Tuesday Tennis Tip: Backhand Basics

Tip #1: Anticipation
Tip #2: Movement
Tip #3: Preparation
Tip #4: Grip
Tip #5: Stance
Tip #6: Swing

We've covered many aspects of a tennis shot, but focused on them with regards to the forehand. Many of these elements, especially those covered in anticipation, movement, preparation and swing are true of a backhand as well. However, the grip and the preferred stance are a bit different for the backhand. So here are some backhand basics.

Backhand Grip

Top Hand: An eastern forehand grip
Bottom Hand: A continental grip

If you look at the ridges on a tennis rackets, they are called bevels. If you start with the racquet perpendicular to the ground (as in the photo), the top ridge facing straight up is Bevel 0. Going to the right is Bevel 1, 2, 3 and so on. So, if you take the racquet, reach out with your top hand like you are shaking hands and then grab ahold, your top hand is in proper position. It should put the index finger's base on Bevel 3.

For your bottom hand, the base of the index finger should rest on Bevel 1.

This gives you a strong grip for the two-handed backhand. It should allow for proper spin and strongest balance. Remember not to hold too tightly to the racquet, as gripping it with all your might limits the power and spin that can be put on a shot.

Backhand Stance

The recommended stance for the forehand was an open stance driving forward into a natural stance. For the backhand, it is easiest to start with a natural stance and drive forward to the ball. A natural stance simply means that the back foot and the front foot are basically aligned, with your body ending up perpendicular to the net. This stance can be seen by looking at the picture on the left.

Backhand Swing

The backhand swing has all the same elements as the forehand swing.

#1: Drive the butt of the racquet towards the ball.
#2: Make contact at waist level slightly in front of the body (see picture)
#3: Follow through up and across body. Your hips and trunk should turn as well.

The biggest thing to remember with the backhand swing: YOUR TOP HAND IS THE DRIVING FORCE!

You should not be pulling the racquet through the zone with the bottom hand, but instead should be using the top hand as if it was a forehand. The bottom hand simply adds support. This is crucial to hitting good backhand shots, and is a mistake many beginners make. In fact, when I led my first tennis camp as a coach, we invited Trine University's head coach Bill Maddock to do a clinic for us while we were in Angola. I had always struggled with my backhand, all through high school and college. So when we were working on backhand, Bill asked which hand drove the shot: top, bottom or both? Nobody would guess, so he asked me. I truly didn't know, so I guessed. Both? I was wrong, and embarrassed, and decided I better start learning more about tennis.

The top hand drives the backhand. Remember it.

And practice, practice, practice!