@@twinwankel Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Isner was a top 10 player for a bit, it will be interesting to see if Opelka can get in the same ranking range. -Jason Frausto
Although not hugely pronounced, the newer Opelka stroke features a racket head pointed more towards the far side of the court à la Jack Sock/Nick Kyrgios than perfectly vertical. He does this with a higher racket arm elbow position (as you noted). I believe this creates a longer racket head path to ball contact, which translates into increased racket head velocity.
Excellent observation George. You're 100% on the money. Not quite Sock like, but we're seeing more players adopt this technique. Thanks for sharing your insight. -Jason Frausto
Are you sure it wasn't the beard that isn't the difference maker? ;-) His inside out forehand was sneaky good this tournament. Great insight about his left arm which does look odd.
LOL. That's a serious beard. I don't think I could grow that if I avoided shaving for a year ;) Agreed on the inside out forehand, he definitely looked better on that side in Toronto. Let's see if he can fix that left arm, it's probably the hardest thing to fix technically on the forehand. I've seen quite a few players at elite levels get held back by it. -Jason Frausto
IMO, the biggest difference between those two FHs is the way Opelka is leaning forward into the ball on the right, MUCH more so than on the left. Just watch his legs during the strokes. Leaning into the ball will give his new FH so much more penetration.
Great video. I feel you missed one very important thing however. At mark 9:05, notice the bodyweight transfer into the shot. On his new forehand, he transfers from right foot to left foot. Since he's a huge guy, getting more weight transfer into the ball is a big power increase. His older forehand has no weight transfer at all to the left foot.
Thank you Kelly. As you noted, bodyweight is a very important component to hitting powerful shots. Thank you for sharing your insights with everyone. -Jason Frausto
In addition to improving spacing and shoulder rotation, it’s important to draw attention to the grip adjustment; notice how Reilly went from a hammer-like forehand grip to incorporating the all important “trigger finger”. It might look like a minor adjustment but it’s, nonetheless, a fundamental one for the following reason: a) it helps keeping a more relaxed grip throughout the stroke. b) it allows for a better string-bed manipulation. c) it injects more boost to racket-head acceleration.
I watched his highlights over the last week, and I keep wondering - Why does a guy his size use an extreme forehand grip that's best suited for high balls, and somewhat vulnerable with low balls? Wouldn't a grip like Federer's suit him better? But then again, I'm just an amateur watching UA-cam videos, so I'm probably wrong.
Excellent questions. It seems like semi-western grips have ingrained themselves in today's game. He definitely hit flatter forehands in the past, but has gone to a style of forehand that provides a little more spin as well. He's only 23, maybe we'll see a change in the other direction for him down the road? Thanks for dropping a comment. -Jason Frausto
I wouldn't say semi western is extreme in todays game. In todays game eastern grip is somewhat unconventional/extreme. Semi western is the most common grip at this moment.
Your are right! He would be better off with Federer's grip... He is using FULL western grip close to Hawaiian grip ( 1:45 ), not semi western. He should use Federer's grip!
If the hitting point on the right is further away , as compared to the left . On the left , the elbow is bent more . If I look at it from a different perspective , the hitting point has to be further away , the arm will be less bent . The swing follow through , will be much flatter instead , resulted in wiper finish .
My favorite video yet of yours Jason. His pronated backswing is the biggest difference IMO as it helps with ball speed and control as well actually. His re-pronation is very much a consequence of his pronated backswing. Taking the left hand off sooner in the turn is interesting (no doubt style IMO) but I wonder why the coach and or him had him do that. I think he can get to top 10 but definitely not too 5 (I hope I’m wrong). You have to have well above average defense (for a pro level) to be that high in the men’s game.
Thank you Jeremy. Always happy to hear your thoughts on the what and why. You're on the money about the pronated backswing. The left hand is an interesting change, I would love to know the exact "why" for that change. Opelka was a player I did technique and tactical work for when I worked at the USTA. Happy to see him do well. Agreed 100% that top 5 is a stretch, but of all the big men I've ever seen play, he's by far the best mover. He's not the Djoker, but definitely a great mover for a big man. Excited to see what all these younger players do the rest of this year. -Jason Frausto
@@TennisUnleashed wow, it worked great! Not only did I get better spacing I also got more of a coil and more effortless power! Thanks again for the tip 🤘
The real contributing factor here for me was the facing of the racket during the take-back more to the back fence. There's a lot of biomechanical evidence now that such a change contributes an increase of racket speed at contact. But he still has a lot of trouble with hitting low balls long simply because he fails to lower his body more on many ground strokes.
