The Basics of Building a Great Tennis Backhand

Fast Lane Tennis

Part One

Backhand Basics

Remembering the very first volume, we suggested learning to hit a one-handed backspin backhand with an open face right off the bat, while this is broadly thought of as an advanced approach, it's actually quite simple. After all once the ball bounces it has forward spin or topspin and hitting with an open face does not change the direction the ball is spinning.

In volume one we also showed some lead up progressions that you can use to get to this stage. The main issues are to get a feel for contact with an open racquet face, use the left-hand or non-dominant hand to setup the racquet for contact and keep the feet active and moving.

Of course, if very young children need to hold on with two hands it does no harm, but realize that whatever you start them off with they will likely continue and changes after habits or established are usually difficult to make.


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