Part 2 Zverev Alcaraz

This is going to be boring.

If I had tie to dissect the match piece by piece I would.

But, based on the score I have an idea what was going on (also based on the fact that Zverev has modernized his strategy with manipulation patterns).

How do you manipulate someone?

You make them feel comfortable.

You make them feel safe.

Then, when the time is right, you pull the rug from under their feet.

This seems simple enough.

But, life dictates actions.

We are created by our environments.

Manipulation comes easier to people who have had something taken away from them.

Not a toy.

Something bigger.

Anyway.

Look at the serve patterns in the first game.

Zverev hits T’s on the Deuce side and Wides on the Ads side.

No biggie.

Unless you have an intent to what you are using the same patterns for.

Like Deuce serves to the T are not just Deuce T’s. They are Box 2 serves. They are used to start the pattern (and at a higher speed rate as opposed to groundstrokes).

In this game, we don’t get to see what the first balls would have been because Carlos misses the returns.

Missed returns are a bonus.

It means you can still hide your intent with the +1, +2, and +3 shots etc.

However, on the Ad side, you can see that Zverev is still targeting Box 2 with a MID pattern (but hits an error on the +1).

1-0

On the return, he is starting out (again) to Box 2 on the return and adds a +2 to Carlos’ forehand on both Deuce side return points.

He wins the game, but the pattern is being set.

Break.

2-0

On the next service game (hiding in plain sight) he continues the Serve pattern on the deuce side until 40-15 when he uses a wide serve and then opens him up to Box 4 with his +1 and hits a ball right back to the same location, keeping him in the backhand corner. This doesn’t seem like a big deal, but for me, it does in the sense that he is deviating from a previous pattern.

-At 0-15, he Zverev had a pattern that went, Box 2, Box 1, then a double to Box 4.

-Yet, here, in his second service game, he is using a wide serve to set up box 4 (+1) and hits a double to the same box. Alcaraz got caught on the double because he was moving slightly extra to cover another open-court shot.

(this is what on-site analysts should note).

**When to use your doubling and when to mix it up. A lot of players are learning how to recycle or reset in the middle of the court. Other players are learning how to Double box areas as a recycle and to offset the open court patterns.

**This doubling is a big deal for me. If hidden in your first three/four shots it adds confusion to the body and mind of your opponent. I would avoid doubling on shot one. It simulates rallying in practice (unless that is your intent. Make them comfortable in regular patterns).

Think about it.

Go hit with a buddy, move him around the court and double on either a different box area or on a number in the rally.

Watch as he is confused.

Keep the same rhythm going for a few 3 ball cycles and then change it up.

Funny right?

His/her legs get tied up.

You can do this with a feeding drill too…to show the kids you are working with the feeling of being manipulated.

Feed them 3 or 4 randoms then hit the same spot.

They get tied up.

I’m surprised the analysts don’t talk about the different forms of doubling and why it’s effective.

The first set was about doubling!

Period!