Last month, I was fortunate to be able to see Carlos Alcaraz practicing at Indian Wells in preparation for his match against Jannik Sinner.
After carefully watching his warm-up and technique on his forehand, I noticed that he incorporates several key elements to simultaneously generate tremendous power and spin.
Use Of The Left Arm
As Alcaraz rotates his shoulders to prepare to hit the ball, his left arm goes back along with his right arm. His left arm then follows through, along with his right arm, as he swings the racquet and hits the ball. This coordinated use of the left arm, along with his right arm, legs and the rest of his body, can help generate power and control in his shots.
Open Stance And Leg Drive
Alcaraz utilizes an open stance, where he pushes off from his right leg to his left leg, generating momentum which briefly propels him completely off the ground. This leg drive contributes to the power and explosiveness in his shots.
Early Contact Point
Alcaraz takes the ball early, hitting the ball while it is still in front of him. This allows him to take control of the point and put pressure on his opponents due to his opponents having less time to react to his shot.
Hitting The Complete Side Of The Ball
Alcaraz hits the side of the ball. This allows him to generate spin and angle, particularly for his cross-court shots. This can make his shots more challenging for his opponents to return.
Complete Game
In addition to these technical aspects of his forehand, Alcaraz’s athleticism, footwork, and mental focus are also key factors in the success of his forehand on the tennis court.
At just 19 years old, Carlos Alcaraz is indeed an impressive tennis player with a well-rounded skill set making him an extremely formidable player to watch out for in the tennis world.
