Playing Tennis Like Carlos Alcaraz

Introduction

• Aim: To learn the top three things to emulate from Carlos Alcaraz's game to win more matches.
• Instructor: Ian, with 15 years of experience helping over a million tennis players.

1. Neutralizing Big Serves

• Goal: Start the point in a neutral exchange by neutralizing the server's advantage.
• Carlos uses a range of techniques to achieve this, ensuring depth and direction (middle third of the court).

Return Techniques

Simple Block

• Use the server's power to redirect the ball.
• Minimal body turn; about half of what is typical for a forehand.
• Key: Unit turn with shoulders, minimal racket backswing, direct the ball deep and centered.

Half-Swing

• Slightly more vigorous than a block but less than a full groundstroke.
• Limited body coil due to the stretch imposed by the serve.
• Key: Start with a closed racket face, add topspin, and direct the ball deep down the middle.

Full Swing

• Bigger coil and swing than the half-swing but still efficient.
• Key: Fully unwind with upper and lower body, use energy from the incoming ball, and maintain smooth swing to direct deep and centered.

Practice Drill

• Partner serves from near the service line for rapid and consistent practice.
• Practice blocking, neutral returns, and offensive transitions.

2. Changing Depth of Shots

• Most players focus on lateral movement; Carlos also uses forward and backward movement.
• Forces opponents out of their comfort zones.

Depth Manipulation Techniques

• Shots: Drop shots, backspin shots, etc.
• Racket starts above contact height and comes down with open face for backspin, which lands the ball short.
• Practicing this can unsettle opponents and make them uncomfortable.

Practice Drill for Depth

• Set up pyramids near the net and try to knock them over with soft shots.
• Helps develop soft touch and placement skills.

3. Hustle and Effort

• Carlos is known for relentless effort and hustle, inspired by Nadal.
• Pressure on opponents increases as they must hit multiple good shots to win points.

Messages Sent to Opponents by Hustle

1. Relentlessness: Player will not stop running or giving up easily.
2. Extra Ball: Opponents have to hit one more shot, increasing error chances.
3. Consistency: Opponents must follow good shots with better ones.
4. Accuracy: Opponents need to aim closer to lines, increasing risk of errors.

Techniques for Effective Hustle

Guessing and Anticipation

• Commit to a direction before the opponent's shot, increasing chances of getting to the ball.
• Psychological impacts of making the opponent second-guess their shots.

Decision to Run

• Always run after the ball regardless of perceived outcome (in or out).
• Builds habit and ensures no missed opportunities.

Conclusion

• Commitment to running after every ball can lead to more points and matches won.
• Encourage feedback and further learning with suggested content.

Remember: Hustle, defense, depth change, and return techniques are keys to success!