What is Backhand in Tennis? Definition and Meaning

What is the definition of The Backhand in tennis?

The backhand is a fundamental stroke in tennis, executed when a player swings the racket with the back of the hand moving towards the direction of the stroke. Used in most racket sports, the backhand shot is vital to a player’s repertoire as it allows for more versatility on the court and can be a powerful weapon when mastered.

In tennis, the backhand can be performed with one or two hands on the racket, each offering different advantages. A one-handed backhand generally allows for greater reach and slice, while a two-handed backhand provides more power and stability. Regardless of the player’s preference, understanding and practicing proper form is crucial to executing the backhand effectively and successfully.

Contents show

Key Takeaways

The backhand is a fundamental stroke in tennis that can be performed with one or two hands
Proper form is essential for successfully executing the backhand shot
Mastering the backhand can improve a player’s overall tennis game and create more versatility on the court

Understanding Tennis Backhand

The backhand is an essential stroke in tennis, used by players to return the ball from their non-dominant side. It is a shot where the back of the hand moves towards the direction of the stroke, typically initiating the swing on one side of the body and ending on the other. Depending on the player’s personal preference and techniques employed, the backhand can be executed with one or two hands.

A one-handed backhand is a tennis stroke in which the player grips the racket with one hand and strikes the ball using a swinging motion across the body. The one-handed backhand allows for more reach and can provide additional power when executed correctly. However, it requires a significant amount of wrist and forearm strength, as well as precise timing to perform effectively.

In contrast, a two-handed backhand is a tennis stroke in which the player uses both hands to grip the racket, resulting in greater stability, control, and consistency. While it may limit the player’s reach and may not generate the same level of power as a one-handed backhand, a two-handed backhand offers increased accuracy and is often easier to learn and master for beginners.

Regardless of the type of backhand used, the key to a successful backhand stroke lies in proper grip, stance, and ball contact. When preparing for a backhand shot, players should position themselves with a balanced stance, while keeping their racket and non-dominant hand aligned with the incoming ball. The ball should be struck when it is slightly in front of the player, ensuring that the racket connects with the ball at the optimal point to generate power and accuracy.

In summary, the backhand is a crucial part of any tennis player’s arsenal, allowing them to return balls from their non-dominant side and apply tactical pressure to their opponents. With practice and proper technique, both the one-handed and two-handed backhand can be powerful and effective weapons on the tennis court.

The Backhand Stroke

Fundamentals of a Backhand Stroke

The backhand is a critical stroke in tennis, where the back of the hand leads the swing and the palm faces the chest on contact with the ball. It is performed either using a one-handed or two-handed grip. To execute a proper backhand stroke, start in a ready position with knees slightly bent and quickly turn your body sideways as soon as you identify that the incoming ball requires a backhand stroke.

While stepping into the shot, the swing of the racket follows a high-low-high trajectory, with the backswing starting high, dropping low to meet the ball, and then finishing high again during the follow-through. The weight transfer from the back foot to the front foot is crucial for generating power and control in the shot.

Variations of Backhand

There are two main variations of the backhand stroke in tennis: the one-handed and two-handed backhands. Each type has its advantages and can be effective depending on the player’s preference and playing style.

One-Handed Backhand: This backhand variation allows for more reach and potentially more power, as the player can incorporate more body rotation and weight transmission into the shot. However, it can be more challenging to generate topspin and maintain control, as only one hand is on the racket, which may influence stability.
Two-Handed Backhand: In the two-handed backhand, the player has both hands on the racket, providing extra stability and control. This grip allows for better topspin generation and makes handling high balls more manageable. On the other hand, it may limit reach and prevent the player from maximizing the same level of power and body rotation as in the one-handed backhand.

Both backhand variations are widely used in tennis, and players may choose either based on personal preference, natural feel, and their overall game strategy.

