Q & A Federer Vision Technique
a few common questions answered
© Mark Papas
mark@revolutionarytennis.com
- Do I see the ball better this way when hitting it?
No, and that's not what this is about. This is about achieving better contact.
- So I see the ball through the string bed from behind?
Not really, but try to see the back of the string bed, and it will be a blur, or flash.
- How is this different?
During the contact moment you are looking at the back of the racket instead of looking over the top edge at the front of the racket.
- Does this mean I hit earlier, or out in front more?
Yes.
- Won't I be rushed?
No, because tilting the head back a bit takes care of that.
- The eyes jump ahead to, or reference, what?
The area behind what will be the contact spot but your gaze is still forward.
- It all happens so fast I can't see the back of the racket coming through.
You will if you allow yourself to, the eyes see most everything at this speed. With your gaze forward you allow your peripheral vision to pick up the racket coming forward, you know it's coming through to hit the ball. Second, your central vision will see either a flashing-through of the oval shape of the back of the racket and/or an open oval face showing the strings.
- Is Federer alone in this?
As an example Nadal makes good contact looking at the back of the racket when warming up but it seems not a concerted effort as the still photos indicate during play.
- When I do this the ball goes out.
You are hitting cleaner, and flatter, for it. Change the grips a teensy bit more for more topspin. If it keeps going out use the wrist a bit more for the topspin.
- It's easier on my forehand /or/ backhand.
This is normal because the timing on each side is a little different as is the positioning of your dominant eye when the head tilts.
- Can this be used for two handed backhands?
Yes.
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