BH Overhead

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

How much wrist vs forearm do y'all use in your BH OH? I was never taught how to hit this shot so I just watch and emulate. But my results are all over the map. The specific scenario I'm thinking of is when I'm playing doubles, serving to the deuce court, and the returner lobs over my partner. If he can't get it, I try to take the ball in the air.

If I can move laterally and the ball is in front of me, it's just a high BH volley. But if the lob is deeper, I try to hit a BH overhead. My most common error is hitting it CC wide. I almost never hit it DTL wide. My next most common error is to hit it short so the net man can pounce or, even worse, into the net CC.

Maybe I'm trying for too much and should just block it back deep in the middle. What do you do?

 

[PDJ]

Personally I find it much too difficult to smash it from this side so I tend to try and slice it at an angle in doubles and aim for a space in singles. The only people that are not pros that seem to hit it well are those with a good level badminton background.
At professional level - Evonne Cawley was sublime.

 

[richardc-s]

I normally do the same as you and put it wide cross court! I was also never taught how to hit the shot, I've just figured it out myself. Well I say figured it out... I can't do it very well so I guess I haven't properly figured it out!

I often use a fair bit of wrist when hitting it, but I think that's why it often goes cross court and I struggle to put it DTL. I'll be interested to hear how you're actually meant to hit the shot!

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

Personally I find it much too difficult to smash it from this side so I tend to try and slice it at an angle in doubles and aim for a space in singles. The only people that are not pros that seem to hit it well are those with a good level badminton background.
At professional level - Evonne Cawley was sublime.

That's an interesting observation about badminton. Of course, when do I ever *practice* this shot? Uh…never? Could that be why I suck? Nah, must be my racquet! : )

 

[richardc-s]

The only people that are not pros that seem to hit it well are those with a good level badminton background.

I assume that is because of the wrist flick used in badminton?

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

I normally do the same as you and put it wide cross court! I was also never taught how to hit the shot, I've just figured it out myself. Well I say figured it out... I can't do it very well so I guess I haven't properly figured it out!

I often use a fair bit of wrist when hitting it, but I think that's why it often goes cross court and I struggle to put it DTL. I'll be interested to hear how you're actually meant to hit the shot!

Check out Qureshi at 4:54:

 

[PDJ]

I assume that is because of the wrist flick used in badminton?

Yes. I used to play mixed doubles with a lady - and she was a lady- who was in her 60s but an excellent player with a Surrey County badminton background and an exceptional eye and wrist. She'd hold off.....hold off...and with a flick of the wrist could put the ball any where. Maria Bueno was watching us play and said afterwards to my partner "you are a tennis players player". Praise indeed from a 3 time Wimbledon champion.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

I assume that is because of the wrist flick used in badminton?

One also has to use this shot in racquetball but not in an offensive way: it's usually because the ball is heading away from you towards the back wall but not enough so that you can play it off of the back wall so you sort of have to flick it backwards over your shoulder defensively.

 

[richardc-s]

Check out Qureshi at 4:54:

Nice. I think my problem is that I expect to hit a backhand smash as hard as a forehand one, when in reality it's such a different shot you cannot compare the two.

Like most things I guess it just takes practice... Unfortunately the backhand smash isn't something you get to do very often.

 

[LeeD]

Depends what grip you choose and how well you backhand volley.
Kiteboard can slam a backhand overhead, him western grip. But he's also 6' tall and 225 lbs.
Most players use conti, so a combination of wrist and arm, mostly sharp short angle CC, but if the opponent cheat's that direction, a short push DTL.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

Depends what grip you choose and how well you backhand volley.
Kiteboard can slam a backhand overhead, him western grip. But he's also 6' tall and 225 lbs.
Most players use conti, so a combination of wrist and arm, mostly sharp short angle CC, but if the opponent cheat's that direction, a short push DTL.

Continental here. I just think my timing is off; I *think* I have the more or less correct motion but I'm not releasing my energy at the right moment.

 

[LeeD]

Kinda like a backhand high volley, you have time to backswing and prep, so you go longer there, and you snap the ball with a full motion, or a controlled motion if you're tentative.
Like in doubles, a tentative backhand overhead will keep you IN the point, but barely. A real offensive snapping backhand overhead get's you in an offensive position, which is better than just staying IN the point.
Snap the backhand overhead if you could, aligning the racket, hand, wrist, and forearm at the moment of impact.

 

[g4driver]

I've found the 2HB Ovehead to be much easier to hit than a 1 HB Overhead. I got sick of people lobbying my backhand and set up a ball machine to practice this shot. I probably hit it a few times in each match, and the easiest why to finish a point with it is crosscourt sharp angle in singles or spilt the partners in doubles.

