backhand down the line shot?

[jkhtennis]

Anybody has good tips on the backhand down the line shot? I am a right-hander with a two-handed backhand. I am desperately trying to improve the consistency of this down-the-line shot. Should it be hit with more closed stance? Any practice drills?

 

[erik-the-red]

I, too, would like to have some tips on this shot.

I know that you can't go for this shot when you're on the defense...

 

[Rickson]

Anybody has good tips on the backhand down the line shot? I am a right-hander with a two-handed backhand. I am desperately trying to improve the consistency of this down-the-line shot. Should it be hit with more closed stance? Any practice drills?

Remember what BB said about the 45 degree angle? Align yourself so that when you make contact with the ball, you hit the ball at a 45 degree angle and send it to wherever you want the ball to go.

 

[kevhen]

I find it easier to hit crosscourt in rallies, and not try to change the direction of the ball. When I do hit the backhand up-the-line is when my opponent has hit down-the-line with his forehand to my backhand. I tend to mix it up though and will a majority of his up-the-line shots crosscourt to his backhand and put him on the run to his weaker side but then when he starts leaning that way will go back up the line without changing direction on the ball. It's a difficult shot to hit up-the-line over the high part of net so that if you are trying to change the direction on the ball it becomes even more difficult so unless it's a pretty slow ball I won't change direction on an incoming crosscourt shot and hit the backhand up-the-line.

You should practice hitting backhands up the line both on balls changing directions and balls coming straight up the line to see which is easier for you. I try to stay a foot or two inside the sideline and will flatten this out when going for winners and hit maybe a foot above the net like on passing shots. Too far from the line and hit too slowly or with too much spin and your opponent will be able to get to it and put you on the defensive with their forehand going to the open crosscourt.