One-Handed Backhand

The objective in learning the backhand is to see the value of the legs in generating a lifting body motion that would be in sync with the hitting arm.

The one-handedplayer requires a greater role for the legs in lifting the center of gravity upward to follow the direction of the racquet swing pattern.

Let's take a look at some of the key fundamentals of the one-handed backhand in the sequence pictures with Amelie Mauresmo.

1. Preparation: Amelie has recognized that the ball is coming to her backhand. She has made her initial unit turn and there is a loading of the large muscle group that include the legs, hips and back.

   Grips: Mauresmo is using a variation of the Eastern backhand grip. Please notice how she uses the non-dominant hand to help prepare the racquet and to turn the upper body during the stroke.







2. Footwork: She has established her hitting position where the weight is primarily shifted to the back foot and is about to step into the shot. Balance: The player posssess excellent balance with head still, shoulders level and a solid base of support.

   NOTE that she is preparing with the racquet head above the level of wrist.

3. Weight Transfer: She is starting to transfer her weight forward onto the front foot. Shoulder Rotation: She continues her upper body rotation as she takes the racquet back even further. Level of shoulders: She is approaching the ball with her shoulder relatively level. This is ideal technique.
4. Balance: Amelie displays a beautiful balance; her head is up and eyes focused on the ball; the knees are bent and the center of gravity is directly in the middle of their base(feet). Racquet Preparation: Her racquet head has been lowered and is in a position that will allow her to begin the hitting phase by swing upward to the ball.







5. Optimum Hitting Zone: Mauresmo is about to contact the ball in her optimum hitting zone (ideal distance to the side of the body and well out in front of her body). Use of Legs: She is drawing significantly energy from the ground by using her legs and hips to explode up through the shot.
6. Head Relatively Still: The head is relatively still for a split second after the contact. Stability: The best players in the world display great stability, balance and leg strength. Please note Mauresmo's balanced position even after contact, her non-dominant hand releases backwards to assist in unloading and balance. Racquet head acceleration: Notice the path of the racquet before and after contact. Amelie exibits incredible amount of racquet head acceleration up and through the hitting zone.
7. Follow-through: Mauresmo finally here is showing the classic low-to-high follow-through with the finish off slightly to the side of the body.

Two Handed-Backhand

Many players hit the backhand using two hands. This enables the player to manoeuvre the racquet more easily.

The fundamentals are the same as for a one-handed:

1. Early preparation
2. Good shoulder turn
3. Contact out in front of the body.

The racquet head should follow down the line of the intended path of the shot and finish over the shoulder of the racquet arm.

These are the advantages:

• A good solid grip on the racquet will give you more power because the racquet head will stay firm at impact.
• You can deceive your opponent by waiting until the last moment and then whipping the ball cross court by snapping the upper hand to move the racquet head earlier.

The biggest disadvantage is its limited reach so you will need to be quicker about the court to get set up for the shot.

It is difficult to apply underspin because the follow through of the left arm is limited and it is very limiting when playing low short balls.

As a player you need to consider the trade-offs and decide accordingly with your coach's advice.

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