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I like watching this clip. It's Borg versus Laver in 1976 at Hilton Head. Laver is past his best while Borg is yet to reach his. But that's not my point - Laver is my point.
Watch how Laver dangles his racket as he covers the court between shots. No getting back to a standard ready position for him. His unit turn, though always there, is barely perceptible at times. I can't think of any other world-class player, past or present, with this anomaly. If you go to 2:30 on the clip you'll even see Laver dangle the racket on the second volley and on the smash that follows.
I find this habit strange in a player so good. You'd think it would be a handicap to his game. The grip change from his forehand to his backhand is often done very late as a result of this dangling, also.
Could a player get away with such a habit today?
Great to hear Pancho Gonzales giving commentary, too.
Here's another clip of someone giving a walk thru on Laver's backhand.
Watch how Laver dangles his racket as he covers the court between shots. No getting back to a standard ready position for him. His unit turn, though always there, is barely perceptible at times. I can't think of any other world-class player, past or present, with this anomaly. If you go to 2:30 on the clip you'll even see Laver dangle the racket on the second volley and on the smash that follows.
I find this habit strange in a player so good. You'd think it would be a handicap to his game. The grip change from his forehand to his backhand is often done very late as a result of this dangling, also.
Could a player get away with such a habit today?
Great to hear Pancho Gonzales giving commentary, too.
Here's another clip of someone giving a walk thru on Laver's backhand.
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