One-handed topspin backhand shot

Topspin Backhand Grip

The topspin backhand can be effectively hit with the one handed backhand. To be able to execute a heavy one-handed topspin backhand, use the Western grip. In case you are not comfortable with this grip, you can also use the full or modified Eastern backhand grips. The full and the modified eastern backhand grips are the most popular grips used my many players to create topspin in their backhand shots. The continental grip is the least used grip because your hand will be in a weaker position to support your racket handle when your hit the topspin shot.

Ready position

The topspin backhand shot ready position begins with the initial split step when your body faces the net. Then hold and support your racket (at the throat) with your non-dominant hand. Stand with your knees slightly bent and your upper body slightly bent forward.

One Handed Topspin Backhand Backswing

Start your topspin backhand backswing by stepping forward to facilitate your forward motion and initiate the upwards push from the legs as you start your racket swing. Always focus your eyes to the ball. Then bring back your racket at your waist level with your non dominant hand still supporting it.

The one-handed topspin backhand generates its power from the linear forward and upward motion of your legs, body and your arm. Your racket position should be lower than the incoming ball. This is the most important aspect to consider in creating enough topspin in your one handed backhand shot.

Before contact

Just before contact and as you continue your forward swing, your racket head should be positioned below your hand. This means that your racket head should be dropped down towards the ground. Again this motion allows you to create more topspin as you brush up your racket as you hit the ball.

Point of Contact

If you are using the full or the modified Eastern backhand grip, you should meet the ball in front of your body to create enough topspin. To get the best results, the racket face should be parallel to the ground during contact, with your body in a sideways position and your eyes glued to the point of contact.

After contact

A split second after contact, the racket should move upward by 1 foot indicating the brushing effect of your racket face into the ball. The back foot should come forward. If you’ve been playing tennis for quite some time, this back foot sliding motion comes naturally. However, if you are a beginner, you should slide your foot intentionally to get use to it.

One Handed Backhand Topspin Follow through

The start of the follow through is when you lift your shoulder. The leg should straighten due to the upward movement and your back foot sliding forward. At the end of your stroke, your body should face towards the net.

Watch Roger Federer’s backhand as he uncoils his body to hit the ball. Notice how the topspin backhand follow through consists of Federer lifting his shoulder high to complete the follow through while maintaining a low to high brushing motion. This is an essential key of a world class one handed backhand.

Two Handed Topspin Backhand

Topspin Backhand Grip

The grips for the two handed topspin backhand can vary, but the most common grip is with the Continental on your top or right hand (if you are right handed player) and the Eastern grip continental grip on your bottom or left hand. These grips allow you to produce topspin in your two handed backhand shot.

Ready position

It’s important to assume a ready position while holding your racket as described above and point it towards the left net post. The feet should also point towards the net. As you anticipate a two handed backhand shot on your side, pivot your shoulder so that your shoulder is roughly perpendicular to the net and prepare to your movement towards the ball.

Two styles of the two handed topspin backhand backswing

The two handed topspin backhand backswing can be done in two ways – the compact backswing and the looping backswing. Here I’ll give a general overview of the compact topspin backhand backswing and the loop backswing:

Loop Backswing

Many professional players with great topspin backhands employ the loop backswing style. This type of backswing also creates topspin in your shot. A loop is a circular movement that starts with your racket head by forming a C shape as you swing your racket. Professional players have different techniques on how they execute this loop motion.

The loop starts with the bottom of your racket handle facing the ground then it ends as your swing forward with your racket bottom end pointing to the sky. This motion allows you to create power and spin on your topspin backhand shot.

Compact Backswing

To execute a full compact backswing, your racket head tip should point towards the back fence. At the point farthest back on your backswing, the tip of the racquet should point at the back fence. Then step forward with your inside foot or left foot into the court (if you are standing on the baseline). The spread between your legs should be a bit wider than shoulder-width apart. This will allow you to have a comfortable weight transfer (from your back foot to you front foot) as your swing forwards and hit the ball.

Height of Backswing to Contact Point

After executing your full backswing, start to swing your racket forward in preparation to hit the ball. One very important aspect to look into at this stage is your racket position in relation to the ball. See to it that your racket position is roughly 1 foot below the ball for you to be able to brush up the ball with your racket head and create topspin. The power you exert on your forward movement determines the amount of power you create on your topspin backhand shot. At this stage, your body weight should also be concentrated on your front or right leg to facilitate the forward motion.

If your opponent’s ball is low, a split second before you hit the ball, see to it that your racket head should be lower than the ball. This is very important if you want to create enough topspin on your shot. Ideally, the vertical distance between the ball and your racket should be eight inches. Again this will allow you to create topspin in your shot as your brush up the ball at contact. Then as your initiate the contact and as you are about to hit the ball, you have to move your racket in such a way that its long axis is positioned horizontally with the ground as you hit the ball.

Contact

In case of a low ball, hit the ball just a few inches in front of your knee (right if you are right handed player). If the ball is higher, you should hit the ball a bit farther wherever you are comfortable with. Do not forget to lock your eyes unto the ball.

In case of a higher ball, you don’t need to drop down your racket too low but the racket head should still be position lower than the ball. If you drop your racket head too much, your shot might be airborne. Just lower it enough for you to be able to produce enough topspin. Ideally, position your racket head at about eight inches below the ball.

Topspin Backhand Follow through

Your follow through should start with your racket moving forward with the racket face end point pointing towards the net. Your racket should also has risen from the lowest point it dropped (before contact) at about 3 feet. To accomplish this means that you created enough topspin and power on your topspin backhand shot.

The two handed topspin backhand stroke should finish with your racket farther over your shoulder. Professional players normally have a different follow through in this tennis shot with their racket more in front which signifies a more powerful shot.

