. After a player hits a serve, and lands on one foot inside the court, they're off balance.
This is exactly why Djokovic will often aim the return into the feet of the server, to catch them off balance.
Video Timeline:
00:00 - Ready Position
00:51 - Djokovic's Grip When Returning
01:50 - Split-Step Timing
04:50 - Load and Explode
06:45 - Compact Swings
8:55 - Cut Off The Ball
10:40 - Djokovic's Tactics When Returning Serve
#tennis #djokovic #toptennistraining