The backhand in tennis can be your most reliable weapon or your biggest liability. Many amateur players struggle to develop a consistent, powerful backhand, leading to unforced errors and missed opportunities.
If you’ve ever felt vulnerable when opponents target your backhand, it’s time to change that. With the right mechanics, footwork, and strategy, your backhand can become a shot that turns defence into offence.
Fundamentals of a solid backhand
A great backhand in tennis starts with the basics: grip, stance, and swing path. Without these elements in place, no amount of practice will yield consistent results.
Finding the ideal grip
The two most common grips for the backhand are:
- Eastern backhand grip: Used by players who favour topspin and control, this grip is ideal for one-handed backhands
- Two-handed backhand grip: A combination of the Continental grip on the dominant hand and an Eastern forehand grip on the non-dominant hand, providing extra stability and power.
Getting your stance right
- Closed Stance: Best for one-handed backhands, offering maximum power and spin.
- Neutral Stance: A solid all-around stance for balance and control.
- Open Stance: Used in modern tennis for quick recovery and handling high balls.
Generating power and spin
- Keep the racquet head below the ball at the start of your swing
- Contact the ball in front of your body for optimal control
- Follow through with a full extension to ensure consistency.
Common mistakes that sabotage your backhand
Even players who practise regularly often make errors that limit their backhand’s effectiveness. Here’s what might be holding you back:
Weak contact point
Many amateurs make contact too late, resulting in weak, floating shots. Always strike the ball ahead of your body to maintain control.
Over-reliance on arm strength
Trying to muscle the ball with your arms instead of engaging your legs and core leads to inconsistent power. A strong backhand starts from the ground up.
Lack of follow-through
Stopping your swing too early disrupts momentum and reduces shot accuracy. A complete follow-through ensures better control and placement.
Transforming your backhand into a weapon
A good backhand doesn’t just keep you in the rally, it allows you to attack. Here’s how to elevate your shot from average to dominant.
Adding topspin for control and depth
Topspin increases margin for error and pushes your opponent further back. Brush up on the ball with an upward swing to generate the necessary spin.
Mastering the slice for defensive play
A slice backhand is essential when you’re on the run or need to change pace. Keep the racquet face slightly open and carve through the ball with a controlled, downward motion.
The aggressive backhand drive
To turn defence into offence, step into your shot and drive through the ball with your entire body. This forces your opponent onto the back foot, giving you control of the point.
When and how to use your backhand effectively
Having a great backhand is one thing, knowing when to use it strategically is another. These advanced tactics can help you outthink and outplay your opponent.
Targeting the opponent’s weakness
Many players struggle with high backhands. Use deep topspin shots to push them back or slice low to force awkward returns.
Changing the direction and pace
Varying the depth and speed of your backhand keeps your opponent guessing. Mix in crosscourt shots, down-the-line winners, and off-speed slices to disrupt their rhythm.
Backhand approach shots
When you get a short ball, attack with a deep backhand approach shot to set up a winning volley. This puts pressure on your opponent and forces a rushed response.
Perfecting your backhand in tennis with online training
A reliable backhand in tennis requires more than just practice, it demands the right drills and coaching. If you’ve struggled with inconsistency or feel like your backhand is holding you back in matches, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
With battle-tested strategies and expert coaching, you can outthink and outplay your opponents, match after match. Join Yellow Fuzzy Balls coaching today!
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