He has pronated his hitting elbow. This doesn’t just improve racquet speed, it also greatly helps to better control the vertical angle of the racquet face at contact for a couple reasons.
@TennisUnleashed thank for this video i have the same issue with my left hand its like a dead body😂. i think i have a powerful forehand but its not consistent and i think my left hand has to do something with it. How can i improve my left arm position without thinking to much about it? Because when you overthink a stroke it can get frustrating. Many thanks in advance.
Another major change could be that his left leg is not that bent anymore, so he is leaning more into the ball? and another one could be that his is not jumping so much with the feet barely leaving the ground so more power?
Respectfully disagree with the analysis. I can't tell clearly the extension of the right arm on this camera angle; otherwise, minor indicated differences do not contribute to the claimed forehand improvement, in my opinion. In addition, the incoming ball trajectory is different, making the 2016 swing looked more cramped. But then, I am not a coach.
Hey Jason man! Here you are again! Great analysis which I agree with quite a bit. Opelka really intrigues me as he is a bit different to the other extremely tall giants playing tennis.. I have only taken notice of him very recently (especially this year slams matches).Do you not agree that Opelka is a bit more, quite a bit more exciting than the other giants still playing (with no disrespect but I refer to Isner, Querry and Anderson who are 90% AT LEAST about their HUGE serve..?). Opelka even comes to the net! Much better cout covergae than the other giants who I have to say find their game very boring and predictable... producing very predictable games (sometimes even sets and matches). IN any case, your analysis added way more to my modest notes and little ability to analyse to that degree. Also I really like how he acknowledges that changes to the forehand are needed and that they are certainly needed if he is to get further than Anderson, Querry and Isner (which I hope he does). Thank you again Jason. A
Always good to see you in the comments section :) The goal for the rest of 2021 is to put out content more consistently. I agree 100% with your assessment. He has the massive serve, but he's also improved his touch and feel at the net, he's a better mover than any of the other giants and also has a rock solid backhand. If you pair that up with an improving mental game and a desire to improve in every area of the game, I think we'll see a player with a higher ceiling than any of the other giants who've been on tour prior to his arrival. A big part of it will also be his ability to stay healthy. -Jason Frausto
I personally think most atp players forehand are not suitable for recreational players to imitate. Would be great if you can do a few WTA players forehand analysis too. Thanks in advance. 🙏👍🎾🎄
I saw the Toronto semis and finam ans Opelka had a lot of unforced errors on the forehand going into tj net or long. His ball rotation stats looked like good rpms but he aimed too low skimming the net to try and rush his opponent. He needs to give the ball a higher arc in flight thus clearing the net and dropping in ay the baseline. He still has a lot of power What are your thoughts? h
Carlos, Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I don't disagree, a lot of the American men hit with lower net clearance compared to the South American or European players. He plays with more topspin now than he did a few years ago, but more margin could definitely be helpful. Thanks for dropping a comment. -Jason Frausto
@@shanelawson5072 Thanks for dropping a comment Shane. Opelka is a player I did work for when I worked as a performance analyst for the United States Tennis Association. He should definitely be in a semi-western grip, not quite a full western. I appreciate your insights on the video. -Jason Frausto
I appreciate the comment. I've heard that analogy before. In my experience with students on the court, the breaststroke was a more relatable and translatable analogy because of the sweeping motion of the arm. Thanks for dropping a comment. -Jason Frausto
@@TennisUnleashed You are welcome, thanks for the great videos! The analogy with the pirouette is justified because the function of the left arm, helping in the rotation of hips and upper body (Nadal demonstrates this in an impressive way). I make my students rotate the body without and with the help of the left arm so they can feel the difference. But I see your point with the breaststroke, as the movement is really similar; I never thought on this (and I am working as swimming instructor since 40 years!).
@@torrubirubi I appreciate you sharing your insights and knowledge on the pirouette. You're a much better swimmer than I, my swimming skills are not my strength ;) Happy coaching! -Jason Frausto
Mostly the Forehand on the left is better. More on balance, better slot entry and better hip loading. If the one on the right represents his new Fh, then he needs to evaluate the his coach based on the changes you cite here.
