3 Top Tips For Clay and All Things Rafa

  • May 23rd, 2018
  • Charlie Bull

Rafael Nadal won his 10th French Open title in 2017, 'La Decima' as it was called in his native Spain. This year, despite battling back from injury it's difficult to look past the superstar retaining the crown and lifting La Coupe de Mousquetaires trophy again.

Pre-Match


A cold shower pre-match is needed to ready the great man. In this state, senses are heightened as the athlete enters 'The Flow'. This is a psychological term, when one is completely focussed and immersed in the task at hand - ready to go to war with the opponent.

Rafa struts to the court meaning business, racquet in left hand, bag slung over the right shoulder. But watch out for those white court markings. Nadal outside of a playing point will never step directly on a line. What's more, when he steps over a line, the right foot always leads. FACT!

You may have spotted this before, but Nadal must make sure drinks bottles are placed correctly. One water and one energy drink bottle are placed on the floor in front and to the left of his chair - one behind the other - facing diagonally towards the court.

Warm up done and it's time to bounce. Nope, not to go home; but bounce up and down facing the crowd while removing his jacket! More bouncing takes place during the coin toss. Such is the humility and sportsman of Rafa (or simply another fixation), he always lets the opponent cross to the other side of the court first. Careful of those tram lines Rafa!

"Time. Mr. Nadal to serve. Play."


Pull sweaty shirt away from chest. Wipe nose and cheek. Push hair behind ear. Pinch nose. Wipe other cheek. Push hair behind other ear. Pinch shorts front and back. All while bouncing the ball against the floor with the racquet in the left hand. This is the pre-service routine that the Spaniard has developed over the years. Nadal himself said "It's a way of placing myself in a match, ordering my surroundings to match the order I seek in my head."


It's All About You


Now, the great thing about sport and coaching sport is that there is not one set method to be victorious. You've got to be comfortable with what works for you. You don't need to come up with a long, extravagant routine like our Rafa - but minor things to keep you focused and in the zone when it comes round to the next point.

It's important to not be switched on at all times, you need to rest your brain in between points, especially between games and definitely between sets. Mental fatigue is something that affects many junior players as they think it is necessary to be thinking about the previous and coming points in between points. It's not! The training and preparation has gotten you this far, let the skills perform.

3 Top Tips for Playing on Clay


Get Fit


The ball holds up on clay, giving you a better chance to keep balls in play. Rallies are longer, meaning players need to have the endurance to hit the ball at the same intensity further into a point.

Be Patient


Hit the ball cross-court and wait for the opening to arrive, because it will. Players cannot hit winners as easily as they once could on the hard court. Practice the drop shot with your players too, it can be a handy tool on the clay.

Sliiiiiiide


Sliding has become synonymous with the red stuff. Frequently players will slide before a shot, slowing themselves down on approach to the ball, in hope of a cleaner and more accurate ball strike. Yes, it looks cool, but having the ability to slide makes it so much harder for the opposing player to hit past you.

Will Rafa reign supreme in Paris once more? Day One at Rolland Garros begins Sunday 27th May.