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Several players have this stroke as their most powerful weapon in the game of tennis. The good thing about this stroke is that you have the option to use the backhand slice in case the situation is too tight for you to use the two handed backhand.

Ready position

The ready position in the tennis two handed backhand is when you stand with your two feet pointing towards the net. Your two feet point towards the net and are spread from each other. The distance between the feet depends on how comfortable you are. Some players spread them wide enough but some players don’t.

Backhand Grip

Eastern Backhand / Eastern Forehand Grip

There are a range of acceptable grips for the two handed backhand in tennis, but there are a few common variation amongst the pros. The first is the eastern backhand grip in the dominant hand paired with a forehand grip for the non dominant hand. For this grip, the heel of the right palm is touching on the first bevel. The first bevel of the tennis racket means the top of the handle. While your right hand is already in position with the handle, the knuckle of your index finger should be touching the first bevel of the racket handle.

Then put your left finger on the racket handle. For the non dominant hand, you should assume an eastern or mild semi western grip. The very important thing to remember in backhand tennis stroke is to do it in such a way that your arms should be able to move flawlessly as you execute your shot.

Most common two handed backhand grip

The most common two handed backhand grip is characterized by an Eastern forehand position for the left hand a Continental grip for the right hand (right handed players). You have to see to it that your left hand has the stronger grip and exert stronger force. This is achieved because your left hand rests just below your racket head hence enabling it to be more dominant than the right hand. In addition, this type of grip will also allow you to hit a slice backhand or a drop shot in case you decide to play in the net or your opponent forces you to play in the net.

Players who use this backhand grip variation is Maria Sharapova and Kim Clijsters, and this typically results in both arms bent at the contact point.

Eastern Backhand/ Semi-Western Two-Handed Backhand Grip

This tennis grip is done by putting your left hand in a Semi-Western forehand grip while your right hand is in the Eastern backhand position. This is a common variation amongst men on the professional tour. This grip is ideal if you want to produce topspin in your backhand.

Frequently in this variation, the hitting arm structure will be different. The non dominant arm will usually be straight, while the hitting arm will be slightly bent. We see this backhand grip combination in players such as Rafael Nadal and even David Nalbandian.

In addition, this grip combination is the closest to a one handed backhand tennis stroke. The main disadvantage of this grip is that your contact point will be further out in front and you will need to hit the ball earlier compared to the other grips. This grip is also ideal for hitting high balls to the backhand, but can be more difficult if you are going to hit a low ball.

Initial Body Turn

The initial body turn for the tennis two handed backhand starts with your body still facing the net together with your feet. Once the split step is complete, your right foot should start to rise up on the heel preparing for movement.

Two Handed Backhand Backswing

The two handed backhand backswing should be fluid and compact. The backswing should be done by bringing your racket back by first turning your body sideways. The sideways turn should bring your body and feet facing to the side of the court. Typically, the initial turn is around 45 degrees to your left (right handed).

The top of the backswing is complete when you have reached the farthest point your racket head tip. In this instance, the racket is pointing perpendicular towards the back of the court. At the same time you reach the top of the backswing, you should be prepared to make a wide step forward with your body weight concentrated on the forward direction.

How wide your step will be depends on how comfortable you are. This position allows you to move sideways and allow your legs to push you in a forward and upwards motion as you execute your forward swing.

Forward swing

The forward swing in the tennis two handed backhand starts with the forward movement of the racket and its position should be more or less one under the ball. This position will result in a brushing of the racket face up to the bottom part of the ball (6.00 o’clock position) hence creating topspin. The forwards motion of the racket from the farthest point (during the backswing) produces the power for you to hit the ball with powerful force.

Before contact

Seconds or less than a second before the ball comes in contact with the racket face; the racket face should be at least eight inches under the ball. The racket head should be positioned lower than your hand, allowing you to get below the ball.

At the point of contact, your racket should be in a horizontal position. At this instance, your racket head should have dropped below the ball which will enable you to hit the ball with a brushing effect as you bring up you racket up to hit the ball. Again, this will create the topspin hit on the two handed backhand.

If your opponent‘s return is a high ball, the dropping of the racket head will usually be less pronounced than if the ball is low. If you drop the ball too low in this situation, hitting the ball long is possible, resulting to your miss and a point to your opponent.

After contact and follow-through

Right after ball contact, after the ball just left the racket face, you have to maintain the slight bend in the knees. Then, at the farthest forward point of your racket head, the distance between this point and the farthest backswing point should be 7 feet. The racket should have risen 3 feet from the lowest point of the swing (when the racket has to drop before the contact).

In a two handed backhand in tennis, the more you loosen your arms as you swing the racket, the more potential you have to create a fluid and efficient swing. The racket should end up over your left shoulder in the follow through.

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For club players, the backhand shot is often the weaker side and becomes a liability in game point situations. This article will discuss the topspin backhand technique and how you can use this shot to your advantage.

Characteristics of the Modern Tennis Topspin Backhand

In the past, players could only hit with either only heavy spin or only speed. Today’s rackets and strings allow players to combine both in their shots. The two handed grip has become the easiest way for players to hit topspin backhands.

There are still players who use one-handed backhands but in order for them to survive the modern game, they need to be able to hit this shot aggressively with topspin just as they would on their forehands. This is not to say that flat or sliced backhands have no more room in the game today. The thing is that players today cannot get away anymore with exclusively slicing their backhands.

Physics Behind the Topspin Backhand

Topspin is created when the strings of the racket brush upward along the back of the ball. The effect of topspin is to drop the ball back down to the ground. Because of the way the ball is spinning in flight, the top surface of the ball seems to be moving faster relative to the air than the bottom surface. Therefore, the top surface creates greater air friction or resistance, leading to greater pressure.