Thanks for sharing your insights Chuck. Unfortunately with limited footage to grab, the loading on the right is decreased because he's being fed balls instead of playing a match. You do the best with the resources available to you. It's also important to remember the mental component. Reilly feels good about the changes, he knows in today's game having a huge forehand is critical. You can have the cleanest strokes in the world, if your mind isn't right, your performance will suffer regardless. Let's see if they can fix that left arm, that's the hardest thing I've ever had to fix with my students. -Jason Frausto
Turning the strings that way is the same as pouring on a lateral raise when working out. Non dominant arm is fine but would not train younger players this way getting the strings pointed at fence like that. Very bad on the rotator cuff. All trainers will tell you not to pour any longer on the lateral raise so why put your hand in this position on the takeback. as you are straining the shoulder. Asking for eventual impingement or possible tear.
Reilly Opelka is now the top ranked American at #23 in the world. Does he have the game to be a top 5 player?
-Jason Frausto
I don't think so. I just don't see great talent but who knows maybe he will discover something inside himself to elevate his game.
Not possible until he masters placing his serve. Right now his serve is just a "shotgun".
@@twinwankel Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Isner was a top 10 player for a bit, it will be interesting to see if Opelka can get in the same ranking range.
-Jason Frausto
@@dwightlewis2026 Definitely a good point. It's massive, but definitely brute force at this point.
-Jason Frausto
Nope
Although not hugely pronounced, the newer Opelka stroke features a racket head pointed more towards the far side of the court à la Jack Sock/Nick Kyrgios than perfectly vertical. He does this with a higher racket arm elbow position (as you noted). I believe this creates a longer racket head path to ball contact, which translates into increased racket head velocity.
Excellent observation George. You're 100% on the money. Not quite Sock like, but we're seeing more players adopt this technique. Thanks for sharing your insight.
-Jason Frausto
Are you sure it wasn't the beard that isn't the difference maker? ;-)
His inside out forehand was sneaky good this tournament.
Great insight about his left arm which does look odd.
LOL. That's a serious beard. I don't think I could grow that if I avoided shaving for a year ;) Agreed on the inside out forehand, he definitely looked better on that side in Toronto. Let's see if he can fix that left arm, it's probably the hardest thing to fix technically on the forehand. I've seen quite a few players at elite levels get held back by it.
-Jason Frausto
IMO, the biggest difference between those two FHs is the way Opelka is leaning forward into the ball on the right, MUCH more so than on the left. Just watch his legs during the strokes. Leaning into the ball will give his new FH so much more penetration.
I saw the same thing, glad to see you did too.
Great video. I feel you missed one very important thing however. At mark 9:05, notice the bodyweight transfer into the shot. On his new forehand, he transfers from right foot to left foot. Since he's a huge guy, getting more weight transfer into the ball is a big power increase. His older forehand has no weight transfer at all to the left foot.
Thank you Kelly. As you noted, bodyweight is a very important component to hitting powerful shots. Thank you for sharing your insights with everyone.
-Jason Frausto
Great teaching video, analysis and everything.!!!
I also enjoyed a lot your vid about the massive Sinner's fh analysis.
Thank you. More to come.
-Jason Frausto
I see a big similarity with Del Potros forhend. Great video!
i appreciate you sharing your insights on the similarity to Delpo's forehand. Humbled by your words. Thank you.
-Jason Frausto
PRETTY GOOD BIG GUY TO IMITATE
@@billydurham4143 Indeed. He's on his way up.
-Jason Frausto
In addition to improving spacing and shoulder rotation, it’s important to draw attention to the grip adjustment; notice how Reilly went from a hammer-like forehand grip to incorporating the all important “trigger finger”. It might look like a minor adjustment but it’s, nonetheless, a fundamental one for the following reason:
a) it helps keeping a more relaxed grip throughout the stroke.
b) it allows for a better string-bed manipulation.
c) it injects more boost to racket-head acceleration.
I watched his highlights over the last week, and I keep wondering - Why does a guy his size use an extreme forehand grip that's best suited for high balls, and somewhat vulnerable with low balls? Wouldn't a grip like Federer's suit him better?
But then again, I'm just an amateur watching UA-cam videos, so I'm probably wrong.
Excellent questions. It seems like semi-western grips have ingrained themselves in today's game. He definitely hit flatter forehands in the past, but has gone to a style of forehand that provides a little more spin as well. He's only 23, maybe we'll see a change in the other direction for him down the road? Thanks for dropping a comment.
-Jason Frausto
I wouldn't say semi western is extreme in todays game. In todays game eastern grip is somewhat unconventional/extreme. Semi western is the most common grip at this moment.
