Backhand Fundamentals for Beginners to Intermediate

Key Points

• Turn the shoulders and step in with the right foot to give yourself range of motion through the shot
• Take the racket straight back and drop it down so you can swing up through the ball
• Hitting up through the contact of the ball creates a “tight spin”
• Beginners and young players should keep the same take back of “straight back and down” for 3 to 4 months
• Players will develop their own versions of the take back once they have the fundamentals of “ready position straight into take back”
• Take the racket back and set it in position with the right hand, before bringing the left hand on the grip
• The left hand should eventually be used to “dominate” the swing
• The right hand is there to control the head of the racket, and the left hand is there to generate power
• If your left elbow is tucked into the body, then the backhand will become “right hand dominant” and cause issues
• If you try to generate power from “muscling up” the elbows will be naturally closer to the body
• Young players who aren’t as strong will do this and it should eventually be corrected
• Once you drop the racket head, the right wrist should drop and then the left hand can take over