The backhand may be tennis' most undervalued and intimidating stroke. The very word backhand is known to instill fear and trepidation in otherwise upstanding characters.
This is both a pity and a shame. With appropriate props to the forehand, the backhand is the jewel of groundstrokes. If approached with affection and confidence, the backhand can be friend and weapon. By applying solid technique and regular practice, you can turn the backhand into your favorite shot. We love the backhand.
The backhand stroke takes place on the non-dominant side of the body. This is the left side for right-handers, the right side for lefties. The backhand swing - specifically the one-handed version - is a natural swing, given the proper setup. Where the forehand actually involves swinging across or against the body in some measure, the backhand is in concert with the body's natural impulse to move forward. You use the legs and dominant shoulder to 'lead', contacting the ball well ahead of the body.
We might call this backhand physics partly to demonstrate why the one-handed backhand is a natural, clean shot. Assuming you set up your hitting platform well, turning sufficiently to allow the coiling and uncoiling of your legs, torso, arm and shoulder, this is a satisfying and very useful stroke. Moreover, learning to hit a single-handed backhand makes learning the one-handed slice a natural step. The backhand slice is a very useful stroke for varying baseline rallies and for approaching the net.
The two-handed backhand is a different stroke. It doesn't require the lower body turn into the hitting platform, which is more upright and uses an open or semi-open stance. The two-hander also employs the upper body far more. This makes it easier for many people, more like the forehand, and less smooth.
The two-handed backhand has become a default stroke for young baseliners. It is easier to teach, given that students see results faster, and it promotes more control of topspin. Considering that topspin tennis is the order of the day, coaches gravitate towards teaching this stroke rather than the one-hander. Its limitations include the dependance on precise upper-body timing and health. Additionally, learning the one-handed slice becomes more of a challenge, given the distance between the two-handed topspin and the slice in conception and execution.
NOTE: Because the one-handed and two-handed backhand are fundamentally different strokes, we will treat each one separately. Discussions of grips, stances and individual backhand shot variations fall in the appropriate sections.
The One-Handed Backhand
The one-handed backhand remains a viable and artistic stroke, despite the increasing popularity of its two-handed counterpart. When we discuss the one-handed backhand, we are really referring to the topspin one-hander. The slice, which we discuss a bit later, is almost a separate stroke because of the disparate technique involved.
The one-hander depends on consistently implementing these elements:
A secure grip which can vary from standard to extreme;
Creating a solid hitting platform that depends on a full shoulder-hip turn and bent legs;
Making sure your contact point is ahead of the body and that you swing smoothly and with a full follow-through.
We get into these aspects of the one-handed backhand in more detail following the sections on grips and stance.
Grips Overview
There are basically two grip options for the one-handed backhand. As with the forehand, the Continental grip, once popular, has gone the way of the tennis dinosaurs. Though people don't talk much about the different grips, we can identify them as:
Eastern. Like its forehand equivalent, this grip is one stop away from the Continental, but in the opposite direction. It is an easy grip to learn and use, enables quick changes, and is well suited to hitting with light or moderate topspin (though not with heavy topspin). One disadvantage is that it offers less inherent power than an extreme backhand grip.
Extreme (Eastern). The extreme is another quarter-turn away from Continental. This is a topspin-friendly grip. It presents challenges for grip changes and makes hitting a flat ball difficult.
We would recommend the Eastern backhand grip for most one-handed players. Use the grip that fits best for you, keeping in mind that extreme grips
1) force you to hit major topspin on every stroke,
2) require a big adjustment when changing to a volley or forehand grip.
NOTE: You are not limited to using a single grip. You can learn the Eastern and extreme, for example, and switch depending on the game/rally situation.
The One-Handed Backhand Stance
The heading is specific and intentional. Where the forehand depends on a hitting platform that enables a variety of 'derivative' stances, the one-handed backhand promotes a single stance.
NOTE: We are discussing the topspin (or drive) backhand. The slice backhand has its own stance rules.
There is really only one good way to hit a one-handed (drive or topspin) backhand with consistency, power and depth. And that is to turn sideways to the net, with knees bent. Yet, there is more to the one-hander than this, so we will go point-by-point:
1. Make sure your footwork brings you within range of the approaching ball, but not so close that you are crowding it.
There is a critical difference in running to the backhand versus to the forehand side. When you run towards the backhand, you keep your 'off' hand on the racquet handle, near the throat. This is a vital component of racquet preparation, as this 'off' hand helps guide the racquet into position for the stroke.
2. As you reach the ball, step across your body with your lead (right - assuming a right-handed player) foot so that it points towards the sideline. As you do so, you will turn your shoulder;
NOTE: Your right, or dominant foot, is still in the air until you swing. Your weight is placed on the left leg once you turn. You only plant the right leg/foot as you begin the forward swing.
3. Concurrent with this, you pull the racquet back using the left hand as a guide;
4. This creates the stance. The knees are also bent (it is important that the back leg also be bent). Your right shoulder blade should either be 'pointing' to the net or along the plane of the intended shot direction.
