getting frustrated with dbl-handed backhand

[drummerboy]

Well guys I have a problem with my dbl-hander. As I was younger I used to play one handed but I never got a feeling for it. Then later I switched to dbl-hander and am now playing it. The problem is I lack power in my shots, my shots tend to go long because I make a mistake like opening the racqut face too much. I know that I do that mistake but it just happens and happens. I have some problems hitting high balls on the backhand. I also have trouble generating some decent amount of topspin. I am still not sure with which arm to drive. Is right arm doing majority of the work or is it the left? So I think it has become a lot of mental thing. It's like when I get a ball to backhand I get tense and then the shot is not right. Can someone give me any tips on how to make my dbl-hander solid because it is way behind my forehand which is ok.

Matt

 

[corncob3466]

your left hand (if you're right handed) should be doing most of the work. think of it as hitting a left handed forehand. if you think of it like that, then its easier to hit. you can also control your shots with your left hand. to get good topspin, do just like you would for a forehand. swing from low to high. i have found, however, that you have to develop your own style with a two handed backhand. do what works for you.

 

[drummerboy]

Thanks corncob. I am gonna try it that way but I think it's gonna be hard because if I would try to hit forehand with left hand I don't think I would get any pace or depth. I will try and concentrate more on driving with the left hand. Thanks

Matt

 

[Brent Pederson]

I made the same switch a few years ago when I developed tennis elbow. I started by hitting against the wall, using my right arm to control the swing path (pretended I was hitting my one-handed topspin shot with it), and just started by letting the left hand go along for the ride for stability. It helps to transition by thinking of swinging with the belly-button (hips) and shoulders, rather than the left hand. That's where most of the power comes from anyway. Also, make sure at the farthest point of the backswing, that the but of the racket points toward the target, then accelerate the head through to hit the ball, as if you were snapping a towel, or throwing a frisbee.

Hope this helps.

 

[christian]

Lean into the backhand for more power. Greatest advice I've ever got.

 

[drummerboy]

Lean into the backhand for more power. Greatest advice I've ever got.

Yes christian that is a great advice for sure, but what about the high spin balls to the backhand side. How to handle those?

 

[brijoel]

for the higher spin balls you have two options......

either, learn to take the ball on the rise so you dont have to wait for it to get high
or back up, and let the ball drop back down to you so that it is back in your prime striking zone.
the third option is simply just chip the ball back.
fourth, you can jump up a tad to the ball and swing from there.(for those unexperienced this is highly difficult to time properly and is not something to learn to do during a match)

in every situation the idea is to maximize the ball being in the PROPER area for you to hit. setup is everything with groundies in terms of being in the right position for the shot.

 

[predrag]

The problem is I lack power in my shots, my shots tend to go long because I make a mistake like opening the racqut face too much.
[snip]
I have some problems hitting high balls on the backhand. I also have trouble generating some decent amount of topspin. I am still not sure with which arm to drive. Is right arm doing majority of the work or is it the left?
Matt

My opinion is that you should not be hitting with your arms, but with your shoulders.
Arms are only there to guide the racquet into the ball.
Reason why you do not have power and have a problem with high balls is that you
are not used to dbl-bkhnd movement.

The best model there is for the two hander is Agassi.
Try to find gif files of his backhand.
When I switched to 2-hander, first thing was to teach myself to drive the ball.
Topspin will come later.
The goal is to set up really early. As the ball hits the ground, your shoulders should
be turned. From there, there is no backswing. Step into the ball and drive the
butcap towards the ball. Very important here is that step into the ball.
Try not to lead with any of your arms but drive with your shoulders.
Two arms,extended, together. Uncoil shoulders all the way.
In the beginning, you should point racquet to the target, and not finish by your ear.
Lansdrop claims that this enhances hitting through the ball.

Any additional question, feel free to ask.

Regards, Predrag

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Power really comes from the work your legs are doing. They should be providing a good solid foundation so you feel balanced. Keep your front foot from crossing over and plant it facing a 45 degree angle. What this does is prepares the hips and upper body to rotate into the ball smoothly.

The key area is to relax the upper body - including your shoulders. Your hitting the ball with your back shoulder rotating into the ball and not away from it. If you feel a lack of power, it could be two big areas:

1. You not rotating enough: turn that front shoulder towards the net post for your backswing.

2. You need to relax: If your not relaxed it could be causing you to turn up your wrists right before impact - which sails the ball long. Meet the ball around the front hip area. Your efforts should be going right into that ball.

Rotate, relax, let it fly.

 

[zenmaster]

some ppl let their right hand do more work, but i find it easier to use left hand more. I think you get more control that way and you can practice using just your left hand (like doing a left handed forehand), and that helps. Eventually you'll become ambidextrous and your b-hand will become a weapon!