In this video you will learn how to hit a one handed backhand.
Do check out the videos on the two handed backhand, the stance, down the line and cross court as well.
In this video, you will learn how to hit a one-handed backhand.
In tennis, it is one of the most fundamental groundstrokes
The three key steps are the preparation, the shot and the follow through
Use the Eastern backhand grip
Do a split step and get into the ready position with legs slighlty apart and knees flexed
When you see that the ball is coming to the backhand, do a unit turn with the racket leg in front and the racket shoulder pointing to the net
Hold the throat of the racket with the non racket hand
Pull the racket back until the hitting elbow is almost shoulder high
The racket head should point upwards and the butt cap should be pointing in the direction of contact
These two things will give you the leverage required to add power to your stroke
The shot
Lunge forward on the racket leg with the front foot at around 45 degrees
Don't step across with the front foot parallel to the base line as this will hamper the flowing movement of the backhand stroke
Drop the racket behind you and swing forward in a C movement with a straight hitting arm, up and across
Hit under the ball with a brushing effect to generate top spin
Remember to open your chest and extend the non racket arm back and down to counter the forward swing and to maintain your balance
Beginners often drop their non racket hand or don't do much with it
At contact, the arm should be extended and the ball should be in front and to the side
Present a firm wrist with the side of the racket perpendicualr to the ground
A common mistake is to keep the elbow bent through the shot
The follow through
Extend your racket arm in front and finish with the butt cap pointing towards the surface
If you have to run to the side to hit the ball, do a couple of side steps and have the racket leg in front as you hit the ball
Practice the backhand stroke against the wall or with a partner
Enjoy your game
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