Backhand Stances

Key Points

• Neutral or Closed Stance for Balance: Use neutral or closed stances for balls close to you to ensure stability, better weight transfer, and control when aiming down the line or cross-court.
• Open Stance for Wide Balls: When running wide or on the defensive, adopt an open stance with knees low and hips rotated. Use your legs, abs, and hips to generate power and hit cross-court effectively.
• Balance on the Run: For balls out of reach, maintain balance by rotating your hips and leveraging full-body coordination. Practice drills to enhance stability during extreme reaches.
• Semi-Open Stance for Deep Balls: When backing up for deep shots, plant the left foot in a semi-open stance to avoid locking your hips, allowing fluid rotation and effective cross-court returns.
• Short Swing for Fast Balls: On fast-paced shots, especially in open stance, use a short swing with strong leg and hip engagement to stay low and aggressive while maintaining control.
• Offense from Defense: Even in defensive positions, utilize open stance and full rotation to generate power, transforming defensive situations into offensive opportunities.
• Pro Examples: Players like Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu often use open stances with short swings to absorb power and stay aggressive, emphasizing the importance of knee flexion and core engagement.
• Versatility in Stances: Practice neutral, closed, semi-open, and open stances to build a versatile backhand for handling various scenarios with precision and power.