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Theories of the Game

The Visual Tennis Alternative,

Part Seven:
The Classic Hitting Arm Position: Two-Handed Backhand

Go to Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 of the Visual Tennis Series on TennisONE

(Click here to see a complete, animated sequence of the two-handed backhand arm position.)

As with every shot in tennis the position of the racket head at the contact point is the critical element in the success (or failure) of the two-handed backhand stroke. Although it is never discussed in most tennis lessons, books, videos, etc., the position of the hitting arm in the course of the swing is what controls the position of the racket head at contact.

In the Visual Tennis system, the classic stroke models are based on simple hitting arm positions that remain constant throughout the course of the stroke. This ensures that the racket head is positioned correctly at contact, generating natural leverage from the body rotation and producing a stroke that is consistent and effortless.

A good two-handed classical backhand is bio-mechanically almost identical to the classical forehand. The back, left arm (for a right hander) drives the stroke. This dominant back arm is set in the hitting position at the completion of the turn. In this classic, or "double bend" hitting arm position, the elblow is bent and tucked in toward the waist and the wrist is laid back.

If you study high speed video of the best two-handers in the game, Andre Agassi, Michael Chang, Martina Hingis, and Mary Pierce, to name a few, you will see that all share this position in common throughout the course of the foreswing. Some top players wrap the finish. But high speed video shows this is a reaction and a relaxation response that happens only after the racket and hitting arm have passed through the finish position presented below.

A simple straight backswing is by far the cleanest way to achieve the correct hitting arm position at the completion of the turn. If you master the hitting arm position at the turn as described below, you will then naturally develop a compact, rhythmic, elipitcal shaped loop.

The key images below and the animation teach you how to establish this double bend hitting arm position and how to maintain it over the course of the swing.

For each position, establish the checkpoints physically. Now close your eyes and create an internal mental image of the position. Execute the entire swing pattern with your eyes closed. Let your internal imagery of the checkpoints guide the motion. The images of the hitting arm at each of the positions in the model can now function as keys to executing the stroke on the court. As the ball leaves your opponent's racket, visualize the image of the hitting arm position at the completion of the turn. Project the image into space behind you and let this serve as a mental blueprint. Now cover the blueprint with your actual arm and racket.

Now shift to the image of the contact and/or the finish. Again the projected image serves as a blueprint. Let your arm and racket pass through the image as you swing. Start in a controlled drill situation with an easy feed from a partner, teaching pro or ball machine, and work up to more difficult balls. The images give you a way to execute the stroke and stay positive under pressure.

The process of visualizing a key image can occur in the flash of a second--the time we actually have to hit a tennis ball. Using these images will give you an extremely reliable way to produce this classic hitting arm position even under competitive pressure.

Ready Position

A good balanced ready position allows you to make a simple straight backswing when you turn and immediately establish the hitting arm position. Note the head of the racket points straight ahead with the shaft of the racket parallel to the court and at about waist level.

Turn Position

This is the hitting arm position at the completion of the preparation or turn. The shoulders and feet have turned as a unit. This takes care of most of the racket preparation. A short straight backswing does the rest.

Note the key checkpoints: The elbow on the top, dominant hand is relaxed and tucked in toward the side, almost touching the body. The wrist is laid back so that the tip of the racket is pointing to the back fence. The butt of the racket is "taking a picture" of the opponent.

Contact Position

The palm of the hand and the back, left shoulder have pushed the racket forward to the contact point with the hitting arm position unchanged--elbow in and wrist back. Note the contact well in front of the body--the laid back wrist is the key. The shoulders and hips rotate into the shot naturally. High speed video shows this position is the same for any bio-mechanically sound two-handed backhand.

Finish Position

At the completion of the stroke the wrist reaches eye level and remains laid back. The plane of the racket is now perpendicular with the right shoulder and the shaft of the racket is straight up and down. Note, also the unchanged elbow bend. The left forearm is about 45 degrees to the court. The left upper arm is parallel to the court. (See the animation.) Replicating these three positions using your internal mental images just might give you the same kind of depth, power and confidence of the top players who follow this model so beautifully!

- End of Part Seven -

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