@@JuanPabloSecundo The pope nailed it. Agreed 100%.
-Jason Frausto
Your are right!
He would be better off with Federer's grip... He is using FULL western grip close to Hawaiian grip ( 1:45 ), not semi western.
He should use Federer's grip!
Guys... This is NOT semi western... It's FULL western edging towards Hawaiian. 1:45
Good work sir.
Thank you Blair. More to come.
-Jason Frausto
Growth Mindset.....great description.
Thank you. That's the mindset players need to have at the top of the game. We can all apply that to our daily lives to achieve success.
-Jason Frausto
If the hitting point on the right is further away , as compared to the left . On the left , the elbow is bent more .
If I look at it from a different perspective , the hitting point has to be further away , the arm will be less bent . The swing follow through , will be much flatter instead , resulted in wiper finish .
My favorite video yet of yours Jason. His pronated backswing is the biggest difference IMO as it helps with ball speed and control as well actually. His re-pronation is very much a consequence of his pronated backswing. Taking the left hand off sooner in the turn is interesting (no doubt style IMO) but I wonder why the coach and or him had him do that. I think he can get to top 10 but definitely not too 5 (I hope I’m wrong). You have to have well above average defense (for a pro level) to be that high in the men’s game.
Thank you Jeremy. Always happy to hear your thoughts on the what and why. You're on the money about the pronated backswing. The left hand is an interesting change, I would love to know the exact "why" for that change.
Opelka was a player I did technique and tactical work for when I worked at the USTA. Happy to see him do well. Agreed 100% that top 5 is a stretch, but of all the big men I've ever seen play, he's by far the best mover. He's not the Djoker, but definitely a great mover for a big man. Excited to see what all these younger players do the rest of this year.
-Jason Frausto
I’m 6’5 and constantly get jammed on forehands - I’ll have to try that trick with the extended left hand to get better spacing
@@Tennisbull-match-statistics Great to hear. Let us know if it helps your spacing.
-Jasno Frausto
@@TennisUnleashed wow, it worked great! Not only did I get better spacing I also got more of a coil and more effortless power! Thanks again for the tip 🤘
@@Tennisbull-match-statistics Great to hear. Thanks for letting me know.
-Jason Frausto
The real contributing factor here for me was the facing of the racket during the take-back more to the back fence. There's a lot of biomechanical evidence now that such a change contributes an increase of racket speed at contact. But he still has a lot of trouble with hitting low balls long simply because he fails to lower his body more on many ground strokes.
Dwight,
Great observations. Definitely agreed on the low balls, he can do a better job of getting down on those.
-Jason Frausto
He has pronated his hitting elbow. This doesn’t just improve racquet speed, it also greatly helps to better control the vertical angle of the racquet face at contact for a couple reasons.
@TennisUnleashed thank for this video i have the same issue with my left hand its like a dead body😂. i think i have a powerful forehand but its not consistent and i think my left hand has to do something with it. How can i improve my left arm position without thinking to much about it? Because when you overthink a stroke it can get frustrating. Many thanks in advance.
Main change is his grip change, which is very good.
Left arm is very important to not over rotated body.
What was grip change?
None of this matters, it's only the timing of impact with the ball. See for reference Aaron Kriekstein FH and BH
Another major change could be that his left leg is not that bent anymore, so he is leaning more into the ball? and another one could be that his is not jumping so much with the feet barely leaving the ground so more power?
Respectfully disagree with the analysis. I can't tell clearly the extension of the right arm on this camera angle; otherwise, minor indicated differences do not contribute to the claimed forehand improvement, in my opinion. In addition, the incoming ball trajectory is different, making the 2016 swing looked more cramped. But then, I am not a coach.
I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. Thanks for dropping a comment.
-Jason Frausto
Hey Jason man! Here you are again! Great analysis which I agree with quite a bit. Opelka really intrigues me as he is a bit different to the other extremely tall giants playing tennis.. I have only taken notice of him very recently (especially this year slams matches).Do you not agree that Opelka is a bit more, quite a bit more exciting than the other giants still playing (with no disrespect but I refer to Isner, Querry and Anderson who are 90% AT LEAST about their HUGE serve..?). Opelka even comes to the net! Much better cout covergae than the other giants who I have to say find their game very boring and predictable... producing very predictable games (sometimes even sets and matches). IN any case, your analysis added way more to my modest notes and little ability to analyse to that degree. Also I really like how he acknowledges that changes to the forehand are needed and that they are certainly needed if he is to get further than Anderson, Querry and Isner (which I hope he does). Thank you again Jason. A
Always good to see you in the comments section :) The goal for the rest of 2021 is to put out content more consistently.
