Carlos Alcaraz's forehand is characterized by very solid technique and great hitting power. He uses a semi-closed grip, which allows him to generate plenty of spin and control over the ball.
The semi-closed grip is a racket-gripping technique used in tennis. It is characterized by an intermediate hand position, between a closed and an open grip.
In the semi-closed grip, the base of the palm of the hand is turned slightly downwards, creating an angle of around 45 degrees between the racket and the arm. This position generates more spin and control over the ball, while maintaining a certain amount of hitting power. The semi-closed grip is considered a versatile racket grip, allowing players to vary their game and hit powerful, accurate shots while maintaining good ball control.
Alcaraz hits the ball with an ample arm movement, starting from behind his body and finishing with a natural forward follow-through. This allows him to generate high hitting speed while maintaining good balance and position on the court.
Alcaraz hits the ball with a wide arm movement, starting from behind his body and finishing with a natural forward follow-through. This allows him to generate high hitting speed while maintaining good balance and position on the court.
Let's look at his body position too: he gets into position to hit the ball by bringing his left foot forward towards the ball. Next, he turns his torso to the right while swinging his right arm back to gain momentum. As he strikes the ball, he lowers his center of gravity slightly, pushes on his right leg and sweeps forward with his right arm, all the while keeping his gaze fixed on the ball. As a great coach based in Morocco says, tennis is all about the eyes...
In the following video, you can see the movement in detail, both the semi-closed grip and the body movement.
Vamos Carlitos, we're counting on you to hit some phenomenal forehands in the next few rounds of the US Open.
Michel A.
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