Topspin Backhand TipsThe topspin backhand has the potential to become your most deadly shot! And it is a relatively natural stroke. The people who have problems with the tennis backhand usually find their problems arise from the grip (eastern backhand grip), mental blockages, and over complicating the technique.
Which is better? Neither is officially better... It is pure personal preference! I personally, have always liked the double handed backhand :-) That being said, just look at Feds beautiful single handed backhand!
Topspin backhand stanceWhen hitting a tennis backhand you prepare for the ball in a closed stance. That is with your right foot forwards closest to the net and your left foot 180 degrees behind it. (Other way round if you're a lefty) :-)This stance is always the case with a one handed backhand. However, when hitting the double handed backhand... and if you find your self dashing off to get a ball you can barely reach! Then it is a good idea to open up your stance and hit the ball back deep cross court. After hitting in open stance you push off and cross over. The idea is to cut out that extra step needed to regain your balance with a closed stance!
Topspin Backhand TechniqueThe backhand technique is simple, It is just a take back. That is, bringing your racquet back with your arms slightly bent until your shoulder naturally line up with the opponent!NOTE: A great tip is to imagine taking the racquet down into your left pocket. Then, move the racquet slightly out from your body to generate more swing speed! Don't over complicate it! Technique is the easiest thing to blame if things go wrong. In the backhands case, it is most likely not the technique that is at fault. The most common error with the backhand lies in the head. The head has a tendency to turn with the shoulders, which results in the player losing that perfect vision with the ball. Instead, make sure to keep your face in line with the ball at all times! A tip that helps many people is to try focusing on the seams of the ball. Your head will naturally do the rest. A good shot goes deep, and this is very true with the tennis backhand. If it goes short then the opponent can sweep around and be in a great position to hit a forehand wherever they want! So, technically it is important to elongate your backhand stroke. Don't just hit one ball... A player, that was top 10 in college, always used to say he imagined hitting through 6 balls instead of one... and it is a good tip. Try letting the racquet follow the trajectory of the ball for a fraction longer, it will help gain power and depth. Eastern Backhand Grip
There is a lot of debate about the best grip for the backhand! I believe the eastern backhand grip is the safest and the most versatile grip. Here is the
tennis grips
page with complete articles on ALL the grips and their pros and cons!So, the final point that impedes most tennis backhands is the ever tricky...
Mental aspect of the topspin backhandMost bad tennis backhands are labeled as "weaker" or "rubbish" very early on, and it is usually simply because it is more statistically uncommon to hit a backhand than forehand.Furthermore, you are playing a shot from your non dextrous side! Since a baby you have been accustomed to doing things on your dominant side and therefore have more coordination and skills on your right side! Therefore, if your backhand is weaker... It just hasn't fully developed yet. With this in mind, the player needs to be thankful for every ball he gets to his backhand. It's all practice, and that is the best way to build a new structure of unshakable confidence. Lastly, when you hit a zipping topspin backhand, take notice of it. A human's personality loves to focus in on the negative information, just look at any newspaper! So when building up your confidence in your topspin backhand make sure you recognize the good shots. You'll be surprised how many there are! and of course, if it's going to be a true tennis shot, it should go hand in hand with a "c'mon" afterwards! :-) Return to Tennis Strokes from Topspin Backhand
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