Strokes and Strategy:

The Backhand

There is no one way to execute any stroke in tennis. Look at all the different styles used by players in today’s game. Nowhere is this more apparent then when studying the backhand.

Player will exhibit certain idiosyncrasies, perhaps even flaws, at least as perceived by tennis technicians and this is true even at the highest levels of the game.

I feel the best way to teach a stroke is to focus on the essentials within each stroke and ensure the player is well grounded in those essentials, an awareness of balance, and strategy.

First, let’s look at the pros and cons of using the one-handed and two-handed backhand. Secondly, I’ll discuss the essentials of executing each of those strokes. Finally, I’ll discuss some (but not all) of the tactical dimensions of hitting a backhand.

Click photo to hear Ken DeHart talk how excessive tension can impede stroke production.

One-Hands or Two Hands?

One-Handed Backhand—Pros

It’s easier to hit the slice.
It’s easier to reach wide and low balls.
It‘s easier to learn to hit across the body on extremely wide shots.
The penalty is not as great for hitting across the body or off the front foot.

One-Handed Backhand—Cons

Encourages players to reach for shots instead of getting behind the ball to hit.
Sometimes more difficult for young players to learn to hit topspin.
Often requires a bigger range of motion to hit and timing is more difficult on fast shots.

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