September 22, 2008 
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First Step Comparison - Djokovic, Federer, Roddick David W. Smith, Senior Editor TennisOne There are countless variables that can determine the outcome of any given match. Physical variables, psychological variables, strength and weakness variables, strategic variables, athletic variables, and even the “what-or-what-you-don’t-say-before-the-match” variable can all contribute to the complexion, rhythm, and outcome of any competitive event. For those who watched the Roddick/Djokovic quarterfinal match at the U.S. Open, and subsequent semifinal between Djokovic and Federer, there was a list of variables that certainly had their effect on each player. However, from my perspective, there was one difference that not only stood out in each match, but also was, in my opinion, the most influential variable that contributed to the outcome of each match. Reviewing the general statistics below from the U.S. Open web site on the Roddick/Djokovic match, I believe if you look at two specific stats, you will understand my dissection with more clarity.
Roddick vs Djokovic
While Roddick averaged ten miles per hour faster on first serves and seventeen mph faster on second serves, the total number of aces, was identical for both players at 15. Assuming both players could move the serve around, placing it with equal ability, the conclusion one can make is that one of the two players reacted better, establishing a more effective “first step” in response to the serve. In addition to serves, Djokovic was able to track down and return potent groundstrokes and volleys hit by Roddick. However, time and time again, Roddick failed to get his racquet on the ball in many similar situations. While Roddick’s volley skills are adequate, his movement in anticipation of many of the volleys did not allow him to even attempt many let alone hit them for favorable outcomes. Federer vs Djokovic In the first semifinal match, Federer seemed to establish the same advantage over Djokovic that Novak did over Andy. It could be concluded, as the commentators mentioned several times, that the amount of tennis Novak had been playing over the past few months had had taken a physical and mental toll on him. First Step: Initiate Intention
One element of the game that has clearly changed over time is the speed of the serve. There are human limitations as to speed of recognition and thus, reaction, to such speeds. While reactions can be improved through training, the electrical-chemical mechanism of the neuromuscular system has parameters that limit these dynamics. I believe that if a player simply waited to move based on the observation and evaluation of such serves, (not making a move until it is registered to be a backhand or forehand), the player would almost never touch a serve unless it was hit right to at him. I have found that when players establish a preliminary move, an anticipatory move towards one particular shot, (forehand or backhand return, for example), they can react quicker, even to the side which was not in the preliminary movement. While this seems almost contradictory, (to make an initial move in one direction will speed up a reactionary move in a different direction), after the following explanation, I hope you will see how this actually can occur and recognize how this aspect in high-level tennis is a deciding factor. Establishing the Movement By initiating some movement just prior to the actual move to the ball, the body has created a response that puts the muscles in an active stage rather than a passive stage. Now, obviously, some shots are simply too good to even have this improved reaction time provide necessary movement to get to the ball. Hence, the fifteen aces by both Novak and Andy in the quarters and the some twenty aces by Federer in his semi with Djokovic. But, the fact that Djokovic was only aced fifteen times by Roddick, relative to the significant higher serve speeds Roddick was throwing in, clearly identifies that he had an edge on the first step movement. The last game on his serve where Andy tried what was termed a "stupid" shot (a drop shot after a dozen or so ripped shots that Djokovic kept getting back, over and over) demonstrated the fluid reaction movements of Djokovic compared to Roddick. Similar shots thumped by Roddick were time and time again retrieved, usually very effectively by Djokovic. The drop shot was a sign of desperation by Roddick and it basically said, "no matter what I hit, Djokovic is going to get it back." And hence, Roddick tried the one shot that he hadn’t thrown at Novak in virtually any previous rally: a drop shot.
What Can We Learn? Roddick certainly is, in my opinion, not the athlete that Novak Djokovic is. But, the question is, could Roddick train himself to be a better athlete? I believe he can, by training this aspect of preliminary movement. But, can this same strategy help the average recreational, club, or tournament player? I say yes. I’ve trained many players in this technique of making the movement just before any movement must occur. And I’ve seen how it helps players react far better and with greater effectiveness on hard hit balls. Next time your on the court, make a conscious decision to guess what serve is going to be hit at you. Just like the pros, initiate movement, hopping or bouncing on your feet, then the split-step just before your opponent makes contact with the ball. Obviously, you have a 50-50 chance of simply guessing incorrectly on any given shot! However, because you've initiated your movement you actually created the opportunity to move quicker and more effectively to the ball. It's as simple as Isaac Newton's first law of motion. Try it and see! As always, we would love to hear from you! Questions, comments, personal experiences all create helpful dialogue for everyone! Please click here to send us your email.
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