Mini Inside-out Backhand

Key Points

• Definition & Purpose: A backhand hit slightly to the right of center (for a right-handed player), driven hard into the opponent’s deuce corner to take away their forehand opportunities.
• Strategic Importance: Forces opponents to stay honest, reducing inside-out/in forehands and can take away 30% of forehands when executed well. Often results in a winner due to precision and pace.
• Key Technique Elements: Fully rotate the right shoulder toward the target, ensure early contact for control and pace, and move up into the ball with balanced footwork.
• Drill for Practice: Two-player feed drill alternating mini inside-out backhands and crosscourt shots; practice various feeds to simulate game scenarios.
• Game Application: Use to exploit opponents cheating toward their forehand; follow with deep backhand, wrong-footing forehand, or net approach to finish the point.
• Execution Tips: Focus on individual practice to perfect technique; consistently aim for the deuce corner with pace and precision while refining angles to challenge opponent recovery.
• Tactical Advantages: Forces defensive positions, opens the court for follow-ups, and adds variety to your game for unpredictability.