How to improve my 2 handed backhand in matches

[Graham Scott]

Hi,

I've been trying to learn a 2 handed backhand for a while now, and although it's slowly getting better, I still can't use it in matches. It simply falls to pieces. I think I'm usually late on the shot and the ball goes long out of the court. I feel like it's a struggle for me to keep it in the court. My slice backhand is pretty good, so I always revert to this. I also persevered with a one handed topspin backhand for 18 months and didn't get anywhere.

However, when I play with a coach or use a tennis wall my 2 handed backhand is fine. I sometimes hit winners from the baseline and it's so satisfying

Is it simply a matter of plugging away and force myself to use it in matches and it'll gradually improve?

 

[3loudboys]

It could be that you're focusing on the outcome in your matches rather than the learning process. You could try setting yourself some process goals before a match like hitting consistent trading backhands or taking the backhand further out in front if you feel you're late. Even write them down and have them in your bag. Everyone wants to win but whilst you're learning a new technique measure its success in terms of applying the correct method. You'll find it develops quicker and the results will improve because of that change in focus.

Sent from my SM-A705FN using Tapatalk

 

[Dragy]

Being late is not a typical reason behind hitting the ball out, unless you absolutely try to smack it with all you have.
Basic reason for balls flying long is racquet face is too open:
- check your grip, dom (low) arm conti, off-arm (high on handle) eastern to semi-western;
- check if you are hitting too far in front: you want to be hitting with decent sideways spacing and just in front of your dominant side hip;
- strongly related with the above: check if your racquet face is dangling well below handle at contact - racquet should be horizontal at contact for your default strikezone.

 

[spaceman_spiff]

Footwork.

The difference between practice and matches is that people hit to you in practice and away from you in matches. They also hit harder, so you often have less time to prepare.

You need to work on your footwork and play more practice sets, tiebreakers, etc.

 

[travlerajm]

If you are able to post a vid clip, view from behind or from front preferably, we might be able to help identify a quick fix.

 

[Graham Scott]

Thanks so much for the replies. I think there are a lot of valid points here. I think my footwork could be better, probably because I'm not reacting early enough and getting in position to hit the shot. Also, I like the idea of taking the pressure off and trying some practice sets or tiebreaks.

 

[spaceman_spiff]

See if you can play a practice set with your coach watching. That way, he/she can give you feedback one what’s going wrong.

 

[Graham Scott]

Well that was better! I played today (admittedly against a weaker opponent) and won 6-2 6-1. In the first set I played my normal game, and in the second set, I just took the pressure off and said to myself "It's just a practice set. Forget the score". I forced myself to hit a lot more 2 handed backhands and it worked really well. I hit some really nice returns and I was able to turn defence to attack despite being pinned back on the baseline on the backhand side a few times. I have always struggled to do that with the one hander.