The increase of pressure on top of the ball makes it drop back down to the ground faster. When the ball bounces, it pitches forward and upward. The ball seems to be livelier since it is bouncing higher and further than a flat or sliced ball. In practical terms, players who hit with topspin have the ability to hit harder and higher over the net without too much fear of hitting the ball long.

Benefits of Using the Tennis Topspin Backhand

They can create really high bouncing shots that are difficult for their opponent to handle. Or they can hit hard shots that seem like line drives but then drop back down within the boundaries of the court at the last second. This is usually seen when players go down the line off a cross court ball during a baseline rally.

Alternatively, topspin can be used to dip the ball low over the net after crossing it. This is one of the best tactics to use against a serve and volley type of player. The net rusher will have to volley up or hit a defensive half volley, making it easier for the baseliner to pass him or her. This is one reason why net rushing has become almost a forgotten art among the pros.

Another use of topspin is to create sharp angles. Players can now hit hard shots that dip and bounce before going past the side line, thereby opening up the court.

Topspin Backhand Technique: Learning from the Topspin Tennis Backhand

While all of these options are readily available on the forehand, players are now doing likewise on their backhand sides. The topspin backhand can now be just as effective as the forehand. One of the reasons why Novak Djokovic has become the new dominant world number one is that he can hit hard and heavy topspin backhands just as easily as on his forehand.

A two handed topspin backhand is created by simply brushing up the back of the ball from low to high. For the more common two handed topspin backhand, it is usually hit this way:

• The hips coil and the shoulders turn completely. The weight of the body is loaded on the back foot as the racket is taken back. The stance may be closed, open or semi-open.

• The take back of the racket can be looped or straight back.

• As the ball approaches, the racket head is dropped below the level of the incoming ball. For the straight take back, the racket may already be below the level of the ball.

• The hips and shoulders uncoil while transferring weight on to the front foot. The ball is hit out in front of the body. Depending on the grip and style of hitting, the torso may be facing the net on contact or slightly oblique.

• With respect to the arms, there are two ways of hitting the ball, same as with the forehand. One is to have both arms bent at the elbow. The position of the non-dominant arm is almost exactly the same as the position of the arm on a double-bend forehand. The dominant arm, meanwhile, is bent at the elbow but the forearm and wrist are aligned with the handle of the racket. The other method is to have both arms straight at contact. The non-dominant wrist is laid back at this point.

• The racket head is driven through the ball forward and upward to create topspin. As a consequence, the non-dominant forearm and wrist pronate after contact.

• After extending towards the target, the follow through continues over the shoulder of the dominant side. However, there are now a few players who follow through using a windshield wiper style on their topspin backhand. Current women’s world number one Caroline Wozniacki is such a player.

The One Handed Topspin Backhand Technique

For the one handed topspin backhand, the principles are the same – you must swing from low to high to generate topspin. The grips used are the eastern, semi-western (or strong eastern) and full western grips.

The continental grip is never used. In the modern game, the best topspin single handers are those of Justine Henin, Richard Gasquet and Francesca Schiavone. Roger Federer uses a more traditional eastern grip, which works for him. Still, his backhand is not considered to be as strong as his forehand.

The full western grip is actually the exact same grip as the full western forehand. Topspin is naturally created when using this grip but there is a slight handicap because this grip does not put the player’s hand and wrist in a strong position behind the handle of the racket to drive through the ball. It is possible to brush up the back of the ball to create topspin, but the ability to hit with power is slightly compromised compared to the other grips.

• With a full shoulder and hip turn, the racket is taken back high to allow the creation of a downward and forward circular path than can gather racket head speed and accelerate through impact.
• The back leg is loaded first before the weight is transferred to the front foot during the forward swing phase of the stroke. The body remains sideways.
• The racket head takes the circular path to drop below the level of the ball. The arm is straight and the wrist and hand are in a strong position behind the handle.
• The ball is hit out in front with the swing going upward and forward.
• The follow through is long and high with the wrist extending further after impact. Only during this phase does the body turn to face the net.

Today’s competitive players need to make sure that they do not have a weak side vulnerable to being attacked or breaking down under pressure. At worst, you should stay solid enough even on your less favored side that you can stand up to any attack by your opponent. The backhand has traditionally been the weaker wing for most players but not anymore, especially now that the two-hander has become more common.

If you are a competitive player, you must work just as hard on your backhand as on your forehand. Practice your topspin backhand and use it in your matches to gain experience and confidence. Players who can master this shot can end up mastering all of their opponents. Just ask Novak Djokovic.

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There are tons of terms thrown around when discussing the various tennis backhand grips, but they can be easily understood once you figure out which is which. No matter what any expert says about which grip is preferable, you need to decide which one feels best for you. All players’ swing planes are different and their arm motions depend on their body type, etc., thus one grip for all will never work.

Understanding the Proper Tennis Backhand Grips

Here’s an explanation of the five different tennis backhand grips. Most of the descriptions will focus on the position of the base knuckle of the index finger, as well as the thumb, because it comes into play much more than on the forehand stroke.

You can try a few or all of them and decide which one feels most comfortable and can lead to repeated solid strokes.

Just before we describe your five choices, let’s define a couple of terms that will arise again and again.

As you look at your racquet handle when it is standing on its edge, the side plane is the part of your grip that is parallel to the racquet face. The top plane is perpendicular to the racquet face and parallel to the ground. The upper right slant (also called a bevel) is the plane between the top plane and the right side plane of the racquet handle. If you think of a clock, the top plane is 12 o’clock, the upper right slant is 2 o’clock and the right side plane is 3 o’clock.