The ball isn't going to go over the fence unless you get a good angle crosscourt, but it is an effective way to turn a defensive position into a point ending shot for yourself.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

I've found the 2HB Ovehead to be much easier to hit than a 1 HB Overhead. I got sick of people lobbying my backhand and set up a ball machine to practice this shot. I probably hit it a few times in each match, and the easiest why to finish a point with it is crosscourt sharp angle in singles or spilt the partners in doubles.

The ball isn't going to go over the fence unless you get a good angle crosscourt, but it is an effective way to turn a defensive position into a point ending shot for yourself.

Are you talking about an actual OH or something closer to a swinging volley with a 2HBH? I'm having trouble picturing a true 2HBH OH.

 

[LeeD]

Connors used to hit a great 2hbh overhead, even jumping from a closed stance on the higher ones.
But I"m an advocate for 2hbh volleys and especially half volleys if you use a 2handed backhand on your groundies.
All the plus's of groundies apply to volleys and backhand overheads, NOT forehand overheads.

 

[kiteboard]

I got paid for a back hand overhead article, where my shot was filmed for the piece, and it took an hour of fiming me, hitting from a constant feeding guy, to get the shots they wanted, and I hurt my calf in the warm up, so the whole time was spent with a pulled calf.

 

[LeeD]

I can attest to Kiteboard's backhand overheads, one handed.
Very similar to most 3.5 level first serves, so it's moving pretty good, with good short CC angles and deep DTL's.

 

[stapletonj]

This shot is tough, but when I have the most success with it is when I KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) the shot. I know this sounds counter intuitive, but when I simply keep my arm straight (one handed BH OH here) and keep my eye on the ball, and let my wrist snap just barely and keep it crosscourt every time because that's where the most court is, I do pretty good. If I try to bend my elbow to get more snap, or try to go down the line, or try to hit it through the opponent (i.e., kill it!) I miss the shot....... every.single.time.

Admit it, your opponent hit a good shot that you partner couldn't handle and you have to scramble over and cover it. It is not the time to try to hit a winner. It is time to stay in the point. BTW, your partner better cross and be ready, because you are making the hero play here just getting to the ball and executing a tough shot.

 

[g4driver]

Are you talking about an actual OH or something closer to a swinging volley with a 2HBH? I'm having trouble picturing a true 2HBH OH.

It is a 2HB overhead. It is not a 2HB Swing Volley.

Imagine a 2H overhead (not backhand) - looks a lot like a 1H Overhead with both wrist snapping forward.

Now hit that same overhead as a backhand. The racquet head is pointed down at the court, with the buttcap pointed up into the sky just like a one hand overhead. As the ball nears the point you intend to hit it, you snap both wrists forward like an one handed overhead and after driving the ball down you immediately pull the buttcap back to the starting position.

A swing volley starts at one spot and finishes across the body similar to a ground stroke. With the 2HB overhead the racquet starts and finishes in the same position.

The key is snapping (hitting) down, then snapping immediately in the opposite direction to bring the racquet back to the starting position with the buttcap facing up in the air.

I don't hit backhand swing volleys, only forehand swing volleys. But I hit overheads off both wings, but my backhand overhead is a 2HB overhead.

http://www.jeffsalzensteintennis.com/the-dreaded-backhand-overheadhave-you-been-taught-wrong-yes/

Jeff's key words in the video at 2:25- I hit this shot learning it on my own through trial and error, but his video explains it very well.

 

[g4driver]

This shot is tough, but when I have the most success with it is when I KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) the shot. I know this sounds counter intuitive, but when I simply keep my arm straight (one handed BH OH here) and keep my eye on the ball, and let my wrist snap just barely and keep it crosscourt every time because that's where the most court is, I do pretty good. If I try to bend my elbow to get more snap, or try to go down the line, or try to hit it through the opponent (i.e., kill it!) I miss the shot....... every.single.time.

Admit it, your opponent hit a good shot that you partner couldn't handle and you have to scramble over and cover it. It is not the time to try to hit a winner. It is time to stay in the point. BTW, your partner better cross and be ready, because you are making the hero play here just getting to the ball and executing a tough shot.

If someone lobs my backhand, the point ends. Yep, sometimes I miss just like a normal overhead, but it is a pretty easy shot once you do it a few hundred times. Not much different than an overhead at the net.

Hit several tonight off my 4.0 teammates in doubles. All point ending shots against my teammates.

There is a very strong 4.0 on my team, IMO and that of many others, the best 4.0 in Charleston, SC. The absolute worse place to hit to him is high to his backhand. He has a beautiful and powerful one handed backhand, and his OHB overhead is the best I've ever seen by a Rec player. It is a kill zone for him. If you lob his backhand, he is going to make you pay the price.

My 2HB overhead is not nearly as smooth or powerful as his, but it is a shot I am glad I can hit with good results.

