how to improve backward movement specifically?
- Thread starter tonygao
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tennis_balla
Hall of Fame
Hand feed drills with a coach, pushing you back and paying close attention on how you move, feet positioning and staying behind the ball at all times.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlhvLQCVOak
Here is one example of a drill that can be done, even though he feeds it with a racket, this can be fed with hands as well or the way he does it, it doesn't matter. The reason its better to do hand feeds in this situation in my opinion is the coach has complete control over the players movements and can manipulate them exactly how he wants them. Plus, the ball has no pace, so the player has to work harder to generate pace, thus if you're sloppy, lazy, sluggish or out of position, the ball is going nowhere.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlhvLQCVOak
Here is one example of a drill that can be done, even though he feeds it with a racket, this can be fed with hands as well or the way he does it, it doesn't matter. The reason its better to do hand feeds in this situation in my opinion is the coach has complete control over the players movements and can manipulate them exactly how he wants them. Plus, the ball has no pace, so the player has to work harder to generate pace, thus if you're sloppy, lazy, sluggish or out of position, the ball is going nowhere.
In addition to the drills, you have to remember, you don't packpeddle.
Instead, you get your feet fore and aft, then move back and to the side.
If the ball is hit directly at you, move forwards and volley it out of the air.
Of course, there are many opportunities when moving directly back is rewarding, like for deep lobs, but generally on groundies, try not to move back if the ball is hit directly at you, because moving forward gives you an attacking approach shot leading to a volley or overhead, to end the point.
Instead, you get your feet fore and aft, then move back and to the side.
If the ball is hit directly at you, move forwards and volley it out of the air.
Of course, there are many opportunities when moving directly back is rewarding, like for deep lobs, but generally on groundies, try not to move back if the ball is hit directly at you, because moving forward gives you an attacking approach shot leading to a volley or overhead, to end the point.
thanks Balla, so the sanchez V drills are the way to go. is there any vid explaining the footwork pattern for moving backwards for deep balls? or it's just turn the body and side shuffle? and one more thing, is practicing running backward gonna help with this?
tennis_balla
Hall of Fame
Sometimes you shuffle, sometimes you gotta cross over step to get that first powerful step then backpedal. It all depends on your situation, positioning etc. In almost all situations however, first step big and powerful then gets smaller and more fine tuned.
dominikk1985
Legend
you turn and sidestep.
that is the first thing you learn in an overhead, never backpedal. an outfielder in baseball also never backpedals.
is there any sport where players backpedal?
that is the first thing you learn in an overhead, never backpedal. an outfielder in baseball also never backpedals.
is there any sport where players backpedal?
WildVolley
Legend
Yes. Balla had links to videos showing Nadal running backwards to hit a forehand.
It is an efficient move, but looks like something that needs to be practiced.
While he IS backpedalling, he's mostly moving to the side and slightly back.
Yes, it is backpedalling.
But generally, if you're in mid hash position on the baseline, do not move back, instead, move forwards and low volley an approach shot to one of the corners, preferably DTL or to the backhand side.
Yes, it is backpedalling.
But generally, if you're in mid hash position on the baseline, do not move back, instead, move forwards and low volley an approach shot to one of the corners, preferably DTL or to the backhand side.
tennis_balla
Hall of Fame
Yup, this video. Both forehands from the backhand corner he backpedals. Sidestepping is too slow in this situation and he would never get to those balls. There's a time to side step and there's a time to do what Nadal does here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrbeHRQ46gw
In the slow mo replay, check the first cross over step he does to get himself going. Thats the key.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrbeHRQ46gw
In the slow mo replay, check the first cross over step he does to get himself going. Thats the key.
Topspin Shot
Legend
Move backward on a diagonal, keeping your body behind the ball and making sure your left foot is firmly planted before you swing for a backhand. If you must hit off your back foot, lift your body vertically rather than falling backward.