Continental Tennis Backhand Grip

Place your base knuckle on the upper right slant and wrap your thumb straight around the handle to get the Continental grip. This grip is not a good one for hitting topspin, but it does a fine job with slice shots and flat shots. It is also an excellent grip for low shots and therefore has been favored by many grass court specialists, especially the serve-and-volley players who hit fewer ground strokes and don’t want to change grips for all of their shots.

Eastern Tennis Backhand Grip

Place your base knuckle on the right edge of the top plane (1 o’clock) and extend your thumb diagonally across the left side plane. This grip has many fans because it is quite versatile and can handle topspin, slice and flat shots with equal ease. Two adopters of this grip were Don Budge, whom some people have said had the best backhand stroke ever, and Ken Rosewall, who sliced his way to many tournament titles in the 1960s and ‘70s.

Full Eastern Tennis Backhand Grip—

Place your base knuckle on the center of the top plane and extend your thumb in a line that is more straight than diagonal across the left side plane. This grip is not drastically different than the Eastern grip, but it lends itself more to hitting topspin than the standard Eastern grip. It can also handle flat and slice shots.

Western Tennis Backhand Grip

Place the base knuckle on the left ridge of the top plane (11 o’clock) and your thumb as you would for the Full Eastern grip. This grip is preferred by those who want to hit very heavy topspin just about all of the time. That’s because it is not well suited for hitting slice or flat shots. This grip has grown in popularity in recent years, with both Roger Federer (at times) and Justine Henin using it; the results speak for themselves. Who doesn’t want to hit a backhand like those two do? Richard Gasquet, owner of another beautiful backhand stroke, also uses the Western grip.

Tennis Backhand Grips for the Two Handed Backhand Stroke

Two-handed (several combinations for left and right hand grips)—The most common tennis backhand grip is an Eastern forehand position for the left hand. However, as more players go to the Western grip, the left hand also adopts a Semi-Western forehand grip. The right hand, which grips the racquet closer to the handle, is most often using a Continental grip, but you can choose an Eastern forehand or backhand grip as well.

Thus, the most common combo is Eastern for the left hand and Continental for the right. The debate between one- and two-handed backhands will rage on. The fact is an entire generation of players has grown up with the double-handed backhand, and it is probably too late for many of them to change.

Using the Two Handed Backhand Can Be Used for Many Different Situations

The two-handed grip began way back in the 1930s, but the success of several players in the 1970s when tennis boomed, including Bjorn Borg, Chris Evert and Jimmy Connors, made the two-hander common procedure. The other historical reason given for the preponderance of two-handed backhands is the earlier learning of tennis by many players.

When a child is too weak to hit a one-handed backhand, s/he naturally grips the racquet with both hands for extra power. The two-handed backhand offers far greater racquet stability and more potential for topspin, but is definitely disadvantageous for reaching low balls and generating slice. In fact, many two-handers go to one hand when reaching for low balls, trying emergency stretch shots and slices. For these strokes, the one-handed Continental or Eastern Backhand grips are best.

The Importance of Proper Tennis Stroke Production Regardless of Tennis Backhand Grips

Obviously, no matter what tennis backhand grip you choose to adopt, if you do not practice the other fundamentals of the stroke, it won’t matter. The backhand often gets neglected during practice time because it is usually the weaker of a player’s two sides. Some players also think that they can run around their backhand at any time in a match. This is simply not true.

For that reason, the backhand should be drilled as much or more than the forehand side. If you are under-confident in your backhand, the only way that you will improve it is to practice until you gain confidence. In other words, under-confidence often leads to less practice, which leads to even lower confidence when it comes time to play a match.

Basic Tennis Backhand Technique and Tips to Keep in Mind

As you work on that backhand and get settled with your favorite tennis backhand grip, be sure to:

• Turn your body so that you are looking over your shoulder to hit the ball. Your arm should have little to do to get your racquet in excellent preparation position. Your body’s coiling should turn your arm naturally behind you to prep for a powerful backhand stroke.
• As you take your backswing, remember that it is more compact than on the forehand side. Your body should do almost all of the work to perform your backhand backswing.
• After hitting the ball with your head perfectly still, make excellent extension toward where you want the ball to go. This part of the backhand is usually the most neglected, especially because the two-handed backhand has somewhat of an awkward follow-through. It doesn’t have to look or feel awkward, however.

Take a look at a video of a top pro hitting a backhand, one- or two-handed. You will see the racquet wrap around his/her neck, almost reaching the point in the circle of the swing plane to where it began. Thinking of a bird’s eye view that is parallel to the baseline as you execute a backhand stroke, think of the shot beginning at 4 o’clock and the follow-through continuing until at least noon.

Finding the right tennis backhand grip is important to feel maximum comfort for a stroke that often feels uncomfortable. Experiment the next time you play with a few different grips and note how often you hit slices and flat shots, how often you want max topspin, etc. This will also determine which tennis backhand grip that you choose. When you have settled on the best way to hold the racquet, practice until your backhand feels natural and smooth.

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If you want to jumpstart your forehand and play like the PROS, check out my 70+ page Tennis Ebook that will immediately show you how you can take your forehand to the next level.

The Modern Forehand Domination Ebook is guaranteed to improve your tennis technique, and increase power, topspin and accuracy of your tennis forehand!

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Learn How to Hit a Forehand Like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic

The post Finding the Ideal Tennis Backhand Grip for the Two Handed and One Handed Backhand Shot appeared first on Tennis Instruction.

In the tennis backhand, tennis players should focus on the most fundamental commonalities which the top pro players share in their own tennis backhand. By learning to model the tennis strokes of the pros, particularly the backhand shot – a tennis player can have a better grasp of the proper tennis technique.

