Backhand Technique and Footwork Patterns

Key Points

• The 2 handed backhand should be as natural as possible, using the body to hit the shot
• The med ball should be a little above your hands on the take back with a nice natural unit turn with the shoulders
• When you release the med ball, your left arm should be naturally extended and straight, mimicking what you need for the 2 hander
• “Pretend” that the head of your racket is the med ball and you’re “throwing it” at your target
• This footwork pattern allows you to release your left hip, meet the ball earlier in the court and will prevent back pain caused by poor footwork and body positioning
• "Shuffle, 1, 2 and then recover". Side shuffle then step with the left foot and forward with the right
• Stepping across your body with the right foot prevents the left hip from releasing and will ultimately cause back pain
• Only use this technique when you're already past the center line and don't have to sprint from the forehand side
• Med ball shouldn't be too heavy
• Feel the kinetic energy of the footwork pattern: lower body pushing, hips opening up and arms extending through the throw
• When you're rushed and stretched out wide, take long steps to the ball and use an open stance to hit
• When returning a deep ball, either turn and shuffle and hit, or turn and absorb the pace using the legs to play a defensive shot
• For the short ball, turn and shuffle forward taking time away from your opponent