Carlos Alcaraz’s Technique Explained 🎾 | Sunday Evening Q&A with Chris Lewit LIVE

PMTS 114

In this session, we talk about Carlos Alcaraz’s technique and, more importantly, what players of all levels can learn from it. This isn’t about copying swings — it’s about understanding the principles behind elite movement, spacing, balance, and shot selection.

Topics discussed include:

• What makes Alcaraz’s technique so effective

• How movement supports every shot

• Why spacing and balance matter more than mechanics alone

• What juniors and adult players should actually focus on

• How Spanish player development shapes modern technique

These Sunday conversations are designed to be interactive, thoughtful, and practical, giving players, parents, and coaches real insight into high-level tennis development.

Thanks for being part of the podcast community.

Drop your questions in the comments — we read and respond.

0:00 Welcome + Sunday Evening Community Talk

0:47 Topic: Alcaraz Technique Through the Spanish Method Lens

1:54 Backhand Changes: Ultra-Compact “Hook Loop” Two-Hander

2:32 Forehand Grip: Conservative vs Modern Pro Grips

3:08 Visiting Ferrero Academy: Watching Alcaraz Train Up Close

4:39 Academy Origins + Antonio Cascales’ Role

6:10 Coaching Philosophy: Freedom, Variety, All-Court Identity

7:26 Serve Evolution: The “Cobra” Serve Debate

9:45 Footwork + Spanish Movement Training

10:35 Two #1 Players From a Small Academy (Why It Matters)

12:58 Ferrero–Alcaraz Split: Context + Possible Reasons

15:01 Q&A: Progress Without Ferrero + Coaching Impact Over a Season

17:16 Backhand Takeaways: Wide Ball + Open/Semi-Open Stance

20:01 Compact Backhand Mechanics + Straight-Arm Extension

22:32 Forehand Takeback: Copy or Not?

25:36 Forehand Takeaways: Stances + Lateral Movement

26:10 The Lasso/Helicopter Forehand Trend (Why It’s Spreading)

29:02 Serve Question: “Palm Up” and the Waiter’s Tray Myth

33:01 Lasso Follow-Through: Future of the Forehand?

37:27 Forehand Finish: Palm Down vs Palm Out (Pronation Debate)

42:03 Q&A: High Elbow Takeback—Should the Elbow Drop?

48:44 Serve: Is Alcaraz Copying Djokovic?

49:03 Serve Breakdown: Why He Changed + What Matters Most

53:02 Coaching Takeaway: Old Serve Easier to Learn

55:20 Placebo Effect vs Real Biomechanical Advantage

55:53 Serve Takeaways: Posture, Leg Drive, Simple Fundamentals

57:02 Wrap-Up + Where to Leave Questions

🎾 The Prodigy Maker Tennis Show (PMTS) explores the intersection of junior tennis development, cutting-edge sport science, fitness, health, and human performance. Hosted by world-renowned coach Chris Lewit — author of The Secrets of Spanish Tennis and Winning Pretty, and developer of numerous No. 1 juniors in the U.S. — PMTS brings together coaching wisdom, research, and technology to shape the future of tennis and human performance.

👉 Subscribe and listen on

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-prodigy-maker-tennis-show/id1456148452

https://open.spotify.com/show/3Wu0PXf9IXneu0ogrzujZN

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR2QscfBfEs9dtttR6XNhduNlWYmZIfy-

🌐 https://shows.acast.com/the-prodigy-maker-tennis-show/about

📖 Books: The Secrets of Spanish Tennis | Winning Pretty

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🔥 Alcaraz’s Big Win Explained | The Spanish Tennis Method Revealed 🇪🇸🎾

Prodigy Maker Tennis Show EP 113

Carlos Alcaraz delivers another statement victory — but how does he keep doing it?

In this video, a tennis expert breaks down Alcaraz’s big win and goes deep into the Spanish tennis method that has produced champions for decades. From clay-court foundations to modern power tennis, we explain the real secrets behind Spain’s continued success at the very top of the game.

💡 In this video you’ll learn:

• What makes the Spanish tennis system different from everyone else

• How Alcaraz blends traditional clay-court skills with modern aggression

• The physical, tactical, and mental pillars of Spanish player development

• Why Spanish players thrive under pressure and in long matches

• How Alcaraz compares to past legends — and where he’s already ahead

• Which country is the best in the world in tennis right now? We debate it

• Viewer questions answered — training, mentality, and future predictions

Whether you’re a player, coach, or hardcore fan, this breakdown shows why Alcaraz isn’t a fluke — and why Spain keeps producing champions while other nations struggle to keep up.

👇 Drop your questions in the comments:

Is Spain still the gold standard in tennis?

Who’s the real rival nation right now?

And how long can Alcaraz stay on top?

