The ball is impacting Nadal's racquet closer to the throat than usual. It's unlikely Rafa is doing this intentionally, but this part of the racquet is very close to one of its three sweet spots, the center of percussion. It's the point on your string bed where the ball will produce minimal initial shock to your hand.
Photo Study of the Rafael Nadal Backhand
By Jeff Cooper, About.com
For every player, backhands become more difficult as the point of contact rises from chest height upward. Rafa's face and arms look even more strained than usual as he hits this somewhat high backhand.
Prev
- High Point of Backswing
- Low Point of Backswing
- Middle of Swing
- Just Before Contact
- Racquet Slightly Closed on Contact
- Higher Point of Contact
- Just After Contact
- Follow-Through
- Running Slice
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