To hit a backhand effectively, the key cues involve proper grip, early preparation, precise footwork, an optimal contact point, and a full follow-through. Mastering these elements ensures power, control, and consistency on this fundamental tennis stroke.
Grip Selection and Execution
The foundation of a solid backhand begins with the correct grip, which dictates racket face angle and control. For many, especially beginners, an Eastern backhand grip is highly effective.
- Eastern Backhand Grip: To achieve this, hold the racket as if you are shaking hands. For a right-handed player, place your index finger, the top knuckle, and the heel of your dominant hand directly behind the back of the racket handle. This positioning helps ensure the racket face is slightly closed at contact, promoting a flat or slightly topspin shot and providing good stability.
- Tip: Experiment with slight adjustments to find what feels most natural and powerful for your hand size and arm length.
Early Preparation and Unit Turn
Early preparation is crucial for generating power and accuracy.
- Split Step: As your opponent hits the ball, perform a small hop or split step to prepare for movement in any direction.
- Unit Turn: Initiate your backhand by turning your shoulders and hips as a single unit, rotating your upper body. This turn allows your non-dominant hand to pull the racket back and coil your core, storing energy for the stroke. Your non-dominant hand should stay on the racket throat during the take-back for two-handed backhands, or guide the racket back for one-handed backhands.
- Reference: For a detailed visual guide on preparing for a backhand, explore resources like this Tennis Backhand Tutorial.
Footwork and Balance
Proper footwork gets you into the ideal position, while balance ensures stability throughout the stroke.
- Adjust to the Ball: Use small, quick steps to move your feet and adjust your body position relative to the ball. Avoid reaching or hitting off-balance.
- Stance Options:
- Closed Stance: Often used for one-handed backhands, where the non-hitting shoulder points towards the net, and the hitting foot is behind the non-hitting foot.
- Open Stance: More common in modern tennis, especially for two-handed backhands, allowing for more power and recovery. The hitting foot is generally parallel to the baseline.
- Semi-Open Stance: A hybrid, offering a balance of power and agility.
Optimal Contact Point
The contact point is where your racket meets the ball, and it's critical for control and power.
- In Front of the Body: Make contact with the ball well in front of your body, usually between your waist and shoulder height. This allows you to transfer your body weight into the shot and apply topspin more effectively.
- Arm Extension: Ensure your arm (or arms for two-handed) is relatively extended but not locked at contact. This creates a solid hitting platform.
Follow-Through
The follow-through is the natural completion of the swing and helps direct the ball and prepare for the next shot.
- Across the Body: For a one-handed backhand, the racket typically finishes high over the opposite shoulder. For a two-handed backhand, the racket usually finishes over the dominant shoulder.
- Full Extension: Allow your body to fully unwind and your racket to continue its arc. This helps decelerate the racket gradually, preventing injury and ensuring the ball stays on court.
Vision and Focus
Keeping your eyes on the ball is paramount throughout the entire sequence.
- Track the Ball: Watch the ball from your opponent's racket, during its flight, and especially until it makes contact with your strings.
- Head Still: Try to keep your head relatively still during the contact phase to maintain focus and balance.
Summary of Backhand Cues
To encapsulate the critical elements, consider this table of cues:
| Cue Category | Key Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Grip | Eastern backhand (index finger, knuckle, heel behind racket) | Provides stability, racket face control, and power for the stroke. |
| Preparation | Early unit turn, racket back | Coils the body, generates power, and allows timing adjustments. |
| Footwork | Small steps, adjust body position | Gets the player into optimal hitting position, maintains balance. |
| Contact Point | Well in front of the body, arm extended | Maximizes power transfer, ensures clean contact, and aids topspin. |
| Follow-Through | Across the body, full extension | Controls ball trajectory, finishes the stroke, and aids recovery. |
| Vision | Eyes on the ball until contact | Ensures accurate timing and a precise strike on the ball. |
For more advanced insights and drills, consider consulting resources from reputable tennis organizations like the United States Tennis Association (USTA). Practicing these cues consistently will lead to a more reliable and powerful backhand.