How to Execute a Backhand

Grip and Position

To execute a backhand in tennis, start by holding the racket with the appropriate grip. For a one-handed backhand, use the Eastern or Continental grip, where the base knuckle of your index finger is placed on the third bevel of the racket handle. For a two-handed backhand, the dominant hand should be in the Eastern grip, while the non-dominant hand should be in a semi-Western grip. Position your feet shoulder-width apart, facing the net, and slightly bend your knees.

Swing and Contact

As the ball approaches, rotate your shoulders and hips, bringing the racket back with your arm. For a one-handed backhand, extend your non-dominant arm in front of you for balance. For a two-handed backhand, place your non-dominant hand on the racket grip for additional strength and control. Keep your head still and eyes on the ball.

When swinging, use your legs to initiate the shot, pushing through your hips and uncoiling your body. For a one-handed backhand, maintain a straight arm at contact, while for a two-handed backhand, keep both arms fully extended. Make contact with the ball at waist height and in front of your body, ensuring that the racket head is slightly closed to generate topspin.

Follow Through

After successfully making contact with the ball, follow through by completing the swing and allowing the racket to naturally finish on the opposite side of your body. For a one-handed backhand, the racket head should end up pointing towards the sky, while for a two-handed backhand, the non-dominant hand should finish high above the shoulder. Maintain your balance and be prepared to shift your weight and adjust your positioning for the next shot.

Common Backhand Mistakes

Poor Footwork

One of the most common backhand mistakes in tennis is poor footwork. Many players neglect proper positioning of their feet, which can lead to weak, inefficient, and inaccurate strokes. To avoid this mistake, players should focus on maintaining a balanced body posture and moving smoothly towards the ball. Split-step is an essential element of footwork, which helps in positioning yourself appropriately for a backhand shot. Practicing footwork drills and incorporating them into your training sessions will significantly improve your backhand technique.

Incorrect Grip

Another common mistake players make when executing a backhand stroke in tennis is using an incorrect grip. The type of grip you choose will depend on whether you prefer a one-handed or two-handed backhand.

For a one-handed backhand, players should use the Eastern backhand grip. To find this grip, place the base knuckle of your index finger on the third bevel of the racket handle. This grip allows players to generate more power and control in their backhand strokes.

On the other hand, for a two-handed backhand, players should use a Semi-Western grip for their dominant hand and Eastern forehand grip for their non-dominant hand. If you’re right-handed, your right-hand grip should be similar to a Semi-Western forehand grip, while your left hand should use an Eastern forehand grip. This combination of grips provides stability, power, and control for the two-handed backhand.

To successfully execute a powerful and accurate backhand, it’s crucial to practice and analyze your strokes, addressing the common mistakes like poor footwork and incorrect grip. Implementing these adjustments in your game will result in a more effective backhand technique.

Improving Your Backhand

Drills for Backhand

Practicing drills is an essential part of improving your tennis backhand. Here are a few drills to incorporate into your practice routine:

Grip and stance drill: Focus on the correct grip and stance for your backhand. Experiment with different grips to find the right one for you.
Hitting the Ball: Practice hitting the ball using a wall or a ball machine to improve your backhand’s consistency and accuracy.
Inside the Service Line: Position yourself inside the service line and practice hitting backhands from various positions. This drill helps with footwork and reaction time.

Tips for a Stronger Backhand

Here are some tips to help you develop a more potent tennis backhand:

Prepare early: Focus on taking small steps for better backhand preparation. Small steps can help you track the ball more effectively, maximize reaction time, and improve footwork.
Feet positioning: Position your feet correctly for optimal balance and power. The non-dominant foot should be slightly in front, with weight shifting smoothly during the swing.
The Takeaway: Initiate your backhand swing with a smooth and controlled takeaway. This will help ensure proper racquet positioning and control during the shot.
Forward Swing: Engage your core and maintain a fluid swing, allowing power to transfer from your legs to your arms.
The Contact: Ensure the ball makes contact slightly in front of your body, and slightly to one side of your body (depends on if right or left-handed). This positioning allows for optimal power and control.
The Follow Through: Finish your backhand with a smooth and controlled follow-through, focusing on maintaining balance and completing the swing in a natural, relaxed manner.