Are you looking to improve your tennis backhand? Elite players know that a strong, well-executed backhand is an essential part of any successful game. From proper technique to drills and training exercises, there are a number of ways you can develop and hone your backhand stroke. Read on to learn more about the fundamentals of the perfect backhand, as well as tips and tricks for improving your own.
What is Backhand in Sports
The backhand is one of the most fundamental shots in tennis, but what exactly is it? A backhand stroke is a type of shot in which the player swings their racquet across their body to hit the ball. In tennis, this usually occurs when the player faces away from the net and must move quickly to reach a ball that’s been hit towards them. The backhand can be used to hit groundstrokes and volleys, and is usually the first shot a player learns.
Importance of having a strong backhand
Having a strong backhand is an essential part of any successful tennis game. A powerful, consistent backhand will give you the edge when competing in matches and allow you to hit a variety of shots with confidence. In addition, having an impressive backhand can help you to mix up your play so that your opponents are kept guessing. This can be particularly useful if your opponent has begun to recognize your playing style and has started to anticipate your shots.
Basic techniques of backhand
Grip and stance
Grip and stance are two of the most important elements of a successful backhand. When preparing to take a backhand stroke, make sure that your grip is comfortable and secure. The continental grip is often recommended for tennis players, as it places your hand in an ideal position for producing power with each shot. For the stance, it’s best to stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
Body position
Body position is a critical component of a successful backhand. When playing your backhand, it’s important to ensure that your body is correctly aligned and facing towards the direction of the ball. Your non-dominant side should be closest to the ball, with your dominant side slightly behind. This positioning will help you generate more power when striking the ball and will enable you to move quickly and accurately.
Swing motion
The swing motion for a backhand stroke is slightly different from that of a forehand. To execute the perfect backhand stroke, you should begin by bringing your racquet behind your body and then bringing it forward in an arc-like motion. Your wrist should be firm but relaxed as you make contact with the ball, ensuring that your shots are kept low and controlled. Finally, make sure that you follow through with the swing after making contact with the ball to increase your power and accuracy.
Types of backhand
One-handed backhand
One-handed backhand is one of the most popular backhand strokes in tennis. This shot requires a single handed grip and allows for more flexibility and power. To perform the one-handed backhand, you must start with your feet wider than shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, and your non-dominant side closest to the ball. As you swing, make sure that you keep your wrist relaxed and follow through after making contact with the ball.
Two-handed backhand
Two-handed backhand is a versatile shot that can be used for both groundstrokes and volleys. This stroke requires a double-handed grip, with the dominant hand usually at the top of the racquet handle. To perform the two-handed backhand, start with your feet wider than shoulder width apart and your non-dominant side closest to the ball. As you swing, make sure that your racquet is in an open position and rotate your body to generate more power.
Slice backhand
The slice backhand is a versatile shot that can be used to great effect in a variety of match situations. This stroke requires a continental grip, with the dominant hand at the top of the racquet handle and the non-dominant hand slightly lower. To execute the perfect slice backhand, start by positioning your body with your feet wider than shoulder width apart and your non-dominant side closest to the ball. As you swing, make sure that you keep your wrist firm and follow through after making contact with the ball.
Tips to improve your backhand
Footwork
Footwork is an essential element of a successful backhand. To produce the power and accuracy needed to make a successful backhand, you must have quick, agile footwork. When playing a backhand stroke, you should be ready to move your feet quickly in order to reach the ball in time. It is important to practice the correct footwork technique so that you can move efficiently when playing a backhand stroke.
Consistency
Consistency is key when playing a backhand stroke. To play a consistent backhand, it’s important to practice and perfect your technique. Make sure that you are using the right grip, stance and body position every time you hit the ball. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that you follow through with your swing after making contact with the ball as this will help keep your shots consistent.
Power and spin
Power and spin are important elements of a successful backhand. Generating power in your backhand stroke depends on the position of your body, grip, and swing motion. You should start by positioning your body with your feet wider than shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, and your non-dominant side closest to the ball. As you swing, make sure that you keep your wrist firm but relaxed as you make contact with the ball. This will allow you to generate more power in your shots. To add spin, it is important to ensure that your swing is an arc-like motion and you follow through after making contact with the ball.
Common mistakes to avoid in backhand
Poor body position
Poor body position is one of the most common mistakes made when playing a backhand stroke. It is important to maintain the correct stance and body positioning when playing a backhand stroke in order to generate power and control. Poor body positioning can result in decreased power, accuracy, and spin on your shots. To ensure that you have good body positioning for your backhand, make sure that your feet are wider than shoulder width apart and you have your weight shifted to your non-dominant side.
Wrong grip
Using the wrong grip can be one of the biggest mistakes you can make when playing a backhand stroke. To get the most out of your backhand, it is important to use the correct grip. For a two-handed backhand, you should use a double-handed grip with your dominant hand at the top of the racquet handle. For a slice back hand, you should use a continental grip with your dominant hand at the top of the racquet handle and your non-dominant hand slightly lower.
Overhitting or underhitting the ball
Overhitting or underhitting the ball is a common mistake made when playing a backhand stroke. When overhitting the ball, you will hit it too hard and with too much spin, which can make it go out of bounds. Conversely, when underhitting the ball you won’t be able to generate enough power or spin and your shot will be weak and lack accuracy. To avoid this mistake, make sure you practice and perfect your technique before playing a match in order to ensure that you are hitting the ball with the right amount of power and spin.
Drills to practice backhand
Shadow swings
Shadow swings are a great drill to practice and perfect your backhand technique. This drill involves mimicking the motion of a backhand stroke without actually hitting a ball. Start by standing in the ready position with your feet wider than shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, and weight shifted to your non-dominant side. Focus on using the correct grip as you swing your racquet through the air as if you were hitting a ball. Make sure that you follow through with your swing after making contact with the imaginary ball. This drill will help you to get used to the motion of a backhand stroke and can be done anywhere.
Racket drops
Racket drops are an important part of backhand technique. Racket drops involve dropping the racquet head to the ground before taking the backswing. This helps to create a low to high swing path and generate more power on your shots. To perform this drill, start by standing in the ready position with your feet wider than shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, and weight shifted to your non-dominant side. Drop your racquet head to the ground and take the backswing before making contact with the ball. Make sure that you follow through with your swing after making contact with the ball. This drill will help you to get used to creating a low to high swing path for a powerful backhand stroke.
Continuous rally exercises
Continuous rally exercises are an important part of improving your backhand technique. This drill involves playing a continuous rally with yourself or another player while focusing on the fundamentals of your backhand stroke. Start by standing in the ready position with your feet wider than shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, and weight shifted to your non-dominant side. Make sure that you focus on using a good grip, body positioning, and swing path while playing the rally. This drill will help you to get used to performing a backhand stroke under pressure and can be done anywhere.
Conclusion
The key points to remember when playing a backhand stroke include using the correct grip, avoiding overhitting or underhitting the ball, and practicing with drills such as shadow swings, racket drops, and continuous rally exercises. Using the right grip is essential for maximum power and control when playing a backhand stroke. Additionally, it is important to practice controlling your power output by not overhitting or under hitting the ball. Finally, drills such as shadow swings, racket drops, and continuous rally exercises are great ways to practice and perfect your backhand technique.