 

[stapletonj]

kudos to you guys then, g4driver. I've never seen someone really smack one consistently, but then again, I play out in the hinterlands of WV. Now, a high backhand volley? meat on the table, big boy, meat on the table.... hehhehheh

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

Check out the example at 2:50:

 

[g4driver]

S&V,

That's the OHBH Overhead I am writing about. Love that shot.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

S&V,

That's the OHBH Overhead I am writing about. Love that shot.

I watched the slow-mo replay about 8 times to see what he was doing. Looks like I have a new stroke to practice!

 

[g4driver]

It really is easier than it looks- that shot just works naturally due to the angles - I hit the one handed overhead mostly from the deuce court close to the net- I hit that OHBH three times against the same friend on Sunday who kept putting the return right in same spot - three winners

Get a ball machine and set up the machine to lob your backhand to the same spot - you will figure it out - the footwork and hip turn makes your body uncoil naturally

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

It really is easier than it looks- that shot just works naturally due to the angles - I hit the one handed overhead mostly from the deuce court close to the net- I hit that OHBH three times against the same friend on Sunday who kept putting the return right in same spot - three winners

Get a ball machine and set up the machine to lob your backhand to the same spot - you will figure it out - the footwork and hip turn makes your body uncoil naturally

I don't have a ball machine so I simulated a lob by hitting down so the ball bounced on the ground and then up at the wall and then up into the air. Mixed results. I actually suspect in a real match I'd have MORE time than I was giving myself in the drill but even so, I have a lot of work to do on that shot.

 

[g4driver]

I don't have a ball machine so I simulated a lob by hitting down so the ball bounced on the ground and then up at the wall and then up into the air. Mixed results. I actually suspect in a real match I'd have MORE time than I was giving myself in the drill but even so, I have a lot of work to do on that shot.

Get a friend and ball hopper and have him feed the lobs. You will be surprised how quickly you will figure this shot out out. To be honest, it is much easier to hit than a drop shot for me. The drop shot is my Achilles' heel. I simply suck at hitting effective drop shots no matter much I try. I seem unteachable. Hitting 1 out 10 nice drop shots, makes me scared to try them unless I am up 40-0 and I get a short ball with a guy behind the baseline-- so those are rare opportunities and then 9/10 times I screw it up and it's 40-15

 

[edman9898]

I think most tend to use too much wrist action and hence the timing issues. I'm not bad at this shot, and I try to use more of my shoulder and forearm. Like in golf, fast twitch muscles will fail you under pressure, but not the slow twitch muscles.

 

[Enga]

Well, I think I know why sometimes you guys hit it sharp angled crosscourt. Its because its too far over your head, so you're reaching at it, and its already behind you, the only thing you can do is a sort of extreme backhand overhead slice. It happens to me all the time, but I'm by no means a great backhand smasher. If the ball were further out in front, you'd have more control I bet, and get more power.

I think its useful to think of this shot as a "emergency" shot. Just trying to stay in the point, because a lob over the backhand side is actually a really tactical shot.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

Get a friend and ball hopper and have him feed the lobs. You will be surprised how quickly you will figure this shot out out. To be honest, it is much easier to hit than a drop shot for me. The drop shot is my Achilles' heel. I simply suck at hitting effective drop shots no matter much I try. I seem unteachable. Hitting 1 out 10 nice drop shots, makes me scared to try them unless I am up 40-0 and I get a short ball with a guy behind the baseline-- so those are rare opportunities and then 9/10 times I screw it up and it's 40-15

I propose a trade: you teach me the BH OH and I'll teach you the drop shot. I like throwing in a drop shot off of my opponent's 2nd serve out wide to my BH on the ad court. I'm getting the hang of it where half the time I can hit a clean winner that my opponent can't reach. The other times I usually still get it in and my opponent can reach it but can't necessarily hit an offensive reply. I don't seem to have the same proclivity to hit the drop shot off of my FH.

 

[g4driver]

Well, I think I know why sometimes you guys hit it sharp angled crosscourt. Its because its too far over your head, so you're reaching at it, and its already behind you, the only thing you can do is a sort of extreme backhand overhead slice. It happens to me all the time, but I'm by no means a great backhand smasher. If the ball were further out in front, you'd have more control I bet, and get more power.

I think its useful to think of this shot as a "emergency" shot. Just trying to stay in the point, because a lob over the backhand side is actually a really tactical shot.

It isn't an emergency when you have the server behind and you choose to hit the ball rather than let your partner take the shot, because you know your success rate at hitting winners with the shot is north of the 80% line.

It is just a shot most people never develop or practice. Nothing is sacred about it.

 

[Deleted member 23235]

I always practice bhoh as part of my warmup.
I always aim dtl (but goes cc,... to make sure it doesn't go wide).
I use alot of wrist, and i really go after the ball (when I try to dink it back i usually never make good contact)