Tennis backhand technique Explained

There are generally four strokes often seen in the game of tennis to start the game. The basic ones are the serve, the forehand shot, the backhand shot and the volley shot. The tennis backhand shot being the most difficult to be played and is of course difficult to learn. In the tennis backhand shot, there are the three distinct strokes to be played often: (1) the one-hand topspin stroke, (2) the two handed topspin stroke, and (3) the slice. As I already mentioned, the tennis backhand shot is the most difficult shot of this sport hence it requires intense intention, focus, concentration, hard work, and a lot of practice.

For most tennis players, the tennis backhand shot is an intimidating and the most difficult stroke to be played. For overcoming this difficulty, you have to be in perfect balance with a strong shoulder turn, the correct positioning of the racket and adequate time spent practicing the tennis backhand shot. There are some basic key points apply to all tennis shots that are as follows:

• Watch the ball with full concentration all the time.
• Always hit the ball using an attacking mentality by moving forward and making good forward momentum.
• Always try to hit the ball on the rise after being bounced, rather than late

Tennis Backhand Fundamentals

The first element of backhand tennis technique is the initial preparation. For recreational and club players, the preparation for the tennis backhand should start immediately. The preparation involves turning the body sideways as a unit. Typically, the hips will turn and the lower body will help intitiate the sideways turn of the body, therefore creating a coil. The racket should come along with the ride at this preparation stage.

The second element of the tennis backhand technique is to develop a fluid and efficient swing. Professional tennis players keep their tennis backhands simple, yet remarkably efficient. This means that throughout the backhand shot, there are absolutely no hitches, stoppages or extraneous motion.

The third element of backhand tennis technique is to have a full and complete shoulder turn. This allows for maximum power. The power must be loaded into the core (lower body) prior to hitting the shot, this will help to increase the potential of the weight transfer forward into the shot.

Can an average tennis player develop good tennis backhand technique?

How difficult is incorporating tennis backhand technique of the pros into your own tennis strokes? And why would a player even try to aspire to learn the tennis technique?

A recreational and club player most definately can develop good tennis backhand technique. Whether the tennis player uses a two handed backhand, or a one handed backhand the fundamentals behind the backhand shots remain the same. Hitting a powerful tennis backhand is not entirely based on athleticism, nor does it require that a tennis player be as strong as the pros.

Topspin Backhand Shot:

The topspin tennis backhand shot is becoming the most popular shot for every tennis player. The basics about this shot is very simple. This shot is played by bringing the racket close and brushing the ball from low to high upon hitting the ball. Then the shot will take an topspin effect, which brings the ball down quickly.

The position of sweeping the racket from low to high will tell about the trajectory of the ball. By getting in this position you are able to play any tennis shot whether it is the tennis forehand shot or the tennis backhand shot.

Tennis backhand Drill: Mini Tennis

One of my favorite backhand tennis drills is mini-tennis. In this drill, both players cooperatively rally back and forth to each hitting topspin backhands. The objective is to impart good topspin onto the tennis ball while keeping the tennis ball inside the service box. This backhand tennis drill tests the player’s ability to generate topspin as well as maintain good control while hitting the backhand shot. This backhand tennis drill requires both finesse and soft touch in order to keep the tennis ball within the service box.

This tennis backhand drill works on accuracy, precision, finesse as well as the ability to generate the correct topspin to keep the ball inside the service box.

Each player must hit only topspin tennis backhands to one another, teaching them to keep the tennis ball inside the boundaries of the opposite service box. The correct rotation and ball spin must be applied, and players who lack adequate topspin on the tennis backhand will experience difficulty with this drill.

Only proper tennis backhand technique will allow a player to keep the tennis ball inside the service box every time without missing. This will also expose other problems with tennis technique, such as the tennis footwork on the backhand or the balance and positioning of the player. Since mini-tennis simulates the full tennis court, the same fundamental flaws in tennis backhand technique will be exposed in this drill.

With this tennis backhand drill, a player cannot get away with slapping backhands or any flat wristy shots. Only a smooth, fluid and precise tennis backhand will suffice.

Positioning and Body Orientation:

Body orientation must be proper while getting into position, the weight of your full body must be your toes. Once you see the ball heading towards your backhand, you should take a split step and also adjust the grip of your racket to play the tennis backhand shot.

As soon as you get your grip on the racket for the backhand shot, you must bring the racket and your shoulders back so that the fingers of the other hand must be on non-dominant side of your racket.

Your shoulders should turn so that your upper body will slightly be away from the ball while playing the backhand shot and your toes must be pointing perpendicular to the direction of the ball. The foot that is closest to the ball while playing the backhand shot should be positioned slightly away from your body while the opposite foot turning back from your body helping to get you in a balanced position to play the tennis backhand shot.

The racket should be held slightly below the point of contact as mentioned earlier. Topspin on the tennis backhand is generated by following a strict swinging pattern (low-to-high). The face of the racket should always be perpendicular to the ground. If the racket face is tilted slightly, the chances to miss the shot increases which makes it difficult to get your body in the balanced position while playing the tennis backhand shot.

Maximize Leverage on the tennis backhand technique

The tennis backhand is about maximizing leverage to your advantage. Since the body becomes a series of links, or chains (hence the word kinetic chain), the idea of the backhand tennis technique is to synchronize and involve as many levers as you can to power behind the ball.

The tennis backhand technique is not relative to how fast you swing (as it is on the forehand) but more about making clean contact and maximizing the leverage and line of the shot.

The reason why most tennis players should try to model the top tennis backhands on tour is simple. It’s a tennis stroke that can make the difference between a mediocre backhand and a powerful backhand.

Contact Point

Your eyes should remain focused on the ball as you are getting into position to make contact with the ball. Full concentration is needed in order to attempt the tennis backhand shot efficiently.

While contacting the ball, your racket should be properly oriented. Your body and your footwork must be proper to get into the position while hitting the backhand shot. If your racket is tilted to some angle, then there are greater chances to miss the backhand shot.

