Backhand Progressions & Footwork From Gauff’s Coach

Key Points

• “Ready position right into the take back”
• Players will develop their own versions of the take back once they have the fundamentals of “ready position straight into take back”
• The foundation for the Coco Gauff and Sloane Stephens’ backhand was an early take back
• If your left elbow is tucked into the body, then the backhand will become “right hand dominant” and cause issues
• When learning the correct backhand technique and to correct a right hand dominant shot, Coco would hit 15 minutes of left handed forehands per day
• Pivoting with the right foot helps release the left hip through the shot
• Allow the foot to rotate as much as possible so you can accelerate through contact
• Your hip should “let go” and “release” through the shot
• Teaching players to move to the ball and still have the ability to relax and hit through contact is the key to developing a great backhand
• When you release the left hip through the shot, you are automatically in the correct recovery stance
• There is a synchronicity with the way you move, recover, split step and then push off again
• “What’s in motion, stays in motion” so keep moving when you’re on the tennis court!
• Combining fast feet and footwork with fast racket speed sets you on the pathway to professional tennis