How To Hit A Backhand? Is A Good Question To Ask

Most people ask how to hit a backhand when they first start playing, but they rarely ask for advice on the forehand. This just confirms for me and a lot of other people that the backhand is far more complicated. Why is it more complicated? I'm not sure, but I think it has something to do with forehand being a very fluid natural motion and the backhand being an awkward, unnatural motion. No wonder so many new people ask how to hit a backhand. I will attempt to explain it in the next few paragraphs.

For the sake of this tutorial, I will just assume that you are a right hander. If you are a left hander, just make the appropriate reversals. I will also assume that you are using the one-handed backhand because some of the directions are different for the two-handed backhand. You can always add the two-handed backhand if you need more power.

The first thing is to use the Eastern grip

If you're playing a game and tennis ball goes to your backhand side, it's important to keep both eyes on the ball. This isn't easy to do, because you have turned your body to run to the ball, but it's important because you need both eyes to determine depth perception in relation to the ball.

When you are running to the ball, you will be temped to use large steps. Try to resist the temptation to do this. Try to use small steps so you won't overrun the ball.

When you move to the ball, your shoulders and hips should be perpendicular to the net. You should keep them in this position while hitting the ball.

While you are running to the ball, start bringing your right arm back across your body. Your arm should be slightly bent, but your wrist should remain straight. Use your left hand to steady the racquet while you are waiting for the ball.

Once the ball starts to arrive, let go with your left hand and start your swing. Keep the face of the racquet perpendicular to the ground as you swing and gradually straighten your right arm. By the time you hit the ball, your arm should be straight. Rotate your hips and shoulders during the swing, this where your power comes from.

It is important to follow through with your swing even after you hit the ball. You should end up with a straight arm pointing in the direction of the net and your racquet should be above your head.

Even after hitting the ball, keep your eye on the contact point for half a second or so before you look up at the ball trajectory. This will help with your follow through.




Now that you know how to hit a backhand, it's important that you practice your backhand each time you play. Remember, the only way you'll get better is to practice. Knowing how you're supposed to do something and actually doing it are two different things. If you practice, you will get better. I guarantee it!

I know that a lot of people would rather watch demonstrations of a skill than read about it, so I've made a website where I sell links to tennis videos. It's called, "Tennis Backhand Videos". I also have a Squidoo site about the backhand. It's called, "How To Hit A Backhand". My Squidoo lens has a couple of videos that demonstrate both the one-handed and two-handed backhand. I have even more information in my article over at Ezine articles, it's called, "How To Hit A Backhand-It's A Simple Question".