Just prior to contact, many players just see the area where they want to play the shot. You mustn’t do this. You must watch the ball using full concentration and keep your eyes locked onto the contact point. In fact, the common mistake of pulling away from the shot too soon is being pointed out by many renowned coaches on different occasions.

Tennis Backhand Follow Through

Just like other sports, you must follow the ball through after you’ve struck the ball. Don’t stop right after hitting the backhand shot, because if you stop suddenly your body will lose its balance, giving an advantage to your opponent to strike at your backhand side. Hence you must maintain the balance of your body, and complete a full follow through. This in turn will help you to maintain your body in a balanced position.

These are some basic key points to learn about the tennis backhand shot. For more assistance you must watch different lessons and videos online to learn more about the tennis backhand shot. You must practice this shot more and more as this is the most difficult shot to be played by any tennis player.

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The one handed backhand used to be a very popular tennis stroke in modern tennis. Roger Federer, Amelie Mauresmo, Justin Henin Hardenne, and Richard Gasquet are examples of professional players who are popular for their powerful one handed backhand stroke.

One Handed Tennis Backhand Fundamentals

The one handed backhand requires that a player learn the proper tennis grip for the backhand. This is the backhand grip. The index knuckle of the dominant hand should be on the top bevel. This backhand grip will allow maximum power and spin and permit a player to fully achieve maximum benefit for the tennis backhand. A continental grip or a forehand grip for the one handed backhand will only inhibit the stroke.

A advanced tennis backhand is hit with the backhand grip, because this is the grip that is most suitable for the stroke and allows the best leverage in the stroke to handle the various different balls.

Development of the One Handed Tennis Backhand

The one handed backhand often has a steep learning curve, because it is not a natural stroke to most people. The One handed backhand is hit on the left side of a player’s body for a right hander, or the right side for a left handed tennis player. The opposite side is usually less developed, and the mind and body often less oriented to hitting on a side that is their non dominant side. It will require lots of repetition and it may be necessary to strengthen up the arm muscles that will be specifically involved in the advanced tennis backhand stroke.

Backhand Grip

In a one handed backhand in tennis, the grips used by pro players are the Eastern backhand and modified Eastern backhand grip. The Full Eastern backhand is well suited when a player wants to hit topspin on the tennis one handed backhand. The modified Eastern backhand grip is easier to use for most of the tennis players. However, both grips generally do not differ that much.

One Handed Backhand Backswing

The one handed backhand technique requires a firm understanding of the fundamentals of the stroke. The first part of every world class tennis one handed backhand is the preparation.

When the player is in the ready position, the player should hold the throat of the racket with the left hand. Remember that the right hand (right handed player) is gripping the handle of the racket. The left hand is just a support for the backhand shot. This is why it is only holding the throat and not the racket handle like the right hand. While the left hand is supporting the racket, the player’s feet is positioned in such a manner that both of them are pointing towards the net. Putting the left hand in the racket’s throat is necessary for the player to execute a complete shoulder turn as he begins the backswing, resulting to a well coordinated swing.

Height of the Backswing for the One Handed Backhand

Once the backswing is initiated, the player should be moving towards the ball while completing the shoulder turn. It’s important to step forward with the right foot (right handed player) and meet the ball early on this stroke, allowing for an attacking on the rise shot.

Stepping forward is also done in other tennis strokes, but it is critical in the one handed backhand tennis technique. This is because the power will be coming from the linear transfer of power from forward momentum of the body. Once the player steps forward, it keeps the player’s weight in a forward direction. It also helps to keep the player in his sideways stance and as a result, he is able to move forwards and upwards using the legs.

At the same time, the player must maintain a steady head position focusing on the ball. During the backswing, the racket comes back above the waistline, while the left hand continues to support the racket, which is essentially the same as in the first stage of the swing.

Down Swing

In the one handed backhand tennis technique, the player generates his power to hit the ball with speed from the force he creates as he move his arms, legs and body in a forward and upward motion.

Once the ball is approaching, most professional players choose to remove the left hand support and swing the racket forward. At this stage, the racket should be leveled with your bent back knee or left knee (right handed).

The next stage in the one handed backhand shot is positioning the racket under the approaching ball (approximately 1 foot) to produce topspin. Topspin is produced here because with the racket under the ball, it creates the brushing effect once the ball touches the racket face. As you move the racket in a forward motion, the power exerting in both an upward and forward direction will create power to produce an explosive hit. At this stage, the weight of your body should be concentrated in you right leg.

Before contact

Seconds before your racket face makes contact with the ball, the racket head has to drop more, this time it should be more or less level with your front foot or right foot (right handed). For beginners, it is advised not to drop the racket head (the whole head of the racket) when the racket face (the string bed) is about to make contact with the ball. However as you become more experienced, it is better to do it always. It should be noted however that if you drop the racket head before the contact, make sure that when you hit the ball, maintain the horizontal axis position of the racket head. This is necessary to create the brushing effect on the ball as it hit the racket face hence producing top spin.

Point of contact

When your grip is the Eastern backhand grip, you should hit the ball in front of your body. However, if you are using a continental grip, you should hit the ball a bit farther back. But remember, if you want to create topspin; do not use the continental grip with the tennis one handed backhand technique. The Continental grip is ideal to produce slice.

At the point of contact, the racket should be positioned parallel to the ground with your body in a sideways position. The head and eyes should still be fixated on the ball that is coming towards you at the same time.

After contact

Seconds after the ball comes in contact with the racket face, you racket should move upwards by one foot, indicating that you are successful in creating topspin as the racket face brushes upwards to the ball from the contact point (1 foot under the ball before contact).

The back foot or left foot (right handed) which at the moment should be free of any body weight, moving forwards in a sliding motion. If you are a beginner, practice this technique by moving or sliding your foot in forward movement and making sure that your body weight stays in the right foot or front foot as you execute the one handed backhand stroke.

