Did Federer model his forehand (or any of his strokes) after Becker?

[lukman41985]

I've read a couple of articles where Roger Federer called Boris Becker one of his idols growing up (along with Sampras and Edberg--what a trio!). As I was looking at footage of Boris Becker's forehand in the stroke archive, I definitely saw similarities between the two. They both use a classical Eastern grip structure and Becker, like Federer, seems to have a swing shape typically associated with more extrene grip structures. Federer and Becker also have a similar rhythm and cadence when hitting forehands. What do you think AJ?

[ajchabria]

Roger Beckerer

It's funny, athletes at any level get that urge (consciously or subconsciously) to imitate their favorites. Depending on your eye...and your ability to take only the best stuff for your game, that could be very productive. In Roger's case, he scored.

When asked about it, Roger says he's his own man. Sure enough, but as with any great artist or musician, he displays the very finest influences. As far as models go, you could do much worse than the great Boris Becker. Ditto for Edberg and Pete, especially with the composition and the flowing strokes. Not mentioned, but do you notice a subtle Michael Stich and Ilie Nastase presence in Federer's movement and service motion? Roger's stance resembles Pete's, but the rhythm of his serve recalls Ilie and Stich. There's definitely a Borg-ian element of disguise and cool precision on Roger's passing shots. Now, there will never be another John McEnroe at the net, but Roger's angled volleys are right up there with the very best ever. Peter Carter, Roger's former coach, knew what he was doing.

Technical notes: I agree that Roger and Boris' cadence and forehand swing shape have a lot in common, but Becker had that more abrupt pause near the top of the preparation phase. Of course that could have been a response to the slightly slower oncoming ball speed of his formative years.

Lukman, I've got to disagree with your assertion that their grips are both Eastern. Even by today's standards (which have shifted a hair west every generation), I would reluctantly call their average forehand grips closer to semi-western. Overall, the similarities are notable, especially given the vastly different body types.
On a related note, ever notice Sampras and Philippoussis with almost the same forehand grip? Now THAT, my friend, is eastern.

Back to Boris and Federer themselves: even their fans seem to overlap. These are two guys who can really make things happen on a tennis court, with supreme confidence and a lot of style. Becker and Federer, Nastase, Noah, Guga and Borg are among the few foreigners in men's tennis who have won over the avarage American tennis fan over the years. You might put Rafter on that list as well.

Look no further than the staff right here at TennisPlayer.net for a couple of huge Roger AND Becker fans (myself included, in case you did not notice). Unfortunately, Boris did not have nearly as complete and effortless a game as Federer. Meanwhile, Federer is gradually catching up to Boris in the Thirst for the Battle department.

Nice observations, Lukman. Wouldn't it have been cool to see Roger take on Boris at Wimbledon right after Pete?

[marius hancu]

The observation by Mr. Chabria about Nastase, Stich and Federer having a similar service flow (very relaxed) is right on the mark.

However, I think that although Federer has similarities in terms of stance with Sampras, his feet are somewhat closer to each other than Pete's and I do not think he turns his back as much to the court during his rotation as Pete.

Becker and Federer are similar somewhat in terms of forehands, but Becker's loop was ampler, and yes, he had a small hitch/waiting time at the top. Becker's was also flexing more those huge calves of his, while Federer has his base wider.

[lukman41985]

Wouldn't it have been cool to see Roger take on Boris at Wimbledon right after Pete?

Uhh...yeah!

[lukman41985]

Forehand grips

Lukman, I've got to disagree with your assertion that their grips are both Eastern. Even by today's standards (which have shifted a hair west every generation), I would reluctantly call their average forehand grips closer to semi-western.

Are you saying that Becker and Federer used mild semi-western grips or more extreme semi-western grips?

[ajchabria]

Mild SW

Grips vary, but on the average Boris and Federer look like they use a forehand grip that is between eastern and semi-western (closer to semi-western, from what I've seen).

By the way, Lukman, how do you like your Vantage frames?

[lukman41985]

Ok, I can agree with you on the grips.

My Vantages are fine, fine frames. They play really well. At first I thought they were pretty boardy, but after restringing at 55 lbs., it played nice. However, the frame itself, even though it is 63 RA, isn't as flexible as I'd like. I'm going to be switching to the Volkl C10 Pros.

This isn't a knock on Vantage at all. I love the frame. However, the Volkl is just a classic and it's feel cannot be replicated.

If you'd like, I can mail you my Vantage so you can demo it. I'll take care of shipping and handling. The important thing with Vantage is to know what specs you need. It also helps to know how the frame feels. I see you're a Master Racquet Technician, so all of this is probably redundant.

[ajchabria]

Good taste

You've got good taste, Lukman. Boris/Federer, custom frames and Volkl C 10s. I used the old C 10 comp for a few years, then the C 10 pro, and just this year, I switched to the Tour 10 V-engine Mid. I couldn't be happier.
Hope you find a buyer for your Vantages. Enjoy those C 10 Pros!
All the best,
---ajc

[lukman41985]

Thanks, AJ. Did you play with the C10 Pro Mid or Midplus? What kind of strings and tension did you use in your C10 Pros? I'm starting off with Klip Legend Natural Gut 16 @ 50 lbs right now and I'll go from there, but I'd appreciate your insight.

[ajchabria]

Volkl C10 pro MP

Wow, 50#. You must be a touch player.
When I used natural gut in the C10 pro MP (98 head), I went tight: 64#.
With LaserTour 16 I'd go 62#. I hit with your fellow touch player, J. McEnroe a few years ago at a Volkl event at my club. His C10 Pros were strung with natural gut at various tensions in the 50's. Sweet Fairway leathers, too.
Now, with the Tour 10 V Mids (93 head), I use Volkl Power Fiber at 60#.
These Volkls are the greatest sticks in the world...since the wood days of course. I used Dunlop Maxplys and Slazenger Challenge No. 1s back then. Yourself?

[lukman41985]

I try to emulate Mr. McEnroe. The way he plays, I feel, is the most fun and instintual style. It really annoys the hell out of the people I play with.

I wish I could have some Fairway leathers on my Volkls. No other leather grip really compares. Instead I stick to Gamma Hi-Tech alone. I love it.

As for your Volkl V-Engine Tour 10 Mids, I demoed it, and that dense pattern with the small head was just too much for me. Great feel, of course, but too much.