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Techniques: Backhand
Forget
everything you have heard about the backhand for a moment. Now ask what are the fundamentals. Get the
ball over the net Variations: The backhand has many variations based upon footwork, grip and use of one or two hands. We can specify the following types of backhand strokes; Classic One Handed Backhand topspin, Open Stance Backhand topspin, Flat backhand drive, Side Spin Backhand, Low Slice Backhand, High Ball Slice Backhand, Closed stance Two Hander, Open Stance Two Hander, Two handed Lift, Two Handed Slice Backhand, One Handed Block, and Two Handed Block. We have identified 12 variations on the backhand and there are even further differences with respect to grips and point of contact. In the above each has an optimum range and acceptable range to hit the ball as well as correct footwork to establish balance. Backswings and Follow throughs can and also have variations which will be discussed. Classic One Handed Backhand Topspin
The best way to understand the one handed backhand is to determine to minimize the action. With the forehand the arm is behind the body and comes past the torso helping the action of the swing. The backhand is taken with the arm in front of the torso and does not allow for the variation of movement in the shoulder. The shoulder must act as a pivot and the arm must swing from it without wrist action. The action is simple and direct. Begin by standing on the center strip holding the racquet with both hands in front of your body as loose as possible. By letting the arms hang and the knees relax then let the torso bend forward the same degree as the upper legs to get balanced. When the body is balanced the arms can swing freely. The free flowing movement of the one handed backhand is a beautiful stroke. When setting up for a one handed backhand with a closed stance the footwork must be more perfect than most other shots. The key to getting in the optimal position is the left foot. In side stepping to the ball the left foot will plant and the body needs to pivot off this position with the backswing beginning as the right foot moves to its placement. The best players have the right foot reaching its placement just as the backswing is completed and ready to move forward off of the right shoulder. The left arm is quiet and relaxed as possible 180 degrees from the right shoulder. The left shoulder and arm must remain quiet and hold the torso and hips from turning through this shot. The power is generated on the classic forehand from the right shoulder in its swinging action. On the backswing its important to learn to turn the racquet face down on an angle that allows it to be perpendicular or flat when striking the ball. The topspin will be gen4erated by the upwards swinging motion of the racquet to the ball. The ange will look like 1:00 to 2:00PM position pointing away from your shoulder and and the bottom of the racquet pointing at your left foot. In moving towards an on coming ball the topspin backhand move very naturally into it with proper timing and rhythmn to accomplish a clean hit. The foot speed required to get set up and move into the ball to hit it correctly is an absolute requirement. This shot is over used by medium level players. Getting in the right position requires the ability to judge the balls speed and direction and balance your movements accordingly. The first movement entails setting the back foot and taking the racquet back by turning your shoulder into the on coming ball. This will naturally produce the desired balance with all the weight transferring to the left foot. Now the reaction to this is to move your right foot forward to the correct hitting position so that it becomes the balance point. When the front foot is set the motion is complete and the arm motion is a natural low to high flow. Errors will come most notably when the player is not ready. If the player is ready he must be able to keep his head from turning too soon and hold the knees in a bent position through the shots. A jerky pattern shows typical bio-mechanical errors of allowing distal points to move in advance of promixmal points in the chain. Such as allowing the wrist to move ahead of the elbow, shoulder or elbow to move ahead of the shoulder. These types of errors will cause injury.
Open Stance Backhand Topspin
Flat backhand Drive Side Spin Backhand Low Slice Backhand
High Ball Slice Backhand
Closed Stance Two Hander
Open Stance Two Hander Two handed Lift or Lob Two Handed Slice Backhand One Handed Block
Two Handed Block |
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