That is the stance for the one-handed topspin (and drive) backhand. Many players fail to turn completely and set themselves, either because of a lack of correct practice or from fatigue. Practicing this one-set-piece move to create a solid platform for the one-hander is simply vital to solid technique and execution.
The Single-Handed Topspin
As with the forehand, the typical modern backhand stroke is topspin. The racquet stroke travel from low to high, the angle applied conforming to the amount of topspin you want to deliver. The shallower the 'ascent angle,' the milder the topspin. The steeper the ascent, the greater the topspin applied.
Less topspin equals more pace and depth, and a smaller margin of error - both for net clearance and for keeping the ball inside the baseline. More topspin translates to more spin off the bounce, greater safety of shot, and reduced ball speed.
The progression of the stroke really includes setting up the platform as the first piece:
Turn and set up a balanced platform, as described above. Make sure to stay low as a priority: this involves the legs which are an important power source in this shot. The one-handed backhand actually resembles the serve in that it features a 'kinetic chain' that starts with the legs. The player coils and uncoils, using legs, torso, arms and shoulders in sequence.
NOTE: Assume the backhand as soon as possible while moving towards the ball. This is very important as once you create the hitting platform you won't have time to 'find' the grip.
Set the racquet behind your body, preferably low. The off-hand is still on the frame up near the racquet throat at this point, helping maintain its position for the swing. Your weight is on your back leg;
Begin the swing, releasing your off-hand from the frame and staying low to the ground;
Plant your right (or dominant) leg so that it points about 45 degrees to the left of the target. This is not a precise requirement: the arm coming forward will help 'tell' your foot how to position itself;
Strike the ball ahead of your body, watching the ball to impact;
Complete a full follow-through, with your racquet finishing out in front. You will feel your wrist 'flip' over at and after impact.
Focus on finishing the stroke. 'Pulling off' the ball results in frequent mishits: finish the stroke.
Players relatively new to the game will naturally start their recovery too soon in an effort to regain a good position for the next stroke. This is almost always a mistake. Instead, emphasize the finish and you will hit reliably effective shots that will make the opponent run. You will have plenty of time to recover for the next ball.
The Drive Backhand
The drive or 'topspin drive' is merely a variant of the basic one-handed topspin backhand. It relies on all the same principles and mechanics. The difference is that you swing on a flat trajectory. This is the backhand equivalent of the flat forehand.
We will not spend additional time on the drive backhand for a few reasons - it should only be used by advanced players because of the difficult racquet-ball timing and arm strength required. It is rarely used, given the many advantages of applying topspin to the backhand - including the fact that you are typically engaged in a backhand-to-backhand rally when hitting crosscourt backhands. By using topspin, you stress the opponent and his reactions. It's just harder to return topspin with your backhand than with a forehand, so why not oblige the odds?
Summing up, the one-handed backhand is similar to the forehand. You set up a platform that relies on legs well set, a consistent backswing and acceleration through the ball. The legs, torso and arm all play a role in the stroke itself.
As you swing the racquet forward with the right arm and racquet to meet the ball, pull the left arm back. This creates balance and power and stabilizes the body prior to recovery.
NOTE: As with every stroke in tennis, you benefit by visualization. Picture the desired swing, and your mind is likely to 'tell' your body to repeat the image.
The Backhand Slice
The backhand slice can be considered either a variation of the one-handed backhand or as a separate stroke. It does not share much in common with the topspin backhand, as setup and stroke technique both differ substantially from the topspin shot.
The backhand slice is a very important shot, both as a rally variation and as the backhand approach shot. Its role is thus very similar to that of the flat forehand, which shares this specialization in the modern game. The two-handed backhand players will attempt to approach the net behind topspin, but exposure to the slice should cure them of this proclivity fairly rapidly.
NOTE: Topspin approach shots tend to bounce too high and give the opponent time to hit an aggressive shot or even a passing shot as you run towards the net.
To hit the slice backhand use a closed stance as well. You start with the racquet held at shoulder height and finish with it about waist height. The shoulder, arm and wrist work in concert.
The follow through is abbreviated and is nearly a chopping action. This increases the spin applied to the ball. You can even think of 'stopping' the racquet right after contact. (Some follow-through will happen naturally. Body momentum takes care of that.)
NOTE: Bend the knees thoroughly when hitting the crosscourt rally slice, for this stroke requires both strength and precision. When slicing straight ahead or hitting the backhand slice approach shot, bending the knees becomes optional.
Here are the uses of the backhand slice in more detail:
A rally variation. The slice is a great change of pace. It forces your opponent to adjust to different ball spin and movement (spin is not just forward and back, and a good rally slice will have sidespin), while creating an in-rally timeout from the rigors of topspin hitting. While topspin strokes are the core of a rally, they require more player preparation and energy.
