TennisOne Lessons

The Hitting Arm Position: Backhand

by John Yandell

  Elements

• Start in a good balanced ready position.
• The hitting arm is straight and goes straight back so that the racquet hand is positioned in the middle of the back leg. The unit turn will do most of this racquet preparation.
• Note the key hitting arm position is unchanged. The arm and racquet have moved forward as a unit to the contact point, which is well in front of the front leg. The elbow lead is completely eliminated.
• The player has come up on the back toes for balance. Note how the torso is still straight up and down from the waist. The wrist is at eye level, and the shaft of the racquet is perpendicular to the court. The shoulders are still sideways to the net. This combination of shoulder position and hitting arm position make the stroke effortless, consistent and powerful.

The first animation sequence will scan in slowly. Subsequent sequences will be in slow motion and keep repeating. To stop the endless loop, click on the "Back" button or option on your browser and go back to your previous page. Back to Yandell Lesson Back to Lesson Library