Backhand Overhead smash/flick?

[only4theweak187]

1:56 and 2:04 in the vid:

[VIDEO]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2J6ZkVCSl7I[/VIDEO]

What grip should i be using when hitting a backhand smash?, sometimes this shot is the only option for me usually when: I hit a drop shot and my opponent runs up and tries to flick a lob straight over my head pretty much like what happened in that point in the video..

Lately I'll still be using a continental grip waiting for my opponents reply to the drop shot waiting for the volley or overhead putaway. But, everytime i goto hit one of these backhand overhead-flicks, i hit the ball way wide. it seems the angle of the racket when using a continental grip on this shot makes the racket head face sideways and pushes the ball wide.

Or.. maybe i just need to practice them? heh :twisted:

Maybe i'l try my forehand eastern-grip with them and see if it helps make it a higher percentage chance of going in.

And keep in mind that it's 2am and i've always wondered this and wanted to make my concern for this shot as detailed as possible

Also i ONLY use this shot when there's NO way i can hit a normal overhead smash, it HAS to be a backhand

Thanks

 

[Baloo]

I use same grip as volleys (conti). It's natural to hit these shots cross court.

For me the more I turn my back to the net the tighter the cross court angle. Try and turn your shoulders no more than 90 deg to the net and you should have much more control over shot placement.

PS I don't have time to watch the video, the above is based on what works for me.

 

[GetBetterer]

Continental.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

Have seen a number of very impressive BH spikes/smashes from several tennis players in the recent past. However, none equal the BH magic of this guy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEsARpxuYTM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvhhgxVgA5E

BTW, I believe that he may be using the "thumb" grip.

 

[Baloo]

Try that with a 12oz tennis racquet!

 

[only4theweak187]

thanks a lot :]

 

[Nellie]

If you are hitting wide, you are not turning your body sideways (hitting with your shoulders/ face turned toward the net). Do not change your grip - I know you will say that there is no time to rotate your body, but it is faster than changing your grip.

 

[LeeD]

Conti for placement.
If you're a hammerhead, you can switch to SW BACKHAND grip and pound the backhand overhead, but it's one more grip to learn.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

Try that with a 12oz tennis racquet!

I've been trying it with an 11.5 oz racquet! If I ever master it, I'll try it with that 12 oz racquet of yours. Yes, Taufik's racquet is less than 3.5 oz (and the shuttle weighs than a 2 oz ball). However, he's achieved a speed and mastery of the BH that was not thought possible -- (the BH in badminton is an inherently weak shot in the backcourt area). He's acheived this thru a combination of technique, superior timing and tons of hard work.

My real point is that some tennis players have been able to achieve a BH spike at the net (often a high BH volley, not necessarily a BH overhead) that is phenomenal and starting to approach what Taufik has done in badminton.

 

[LeeD]

Just about any 6' tall, 200 lb'er can spike a backhand overhead with a 12 oz racket. Spike as in bounce the ball over the backboard.
Smaller players can also, if they have the strong grip, have the time to take a full backswing, and are athletic.
You 90 lbs'er need not apply.