What can we learn from: David Ferrer?

In this series I look at what we can learn from the top professionals- even at a club level; lessons from the pro-tour can be applied to your game. It's not about copying the idiosyncrasies in a pro's technique- but the underlying fundamentals that are applicable at any level.  


First up on our list of players to watch is the battling Spaniard David Ferrer. Here are three things to look for when you next see him play and try and take on board for your own game.

The return can be a weapon: Similar to Connors and to an extent Andy Murray, Ferrer's awesome return can neutralize the best server and force them into have to play a lot longer points in there service games than they want to. At a club level the serve can be a weapon, and moving up into to county/regional levels it invariably is- especially in the mens game. If you possess a big serve, you expect a certain amount of cheap points a game- playing someone who effectively returns deep and consistently can be a nightmare.

Watch Ferrer carefully, he hits the vast majority of his returns cross-court and deep- keeps his swing short and plays high percentage. He is usually moving forward and gets a very early split-step in to keep his weight low and allow him to latch onto even very wide returns.

Ask yourself when was the last time you practiced returns? Get a practice partner to hit a couple of baskets down at you and don't play the point out- just execute the return. Think about how long your swing is, how early you are hitting the ball and how deep the return is. I know a lot of very good players who are guilty of not practicing the return enough. It's the second most hit shot after the serve in the average match- so take a break from hitting cross-court forehands and practice the return!

Ferrer keeping low to track that ball down

Keep it simple: I'm not saying for a minute that Ferrer doesn't hit big, he is as capable of unloading a huge forehand as the next pro. However if you watch the majority of Ferrer's points, not just the highlight reel, he keeps constant pressure on his opponent by keeping the ball deep and- the vast majority of the time-crosscourt. He's not known as 'The Wall' for nothing! He works the player from side to side and doesn't really allow his opponent to get inside the baseline unless they hit do something special to make him hit short.

Watch some of Ferrer's points, and imagine yourself playing them, just slowed down. I actually know a very good club player (who will remain nameless- lest he get big-headed) who plays a very similar style. The decisions this playerhe has to make mid-point are usually simple; hit cross-court when the ball is deep and he is in a defensive or neutral position and hit down the line if allowed to step in the court. There is something to be said about not having to think too much on court after all.

To emulate this, play some points with a practice partner and pick the same strategy- cross court when deep, down the line if you step in. Better yet, if you can video yourself playing points and see how many mistakes you make from trying to change direction from the baseline or from trying to inject pace at a the incorrect time in the rally. Take a little pace off the ball- give yourself extra height over the net, extra topspin- whatever it takes to keep your percentages up.



Mental Strength: I will willingly admit that this is the best lesson I could personally learn from Ferrer; anyone who has played with me as a junior could tell you why! However- its not just me who could learn something from Ferrer's attitude and mindset. (Although I promise I'm going to try too!)

Even if you are not seen as being 'mentally weak' on court- its always an area that can be improved. Looking over the net to find Ferrer on the other side-players know he is a player that will NOT give up- and that they will have to work for every point. Juniors who play on a regular circuit of tournaments can especially associate with this. There were a few guys when I used to play tournaments, one I can think of in particular, who you just knew that to win that match you were going to have to beat them- they weren't going to beat themselves. That's a mental advantage through reputation (which I am going to cover in another article) and is as real a weapon as a big first serve.

Look at how Ferrer carries himself around court, he rarely looks beaten; even if he's on the wrong end of a comprehensive lead. He bounces around before returning and generally exudes energy and strength. He gets pumped up and will give himself positive feedback after playing a good point. 'Dogged' has been a word used to describe him very often in the press- and it sums his attitude up pretty succinctly.

I hope you have enjoyed this article- and can watch some of Ferrer's play and try and mimic some of his strengths. Remember emulating a pro doesn't mean copying his strokes- everyone is different and strikes differently- but you can copy some of the underlying fundamentals that have made him so successful- with some practice!

(Image from Wikimedia commons and courtesy of Cássia Afini)