👍 Like • 💬 Comment • 🔔 Subscribe for expert tennis analysis

00:00 – Spanish tennis & show intro (Spanish method, book, Q&A format)

00:26 – Congrats: Carlos Alcaraz and Spanish tennis excitement

01:20 – Podcast + “Sunday night” community coaching format (Prodigy Maker Tennis Show)

02:13 – “Changing of the guard”: Spain shifting from homegrown pipeline to global training destination

03:01 – Is Spanish tennis declining after Rafael Nadal? (yes/no + context)

03:33 – Country depth: USA leading in Top 100 numbers; Spain/Italy comparisons

05:17 – Italy adopting Spanish methodology; Spanish influence through coaches

06:00 – Spain as a hub: Barcelona/east coast + Spanish coaching “diaspora” worldwide

07:34 – Examples of Spanish-trained non-Spanish pros (training blocks, Spanish coaches)

10:27 – Core pillar #1: Movement/footwork, positioning, eyes + feet

12:00 – Core pillar #2: Racket acceleration drills (power + spin, topspin forehand culture)

13:30 – Core pillar #3: Consistency, patience, shot tolerance, grinding ability

15:03 – The Spanish “suffering” ethos: endurance, discipline, fighting spirit

18:05 – Fitness & physical development: court time vs gym/track/injury prevention

21:05 – Ecological dynamics / guided discovery: shaping players via constraints & environment

23:45 – Why Spain produced champions: system vs “lab-built” technique; tennis IQ emergence

31:04 – Rafa’s impact on topspin; Spanish style evolution & exceptions

32:18 – Wrap-up: Spanish tennis today—fewer natives in Top 100, but training the world

34:10 – Young Spanish prospects mentioned (next generation to watch)

36:15 – Q: Why US men lag in Slams? (numbers strong, champion gap, “suffering” factor)

37:46 – Closing / goodbye

🎾 The Prodigy Maker Tennis Show (PMTS) explores the intersection of junior tennis development, cutting-edge sport science, fitness, health, and human performance. Hosted by world-renowned coach Chris Lewit — author of The Secrets of Spanish Tennis and Winning Pretty, and developer of numerous No. 1 juniors in the U.S. — PMTS brings together coaching wisdom, research, and technology to shape the future of tennis and human performance.

👉 Subscribe and listen on

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-prodigy-maker-tennis-show/id1456148452

https://open.spotify.com/show/3Wu0PXf9IXneu0ogrzujZN

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR2QscfBfEs9dtttR6XNhduNlWYmZIfy-

🌐 https://shows.acast.com/the-prodigy-maker-tennis-show/about

📖 Books: The Secrets of Spanish Tennis | Winning Pretty

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does real junior tennis talent actually look like?

Prodigy Maker Tennis Show EP 112

In this episode, Chris breaks down junior tennis talent identification—covering how to spot potential early, what tests actually matter, and common mistakes coaches and parents make when evaluating young players.

This is one of our most listened-to podcast episodes of the year, brought back from the archive by popular demand.

Whether you’re developing juniors or trying to understand long-term athlete potential, this episode delivers real insight.

Enjoy the show.

0:00 – Introduction: New Topic, Talent & Junior Development

2:21 – Why Talent Identification Is So Difficult

3:27 – First Talent Marker: Eyes, Hands & Ball Contact

6:45 – Movement, Speed & Footwork as Talent Indicators

9:49 – Stamina, Cardio & Running Ability

14:03 – Speed Tests & “Fastest Kid in the Class”

18:22 – Physical Gifts vs Intangibles

19:12 – Target Hitting & Accuracy Tests

22:26 – Drop Shot Test: Reaction & Competitive Drive

24:05 – Early Experience with Prodigies

27:15 – Talent as a “Video Game Character”

32:11 – Competitiveness & the Killer Instinct

37:00 – Wolves vs Sheep: Who Thrives in Tennis

40:38 – The Most Overlooked Talent: Durability & Injury Resistance

45:57 – Mental Gifts: Coachability, Learning & Focus

49:05 – Talent, Time & UTR as a Measurement Tool

52:12 – Hard Work vs Talent: Limits of the Equation

55:11 – Personal Playing Career & Max Potential

58:11 – John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success

1:00:03 – What Makes a Truly Talented Coach

1:06:51 – Time Constraints & Player Development Reality

1:09:45 – When Hard Work Can (and Can’t) Beat Talent

1:12:31 – Tony Nadal’s View on Work Ethic

1:15:21 – Can Players Run Out of Time?

1:18:39 – Evaluating Coaches by Development Speed

1:22:07 – Emilio Sánchez: Talent vs Federation Belief

1:25:07 – Practical Advice for Coaches & Parents

1:30:05 – Final Thoughts: Time, Talent & Coaching Efficiency

1:32:08 – Closing, Cheating Tease & Show Wrap-Up

🎾 The Prodigy Maker Tennis Show (PMTS) explores the intersection of junior tennis development, cutting-edge sport science, fitness, health, and human performance. Hosted by world-renowned coach Chris Lewit — author of The Secrets of Spanish Tennis and Winning Pretty, and developer of numerous No. 1 juniors in the U.S. — PMTS brings together coaching wisdom, research, and technology to shape the future of tennis and human performance.

👉 Subscribe and listen on

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-prodigy-maker-tennis-show/id1456148452

https://open.spotify.com/show/3Wu0PXf9IXneu0ogrzujZN

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR2QscfBfEs9dtttR6XNhduNlWYmZIfy-

🌐 https://shows.acast.com/the-prodigy-maker-tennis-show/about

📖 Books: The Secrets of Spanish Tennis | Winning Pretty

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.