When used as a rally shot, the slice should be hit low and crosscourt, or up the middle. It is no different from a forehand in that all shots should reflect awareness of court geometry. People are creatures of habits, so upsetting the opponent's rhythm is helpful. Introducing slice to rallies accomplishes this.
As an approach shot. Slice is the preferred backhand approach shot, hit either straight ahead or towards the opponent's Deuce court corner. Slice approaches are especially effective when hit low and skidding. This makes the opponent 'dig' the ball out and float back his shot, and that makes your first volley easier.
As a defensive rally shot, especially on the run. Hitting topspin backhands while moving is difficult. The fact that the backhand slice engages more 'upper body' makes hitting this shot on the run easier.
Slice Tips
Slice begets slice; it will be difficult for your foe to stay with topspin. This can be a big advantage if his topspin stroke is effective and if he is less comfortable hitting slice backhands. If you enjoy hitting slice backhands and are proficient at them, you can immediately turn the rally to your advantage.
Do not replace the topspin with slice as your default rally stroke. You simply reintroduce predictability and remove the element of power inherent to good topspin backhands. The slice's power as a tactical weapon is partly the power of suggestion; letting the opponent know it is there is part of the game.
Slice is a finesse shot. Its utility is enhanced if you don't hit the ball too hard.
The Two-Handed Backhand
The two-handed backhand is the 'default backhand of modern tennis. The two-hander, which involves rather different mechanics than the one-handed backhand, requires less body turn, more upper body and uses a more upright stance.
The two-handed backhand produces more consistency than its single-handed counterpart, which is a big part of why it has become so popular. It is simpler to recreate, stroke after stroke, and it promotes the application of topspin. To rally from the baseline against a good player, you must have the ability to create topspin.
The primary reason for greater consistency with the two-hander is that you can use your arms to adjust the racquet angle at the last second. The one-handed backhand dictates that you set the racquet sooner. Changing the racquet angle during the swing is a big risk, given that you interrupt the swing to do so. Another way to explain this is that the backswing for the two-hander is shorter and does not commit the racket to a specific swing path (given the role of the arms).
Two-Handed Grips
The two-handed backhand has the dominant hand lower, close to the racquet butt, while the off-hand clasps the handle above the dominant hand. The top hand's side and wrist will touch the lower, dominant hand's thumb and forefinger.
The two-handed backhand grip is unique in one very important way. It is basically a combination of two separate grips:
The lower hand grasps the handle in a Continental, neutral grip;
The top hand grabs the handle in an Eastern grip.
What does this mean? It means that the top hand's palm faces up and away from the court. It's as simple as that.
The Two-Handed Stance
As with the one-hander, the double-fisted backhand includes a turn. However, it is a partial turn. The stance is not closed but partly closed, or semi-open.
In rare cases, highly advanced players may hit this stroke with an open stance. We don't recommend this adaptation, but for very strong or tall players with natural leverage deriving from long limbs, the open stance is an option.
Even if the stance is semi-open, the shoulders are well rotated. You can bend the legs, but a deep bend is not as essential. Most of the stroke's power comes from the uncoiling of the shoulder and arms. The legs are more of an anchor; in the one-handed shot they are both a source and trigger of the stroke.
NOTE: The left arm is a key part of the stroke, helping both with power and shot direction. Advanced players will use the top wrist to help with directional control, especially if they late in setting up to the ball. Strong wrists are a boon to a good two-hander. If you have them, use them. Strengthen your wrists by squeezing a rubber ball or 'sports' ball.
Two-Handed Topspin
The topspin backhand is the standard rally backhand. This doesn't change because of grip. The only reason it would change is if a player becomes slice-happy, which is more likely to happen with one-handed players.
The topspin rally stroke is indispensable for multiple reasons: it is the perfect stroke to maintain your position in a crosscourt rally. A good topspin stroke either keeps the opponent locked in position or can force him to back up. The topspin backhand lets you rally safely and with depth, neutralize an opponent's offensive purposes, and wait for an opportunity to hit a forcing shot or outright winner.
The two-hander involves your upper body more, which is a point worth stressing. This gives you
1) more consistency, and
2) the ability to vary the shot.
These are considerable advantages. Like many other good things, however, the two-handed topspin backhand can be spoiled by too much human cleverness. Two-handers love to use the strength inherent in their technique to go up the line. Beware of going to excess (as with all things).
The two-handed backhand's mechanics really provide you a range of options. You can use different stances, from semi-open to open. You have the advantage of both hands 'working' to produce the shot. So take advantage of its possibilities.
Two-Handed Slice
There is no such thing. Two-handers, read the Backhand Slice section above for more.:)
We will also not explore the mysteries of the two-handed backhand drive in an independent section, as the principles of the 'drive' are the same for both one and two-handers. See 'The Drive Backhand' section above.
Backhands are great. Backhands are underrated. Develop a consistent arsenal of backhands and find yourself rolling in tennis clover.
Learn more at: http://uptofitness.com
Larry Hall is a writer who still plays a bit of tennis.
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