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.

[jimlosaltos]

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.

Thanks. Look forward to reading those.

And, yes, there are many "religious issues" in tennis and many sub-cults to some

[jimlosaltos]

Heck, might as well repurpose my old video of Milos acing Djokovic at Indian Wells in 2016 while we're on this.
Slow motion at 480 fps.

As I recall, John Yandell measured the spin on Pete Sampras' excellent SLICE serve and put the sidespin component at only 30%, which surprised many.

On this ace, Milos 'serve not only goes way out to the left of Novak's doubles alley, but leaps off the court. Novak leaned the wrong way after his split step,
but even if he'd read the serve correctly not only would he have been fully extended, but he'd have been forced to return a ball well above his head.
That's how much topspin was on this slice serve.

Indian Wells has a large area around the court, yet the ball the top of the scoreboard wall well to the ball kids' left.

If you're into this, you might watch it three times: Once to see Milos' great motion (bends those 7 footers' legs deep), once to see Novak lean wrong then spring, and the third time -- if you've got a good monitor -- to see the rotation on the serve.

Milos Raonic slice serve to Novak Djokovic slomo BNP Indian Wells: