Now that you’ve become comfortable with the forehand, it’s time to delve into the intricacies of the tennis backhand. Unlike the forehand, the backhand stroke involves directing the back of the hand towards the direction of the stroke. Mastering the backhand is crucial for a well-rounded game as it covers your non-dominant side, requiring finesse and skill to execute effectively.
Tennis Backhand : Understanding the Backhand Stroke
For players unfamiliar with the term ‘backhand,’ it’s essential to note that proficiency in this stroke opens up a wider range of shot options. Without a strong backhand, players may find themselves expending unnecessary energy to maneuver around shots, particularly when faced with balls directed towards their non-dominant side.
Mastering the Two-Handed Backhand
The two-handed backhand has evolved over time to become a formidable weapon in modern tennis. Initially disregarded in the 1970s, it has since gained prominence, especially in women’s tennis. Offering reliability, power, and ease of topspin application, the two-handed backhand is a valuable asset for players looking to strengthen their game.
To execute a two-handed backhand:
- Assume the ready position.
- Choose your stance from open, neutral, semi-open, or closed.
- Hold the racquet with both hands, employing a Continental grip with the dominant hand and an Eastern or Semi-Western grip with the other.
- Execute the stroke by striking the ball from low to high, leveraging the power from both hands.
- Follow through the stroke to maximize force and accuracy.
Exploring the One-Handed Backhand
While the one-handed backhand adds flair and finesse to a player’s repertoire, it requires greater skill and precision to execute effectively. Despite its elegance, the one-handed backhand is gradually becoming less common in modern tennis, with players often opting for the reliability of the two-handed counterpart.
To execute a one-handed backhand:
- Assume the ready position.
- Choose your stance based on the ball’s trajectory.
- Select your grip from Western, Eastern, Continental, or Semi-Western.
- Shift your weight onto the rear foot as you swing the racquet back, ensuring proper positioning.
- Strike the ball from low to high with a full swing, maintaining control and precision.
- Follow through the stroke, ensuring the racquet extends above your head for optimal power.
While the one-handed backhand may offer finesse, mastering the two-handed backhand provides greater consistency and power, making it the preferred choice for many players.
Choosing the Right Grip
Regardless of whether you opt for a one-handed or two-handed backhand, selecting the appropriate grip is essential for executing the stroke effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the most common grips used in tennis:
Continental Grip
The Continental grip is essential for executing a two-handed backhand. It involves placing the base knuckle of your index finger on the third bevel of the racket handle.
Eastern Grip
The Eastern grip is commonly used for the non-dominant hand in a two-handed backhand. It involves placing the base knuckle of your index finger on the second bevel of the racket handle.
Semi-Western Grip
The Semi-Western grip can be used for the non-dominant hand in a two-handed backhand. It provides a slight variation in grip, offering additional topspin potential. Place the base knuckle of your index finger on the third bevel of the racket handle.
Western Grip
The Western grip is typically used for executing a one-handed backhand. It involves placing the base knuckle of your index finger on the first bevel of the racket handle, providing optimal control and power for single-handed strokes.
Perfecting Footwork and Stance
Effective footwork and stance are crucial components of a strong backhand. Understanding the different stances and when to employ them can significantly enhance your ability to execute the stroke with precision and power.
Open Stance
The open stance involves positioning your feet parallel to the baseline, with your body facing sideways. This stance allows for quick rotation of the hips and shoulders, ideal for executing powerful backhands on the run or when stretched wide.
Neutral Stance
The neutral stance is a balanced position where your feet are shoulder-width apart, and your body is perpendicular to the net. This stance provides stability and versatility, allowing you to adjust quickly to balls hit to either side.
Semi-Open Stance
The semi-open stance is a hybrid of the open and neutral stances, with the front foot slightly angled towards the net. This stance offers a compromise between power and stability, suitable for a variety of backhand scenarios.
Closed Stance
The closed stance involves positioning your feet parallel to the baseline, with your body facing the net. While less commonly used for backhands, the closed stance can be effective for generating power when hitting inside-out backhands.
Developing Power and Control
Mastering the tennis backhand requires a combination of power and control. Here are some additional tips to help you develop these essential aspects of your backhand:
- Focus on proper weight transfer and rotation of the hips and shoulders to generate maximum power.
- Practice hitting against different ball trajectories and speeds to improve your timing and consistency.
- Work on strengthening your wrist and forearm muscles to enhance racket control and stability during the stroke.
- Experiment with varying degrees of topspin and slice to keep your opponents off balance and add versatility to your backhand arsenal.
By focusing on grip selection, footwork, and stroke mechanics, you can elevate your backhand to a formidable weapon on the tennis court.