I agree 100% with your assessment. He has the massive serve, but he's also improved his touch and feel at the net, he's a better mover than any of the other giants and also has a rock solid backhand. If you pair that up with an improving mental game and a desire to improve in every area of the game, I think we'll see a player with a higher ceiling than any of the other giants who've been on tour prior to his arrival. A big part of it will also be his ability to stay healthy.
-Jason Frausto
I personally think most atp players forehand are not suitable for recreational players to imitate. Would be great if you can do a few WTA players forehand analysis too. Thanks in advance. 🙏👍🎾🎄
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I'll definitely add some WTA players to the list of analysis breakdowns.
-Jason Frausto
TennisUnleashed thanks Jason. Looking forward to it. Happy holidays ❤️🎾
Probably the next great american hope for tennis.
I saw the
Toronto semis and finam ans Opelka had a lot of unforced errors on the forehand going into tj net or long. His ball rotation stats looked like good rpms but he aimed too low skimming the net to try and rush his opponent. He needs to give the ball a higher arc in flight thus clearing the net and dropping in ay the baseline. He still has a lot of power
What are your thoughts?
h
Carlos,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I don't disagree, a lot of the American men hit with lower net clearance compared to the South American or European players. He plays with more topspin now than he did a few years ago, but more margin could definitely be helpful. Thanks for dropping a comment.
-Jason Frausto
Is he using eastern or semi western grip?
Semi Western.
-Jason Frausto
@@TennisUnleashed I believe it's FULL western... No way is it semi western. Look at 1:45
@@shanelawson5072 Thanks for dropping a comment Shane. Opelka is a player I did work for when I worked as a performance analyst for the United States Tennis Association. He should definitely be in a semi-western grip, not quite a full western. I appreciate your insights on the video.
-Jason Frausto
His forehand is starting to look like Delpo's. That will be a scary combination along with his serve
He's going to be a tough out for anyone at the US Open. That forehand is getting better and better.
-Jason Frausto
@@TennisUnleashed imagine a Delpo forehand and an Isner serve...woah
@@jakehuang3545 That would be incredible.
-Jason Frausto
A better analogy is the use the arms in figure skating (pirouette).
I appreciate the comment. I've heard that analogy before. In my experience with students on the court, the breaststroke was a more relatable and translatable analogy because of the sweeping motion of the arm. Thanks for dropping a comment.
-Jason Frausto
@@TennisUnleashed You are welcome, thanks for the great videos! The analogy with the pirouette is justified because the function of the left arm, helping in the rotation of hips and upper body (Nadal demonstrates this in an impressive way). I make my students rotate the body without and with the help of the left arm so they can feel the difference. But I see your point with the breaststroke, as the movement is really similar; I never thought on this (and I am working as swimming instructor since 40 years!).
@@torrubirubi I appreciate you sharing your insights and knowledge on the pirouette. You're a much better swimmer than I, my swimming skills are not my strength ;) Happy coaching!
-Jason Frausto
Mostly the Forehand on the left is better. More on balance, better slot entry and better hip loading. If the one on the right represents his new Fh, then he needs to evaluate the his coach based on the changes you cite here.
Thanks for sharing your insights Chuck. Unfortunately with limited footage to grab, the loading on the right is decreased because he's being fed balls instead of playing a match. You do the best with the resources available to you.
It's also important to remember the mental component. Reilly feels good about the changes, he knows in today's game having a huge forehand is critical. You can have the cleanest strokes in the world, if your mind isn't right, your performance will suffer regardless. Let's see if they can fix that left arm, that's the hardest thing I've ever had to fix with my students.
-Jason Frausto
@@TennisUnleashed good points, thanks Jason
Turning the strings that way is the same as pouring on a lateral raise when working out. Non dominant arm is fine but would not train younger players this way getting the strings pointed at fence like that. Very bad on the rotator cuff. All trainers will tell you not to pour any longer on the lateral raise so why put your hand in this position on the takeback. as you are straining the shoulder. Asking for eventual impingement or possible tear.
Once a ServeBot...ALWAYS A SERVEBOT
I give him credit for owning it though. He has a pretty well rounded game besides that massive serve.
-Jason Frausto