Tennis Tips - The Backhand
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Why do y'all have so much trouble with backhands?
I think it has something to do with playing baseball.
Why? Because hitting a backhand is like swinging a bat left-handed when you are a natural right-hander.
Well, listen to Ace - the backhand is the most natural stroke for anyone to hit!
And it should be the easiest because, unlike the forehand, the rest of your body is out of the way when you swing!
Here are two tips to cure the most common problems with backhands:
I think it has something to do with playing baseball.
Why? Because hitting a backhand is like swinging a bat left-handed when you are a natural right-hander.
Well, listen to Ace - the backhand is the most natural stroke for anyone to hit!
And it should be the easiest because, unlike the forehand, the rest of your body is out of the way when you swing!
Here are two tips to cure the most common problems with backhands:
Symptom 1: "Gee, Ace, why do my one-handed backhands keep going straight up in the air, like a lob?"
This is a pretty common problem for lots of folks - but it's simple to fix.
The usual reason for this is that sometimes people try to hit a backhand while using a forehand grip - therein lies the problem.
First, before you hit any shot, you need to have your wrist behind the racket handle relative to the ball when you hit it.
If you do that and try to hit a backhand with a forehand grip, then you'll screw up!
Why? Because by doing that you'll open your racket face (the strings face the sky more than the net).
So, when you swing the racket, the ball goes vertically instead of horizontally.
Second, if you simply close the racket face (using the same forehand grip), then you'll still have problems.
Why? Because then your wrist is in front of the handle and you can only hit a weak, pantie-waist stroke that way.
If you try to swing hard that way, then you'll probably break your wrist!
Tip 1: You have to switch your grip to a proper backhand grip!!!
From a forehand grip, use your other hand to turn the handle to the right until your index knuckle is on top of the handle.
Then let it rip!
Check out the Grips link in my Tennis Tips page for more info on holding the racket properly.
This is a pretty common problem for lots of folks - but it's simple to fix.
The usual reason for this is that sometimes people try to hit a backhand while using a forehand grip - therein lies the problem.
First, before you hit any shot, you need to have your wrist behind the racket handle relative to the ball when you hit it.
If you do that and try to hit a backhand with a forehand grip, then you'll screw up!
Why? Because by doing that you'll open your racket face (the strings face the sky more than the net).
So, when you swing the racket, the ball goes vertically instead of horizontally.
Second, if you simply close the racket face (using the same forehand grip), then you'll still have problems.
Why? Because then your wrist is in front of the handle and you can only hit a weak, pantie-waist stroke that way.
If you try to swing hard that way, then you'll probably break your wrist!
Tip 1: You have to switch your grip to a proper backhand grip!!!
From a forehand grip, use your other hand to turn the handle to the right until your index knuckle is on top of the handle.
Then let it rip!
Check out the Grips link in my Tennis Tips page for more info on holding the racket properly.
Symptom 2:
"Ace, you're full of crap! I did what you said, but my backhand still goes up in the air and too long!
What do you have to say about that, Bigshot!?"
Tip 2: Now calm down - I said there are two cures for this common backhand problem.
If your strokes are still going high, even when using the correct grip, there's another simple fix.
You're probably lifting your front shoulder when you strike the ball (and maybe hitting off your back foot too).
Concentrate on keeping your front shoulder (the one closest to the ball) pointed down as you swing into the ball (see above photo).
This helps you to lean into the shot.
If you remember to do these two things, I guarantee you'll be ripping screamers down the line!
"Ace, you're full of crap! I did what you said, but my backhand still goes up in the air and too long!
What do you have to say about that, Bigshot!?"
Tip 2: Now calm down - I said there are two cures for this common backhand problem.
If your strokes are still going high, even when using the correct grip, there's another simple fix.
You're probably lifting your front shoulder when you strike the ball (and maybe hitting off your back foot too).
Concentrate on keeping your front shoulder (the one closest to the ball) pointed down as you swing into the ball (see above photo).
This helps you to lean into the shot.
If you remember to do these two things, I guarantee you'll be ripping screamers down the line!