re: Federer's backhand. A one-handed backhand has some flaws that are exposed by Nadal's crazy topspin. The sweet spot is to hit it waist high, like a baseball

re: Federer's backhand. A one-handed backhand has some flaws that are exposed by Nadal's crazy topspin. The sweet spot is to hit it waist high, like a baseball batter. If the ball jumps very high, then you (1) stand way behind the baseline and wait for the ball to drop to waist level, or (2) hit a weak slice from shoulder level. On (1) you're so far back that Nadal can run you around the court. On (2) Nadal will destroy your weak return. Hitting the ball immediately after it bounces is risky. You have less time to get in position, the ball can bounce erratically, and you generally take a shorter swing. Often people hit a slice on the rise. Hitting w/ topspin on the rise requires impeccable timing and finesse. When it works it's beautiful.