One handed backhand follow-through

The follow-through in tennis one handed backhand is to lift your shoulder and at the same time straighten your front foot or right foot (right handed) to push your body upward and the back foot or left foot slides forward.

Generally in the one handed backhand, the final stage of the follow-though is to bring your body towards the net right after you execute the backhand technique. At this stage, the racket should be at the back of your head as the result of the force you exerted when you hit the ball.

Amelie Mauresmo’s Tennis One Handed Backhand Technique

High point backswing

The one handed backhand in tennis is a classical and elegant stroke when executed correctly. The form and technique usually requires more time to master. Here is an analysis of the Amelie Mauresmo One handed backhand.

Mauresmo’s signature is her one handed backhand backswing. Her backswing is higher than the other players in her generation. This creates a large loop which makes her backswing smooth and easy. She also supports her shoulder with the left hand holding the throat of the racket while using the modified Eastern backhand grip.

Farthest point of backswing

Amelie Mauresmo’s swing is also uniquely characterized by a full and complete backswing. As the ball is coming towards her, from the back she drops the racket and then moves the racket up as she hits the ball, creating topspin. At this point, the left hand is still supporting the racket. A low center of gravity allows Amelie to maintain a bend in her knees to enable her to position the racket below the ball and at the same time to prepare her legs to exert upward movement.

Dropping Below Contact

Mauresmo’s backhand contains a universal element that allows her to produce powerful topspin at contact. She tilts her racket downward with the butt of the racket facing down. At this stage, her weight is concentrated on her front foot while her right leg is pushing her body up as the ball is about to make contact with her racket face.

Point of contact

Prior to contact, the racket face is already vertical and her weight is 100% in her front foot with eye focused on the ball.

When everything is perfect, Mauresmo’s racket is normally horizontal and her front leg (with body weight on it still) continues to push upward. However when she is late in hitting the ball, (which means that her arm’s forward movement was late) Mauresmo bends her body (from waist up) in a backward motion to be able to hit the ball at the right point. This is to compensate the distance she lost by not moving her arm in front of her body early. Great players always find ways to adjust to remain their composure and hit the ball perfectly.

Just after contact.

In a perfect one handed backhand topspin hit, Mauresmo’s racket rises as the result of the powerful brushing effect to the ball. She then follows through high above her left shoulder. This is the signature of a world class one handed backhand tennis stroke.

Advanced Tennis Backhand Qualities

As the game of tennis has evolved, each generation of players have brought new changes to the game. Today, the pros are hitting the one handed backhand with much greater power and spin than they were in the past. The one handed backhand is now a stroke that must be developed into a power shot. In the past, players used to guide the one handed backhand in a linear fashion. There was often not much acceleration on the one handed backhand. But today, this is not the case because we see players hitting the one handed backhand harder than ever.

In many ways, the advanced tennis backhand is now becoming a power shot similar to the tennis forehand stroke. Even the one handed backhand is beginning to take on some qualities of modern tennis. It is amazing how much racket head speed the pros are acheving on the one handed backhand stroke. This shot has become a versatile, dynamic and explosive tennis backhand in today’s modern tennis.

Watch Roger Federer’s One handed backhand technique. See how quickly Federer gets up to the short ball and then immediately hits the one handed backhand – using a quick whipping action (similar to the windshield wiper on the tennis forehand) This allows Federer to accelerate his racket even more and this is a critical part on the advanced tennis backhand that allows the pros to hit the backhand harder than ever before.

Advanced Tennis Backhand – Keys

Once the correct backhand grip is ingrained, the next part is the tennis backhand technique. On the one handed backhand, the technique is very efficient and simple. There is very little swinging necessary for the one handed backhand.

Most recreational players make the mistakes of hitting the advanced tennis backhand using too much of a swing. Or worse, they may hit the backhand using all arm or wrist. The one handed backhand in tennis is not a arm only stroke. It is a stroke that requires the usage of the entire body.

A full body coil and unit turn is key for the one handed tennis backhand. Maximizing the amount of coil will allow for unleashing that energy later on in the stroke. Using the lower body to solidify the foundation to stay low will strengthen the power base of the stroke. The larger muscles, such as the hips, trunk and shoulders should be the driving forces in the one handed backhand. The elbow and wrist are the last levers and final part of the kinetic chain. By holding this stored energy and releasing the elbow and wrist as the final part of the stroke prior to contact, this will part all of the stored energy to be rapidly transferred into the tennis ball – resulting in a powerful and explosive shot.

Roger Federer’s One handed Backhand

The one handed tennis backhand of Roger Federer is a great model for tennis players. Federer’s one handed backhand is a efficient, simple and powerful stroke.

As a result, most of the takeback has already been initiated with the body turn, and there is very little swinging.

Watch the One Handed Backhand preparation. With very little backswing needed, Roger Federer is able to hit a powerful tennis backhand return without much effort. All it requires is a quick body turn, a small pivot from the feet and the racket preparation takes care of the rest.

The One Handed Backhand is a Process

In order to perfect the one handed backhand, the same principles apply. Understanding the keys of the tennis backhand technique is important to learn and develop these concepts during practice. Learn to absorb the commonalities behind the advanced tennis backhand of the pros and observe the technique that will allow a tennis player at any level to improve the tennis backhand.

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Years ago, almost no one gripped the racquet with two hands when turning to the backhand side; today, very few players hold their racquet with just one hand when they execute the backhand. In fact, the evolution of the backhand has been one of the biggest changes to occur in tennis over the past 30+ years.

