Milos Raonic: Platform is Better in Long Run

[jimlosaltos]

While the pinpoint stance is taking over the ATP, all-time great server Milos Raonic claims that the platform stance (feet apart) is beter for long matches and in the long run because of consistency. From "The Changeover Podcast" Hosted by Jody Maginley & Justin Roberts

Raonic further says that a pinpoint stance might give you another 5 MPH because you get more weight forward. But that can backfire over 5 sets when you get tired, when a toss wanders forward. He cites: Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, and himself.

Fitness? It matters "once you know how to hit a tennis ball". The Canadian, who retired recently, also addresses the "legs vs arm" debate with "Just because I know how to jump I'm going to be able to serve {is} putting the carriage in front of the horse."

Milos talks candidly about the “serve bot” label, how he adjusted to competing at the very top of the game, and what he believes are the biggest challenges facing the next generation of tennis players. We also dive into some behind-the-scenes stories, including Australian Open hospitality, as the first Grand Slam of the year gets underway.

YT Short 1:30

https://youtube.com/shorts/KWP3qaV7pJg?si=R1fMwdl4xG5BNqax

Or Interview Podcast 58:31 minutes

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[jimlosaltos]

I should add, for historic reasons, that this site's founder, John Yandell, favored teaching the platform stance and used Roger Federer as a prime example.

[jimlosaltos]

While we're at it, let's toss in a link to our Tour Portrait of Milos from back in 2016, and a couple of those photos. This "might" have been the year he made the final, losing to Djokovic. Sorry, too lazy to look it up

Many thought Raonic's serve was the best of all time. Jack Sock, a good friend of John Isner who practiced with him often, said Milos' was harder to return because of "all the movement on it".

Sidebar: I'm tempted to do an album of ATP players biting their tongues. Seems to be a thing.

Tour Portrait Raonic, 2016

https://www.tennisplayer.net/category/tour-portraits/jim_fawcette/raonic_serve_sequence/

1 of 2 Composite of Milos' serve.

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2 of 2 Milos's follow through

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[joeldrucker]

Great images, Jim. Yes, I'm a big believer in the platform, as I think it offers both more initial stability and a longer runway for improvement. The pinpoint might seem nifty, but I believe it can trigger tons of problems. That said, there are variations, including one to be explored a couple of tennisplayer.net issues from now.