Print this page

Backhand The backhand is hit on the opposite side of the body as the forehand. It is perfectly acceptable to hit the backhand with two hands. A two-handed backhand helps the athlete control the backswing. Remember that some athletes may have difficulty with this and may want to hit two forehands. It is important to explore the backhand but be prepared to work with two forehands, if needed.   Teaching the Skill   Grip Athletes perform the backhand grip using the following tips (these tips are used for the dominant hand for the two-handed player). Hold the racket with the forehand grip. Turn the hand until the first knuckle of the index finger is on top of the grip (1/4 turn). Another way to find this grip is to put the racket under the left armpit and grab the racket as if unsheathing a sword. For a two-handed grip, the dominant hand should be in the continental grip (same as the serve) and the non-dominant hand is placed in an eastern forehand grip. For a right-handed player, the non-dominant hand is a forehand grip for a left-handed player and this is reversed in teaching a left-handed dominant player.   2-Handed Backhand Grip             Eastern Backhand Grip         Continental Backhand Grip         Lefty Continental Backhand Grip       Ready Position The athlete faces forward with knees slightly flexed and feet shoulder width apart. The racket should be held comfortably at waist level, weight leaning forward on the toes. Athletes should be reminded to keep their eyes on the ball ("eyes on the ball") and be relaxed and ready ("relax and be ready").     Backhand Stroke In the backhand stroke the shoulders and hips are turned so the athlete is standing sideways (racket is in a volley position with the strings facing the net). Use the key words, "stand sideways with your racket back and look like a surfer" or "turn your shoulders." The athlete should use the forehand grip in the ready position. It will be necessary to practice the grip change to the backhand. The coach should be observant, making sure this is happening. Use the key words "change your grip." The racket is taken back and down (pointing at the back fence and down toward the court surface), with a continuous swing. This allows the student to have a loop "C" shaped swing. A few adjusting steps are taken towards the ball. The coach should demonstrate the contact point position. Freeze at the progression and emphasize that this is where the ball is contacted. Use the key words "hit off your front foot"; "turn, step, hit."   Keep in mind that a one-handed backhand contact point will be out in front of the forward foot, whereas a two-handed backhand contact point will be near the front foot position. Use the key words "hit off your front foot" or "turn, step, hit."   Follow-through The stroke continues with a balanced follow-through with the racket high and out in front (one-handed). Be careful not to exaggerate the follow-through, as the athlete will put it all together when actually striking a ball. The racket will finish pointing up and toward the net like "shaking hands with a giant." The two-handed follow-through will wrap around the opposite shoulder in a full swing pattern.     Key Words "Eyes on the ball" "Relax and be ready" "Stand sideways with your racket back and look like a surfer" "Turn your shoulders" "Change your grip" "Hit off your front foot" "Shaking hands with a giant"   Faults & Fixes Chart   Error Correction Incorrect grip Mark the racquet handle for a visual reminder. Improper point of contact or misjudges the ball Toss the athlete a few balls and ask him/her to freeze the racket at the point of contact. Wrist break on backswing (one-handed backhand) Have the athlete use the non-hitting palm and place it on the strings or on the racket.  This will prevent a large backswing or a break in the wrist. Racquet rolls on follow-through Have the athlete stop at the point of contact and then add the follow-through. Slicing the ball Have the athlete touch the racquet to the ground before swinging forward. Drop a ball and have the player brush up the back of it to simulate the feeling of topspin. Hits off back foot Feed balls from behind the player. Allow the ball to bounce so the athlete can step and hit. The player should start in a side to the net position. Excessive hip and shoulder rotation (one-handed backhand) Ask athletes to imagine they are a baseball umpire making a safe sign motion.     Coaching Tips Many Special Olympics tennis players like to hit two forehands, a left-handed and a right-handed one. It is important that coaches have athletes learn the backhand stroke. The backhand requires more strength and control and it is quite acceptable to use two hands.

Prev Page                                                                 Next Page