Many players have adopted the double handed backhand because when they first started playing the game at a young age, they were too weak to hit the ball effectively with just one arm on the backhand side. Others use two hands because they were taught that stroke from day one as they learned the game. Still others are somewhat ambidextrous and it feels fairly natural to use both hands on the backhand side.

Whatever the reason, there are pros and cons to using the double handed backhand:

Pros of the Double Handed Backhand

Two hands on the racquet ensure greater control on the shot because it is far easier to generate topspin on the ball, giving better accuracy.

Many high balls are hit more easily with a double handed backhand.

More power is generated on the stroke, to the point that it might even surpass the forehand for speed.

The double handed backhand can be hit with a more open stance, reducing the amount of footwork needed to get into position to hit the backhand.

Cons of the Double Handed Backhand

The reach of a double handed backhand is significantly less than the one-handed backhand.

Low balls are a problem for the double handed backhand as well. Those that are struck are not hit with much pace.

After hitting a double handed backhand, it can be more difficult to advance to the net because the shot yields much less forward momentum than the single-handed backhand. The player with the double handed backhand also will be tempted to use both hands on volleys at the net, which should be avoided.

All in all, like many strokes in tennis, the individual player will need to decide what feels most comfortable. If one has learned the one handed backhand and becomes dissatisfied with it, the switch to double handed backhand is not too difficult. To change from double handed to one handed backhand, however, will take much practice.

As you watch professionals play at the highest level, you will marvel at the wizardry of Roger Federer’s one handed backhand, but you also can’t help but be awed by the power of the Williams sisters’ double handed backhand, a lethal shot that can score points from anywhere on the court. double handed backhands usually have more power than their single-handed cousins.

Fundamentals of Double Handed Backhand Technique

Let’s discuss the technique of the double handed backhand, which can be broken down into four movements:

Pivot and Shoulder Turn—

To first get into position to hit a double handed backhand, pivot with your outside foot and transfer your weight to that foot. Simultaneously, turn your shoulders sideways, which will cause your racquet to come back. Your arms should not get involved in bringing the racquet back just yet. Thus, the first three words that should enter your mind as you practice this movement are “Pivot and turn.”

Take the Racquet Back—

After pivoting and turning your shoulders, use both arms and a continued shoulder turn to position the racquet behind you. At the end of this step, the racquet should be completely behind you in a full backswing, ready to power forward and meet the ball. You should be looking at the ball over your front shoulder at this point as your body is moved at least sideways to the net, possibly more.

You are cocked and ready to fire now. One mistake that players often make at this point is not taking the racquet completely back, past a point parallel to the baseline. Many players think that with two hands on the job, they can rely on that added power to effectively execute the shot, sacrificing good technique in the process. Be sure that you do not stop with the shoulder turn; use your arms to complete your racquet preparation and get it back at least 45 degrees past the baseline.

Swing Forward-

Three elements comprise this step: 1) push off your outside foot; 2) rotate your body toward the net; 3) drop the racquet down and swing forward. These three movements should all occur at about the same time. Don’t neglect to rotate your body, it will add much-needed power to your shot.

On the double handed backhand, you can often sense the “unscrewing” of your body as you strike the ball much more profoundly than on the forehand. That is because both hands and arms are reared back. As you come out of the cocked position you will feel the rotation more precisely than on the forehand.

If you don’t feel any uncoiling, then you have not rotated enough and your shot will be weak because you have not created enough torque. Your contact point should be about waist high, slightly in front of your body. If you are making contact behind your body, you are late!

Follow Through—

Here we have by far the most neglected part of the double handed backhand stroke. Even players that follow through beautifully on their forehands often neglect to do the same after hitting a double handed backhand. Perhaps it is because both hands are on the racquet for a long time and the follow through feels a bit stiff and awkward.

Whatever the reason, do not fail to follow through on your double handed backhand! Bend your elbows and allow the racquet to finish over your front shoulder in a relaxed motion. The follow through is often not done because, again, perhaps the player thinks logically that with two hands powering the stroke, good form is not as necessary to ensure a well-struck ball full of pace. This is not the case, however.

A sound follow through will ensure that maximum power has been delivered to the ball and you are now ready to move as needed for the next shot. At the end of your follow through, your body should be facing the net and your feet ready to move.

Developing Sound Double Handed Backhand Technique

 

These four elements of double handed backhand technique might sound simple enough, but many club players do not execute all of them with each stroke. They then wonder why their backhand is never as strong as their forehand. It is no mystery!

With the advent of the double handed backhand, players often use their hands and wrists more than their torsos to generate power. They think “Two is greater than one, so I must be generating far more power than with a one-handed stroke.” Yes and No.

Yes, two is in fact greater than one, but if racquet preparation is sacrificed, the body does not turn back, then forward and no follow through is generated. In other words, two might actually become less than one.

Importance of Double Handed Backhand Technique

Just because you are using two hands on your backhand, do not think for an instant that you can neglect sound technique, namely the ready position with racquet back and torso turned, and the follow through, with racquet over the shoulder and body unscrewed towards the net. Excellent technique plus two equals tremendous power, in most cases greater than one.

Although Roger Federer and Justine Henin might disagree, two hands are often better than one on the backhand. They can turn a “weak” side into a strength as the ball is consistently clubbed with force and your opponent begins to realize that picking on your backhand side was a grave error.

Pivot and turn, take your racquet back, swing forward and follow through to victory. The double handed backhand might become your weapon of choice on the court.

Learn to Hit a Forehand Like Roger Federer

If you want to jumpstart your forehand and play like the PROS, check out my 70+ page Tennis Ebook that will immediately show you how you can take your forehand to the next level.

The Modern Forehand Domination Ebook is guaranteed to improve your tennis technique, and increase power, topspin and accuracy of your tennis forehand!

Modern Tennis Forehand Ebook
Learn How to Hit a Forehand Like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic

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