Thoughts on the Backhand

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VARIATIONS OF THE BACKHAND STANCE:

  1. Open stance
  2. Semi-open stance
  3. Square stance
  4. Closed stance
  5. Semi closed stance

A FEW SIMPLE THOUGHTS

  • Use 2 eastern grips
  • Make a simple unit turn with your hips and shoulders to promote a lower ideal contact point. This makes it easier for your BRAIN to tell you feet what to do.
  • Hit with a strong front leg position.
  • Stay sideways through the shot and step through when possible to clear the left side for a solid aggressive move.
  • Keep the dominant elbow close to your side at contact. I prefer a slight loop on the backhand for a more rhythmic feel.

RETURN of SERVE

Angle the stance. Split step. Turn. Get the foot out wide and take a short backswing.

THE WIDE SHOT

The #1 problem on a wide ball is the crossover step. It’s just too hard to clear the backside. It forces bad positions short balls and defensive shots that turn into slice shots and floaters

APPROACH SHOT

Remember bending is bluffing. Engaging your knees and legs makes you look more athletic and intense and hit the short angle shot.