So the idea of these segments is to really focus on the foreward movement of the famous Nadal forehand and maybe you out there can glean some info to improve your own stroke.

I am not suggesting you change to Nadal's western grip, but there are some key points that you can look at, obviously if you do use this grip then you will get so much more topspin on your strokes, but it does need like all the strokes in tennis, alot of work.

Top left sees the racket getting into its downward phase, and the blue dot is on the tip of the racket.Look at the non racket hand and how for him its almost out to a 9'O'clock postion - REMEMBER HE IS A LEFTY - so you might be out to a 3'0'clock position - great balanced position.

Top right the racket has dropped and the face of the racket is facing the floor - this is what you can do in this grip - weight has started to shift - look at the knee position on the back leg.

Top left and see how he drives the racket forward with the racket butt leading, almost pointing it towards the oncoming ball - what at the Bolli Academy they relate to flicking a wet towel forward - back knee has now bended more as he gets into to the hitting point - non racket hand has started to ove acroos the body so allowing the shoulders to start their turn.

Top right - the point of contact, and look where it is - OUT IN FRONT of his leading hip - this is crucial- and this is what on our planet we do not do enough - racket head now parallel with the net - and the non racket hand continues its movement and the shoulders have turned 90 degrees from photo 2.

Now the fun starts - top left the ball is on its way - the racket head starts its upward and across the body path making the ball spin more than you and I are ever going to do - obviously from these segments you have no idea of the speed of ther racket, but believe me its pretty quick.Top right and you can see the start of the "windscreen wiper" movement that is seen in almost all the forehands of the pro's nowdays.

Top left, and the key point to look for is that the racket face is once again parellel with the net, and the elbow is on an upward path.Top right and the classic finish - elbow pointing down the court, and once again the racket face now parellel with the "Valspar" sign at the side of the court.So for you to get this feeling you might "catch" your racket and feel the position of the racket face at the end of the stroke.
Note how Nadal's non racket hand has completed its work and allowed the shoulders to rotate correctly - next time you hit a few balls make a note of what your non racket hand is doing - if its doing anything!