Compact forehand technique
In this episode, professional coach Hugo Cases analyzed Gonzalo’s forehand bajada and quickly identified the main issue: lack of compactness. Gonzalo often extended his arm too far, which made it difficult to accelerate without losing control. Hugo explained that keeping the elbow slightly bent and the contact point close to the body allows players to generate speed more confidently. “If you go backward moving like this, very compact, and in the moment you impact, you impact very close, then you can accelerate that movement,” Hugo said. He emphasized that bending the knees and using the legs is essential to add power while maintaining stability.
Backhand adjustments
The backhand bajada presented different challenges. Gonzalo tended to take the contact point too high, which limited his ability to hit with strength. Hugo advised lowering the impact to chest level, using the non-dominant arm to pull back at the moment of contact, and finishing with the shoulders open toward the side wall. “In backhand, this is too high. Make impact low, and try to use both arms,” Hugo explained. By shifting the point of impact and engaging the left side of the body, Gonzalo was able to produce a cleaner, more powerful shot.
Confidence through technique
Throughout the session, Gonzalo noted that being closer to the ball gave him more confidence to accelerate. He admitted that when he tried to hit farther away, he lost control and consistency. Hugo reinforced that technical precision is more important than raw power. Relaxed execution, compact positioning, and proper leg support allowed Gonzalo to increase speed without sacrificing accuracy.
Key takeaways
The lesson highlighted that the bajada is a shot requiring both tactical awareness and technical discipline. For the forehand, compactness and leg drive are crucial. For the backhand, lowering the contact point and involving the non-dominant arm make the difference. As Hugo summarized, “Only with those two things we change the shot in six balls.”
This episode stands out as one of the most technical in the series, offering practical solutions for players struggling with a slow or ineffective bajada.
