How to improve my 2h backhand?

[HappyLefty]

As you can see in my signature, I have a "modest 2HBH" (try to be positive with this expression...).
During 2005 I've been trying to improve my two hands backhand with very poor results. During training sessions (twice a week) I made relative good shots. My problem is when I play a match; I don't trust my backhand, so I'd rather slice the ball or perform a poor return.
I do my best during training, but seems to be not enough.
Is there any progressive system, any tip or secret to get a better performance from my BH?
I appreciate the time you take to respond my question.

 

[Rickson]

As you can see in my signature, I have a "modest 2HBH" (try to be positive with this expression...).
During 2005 I've been trying to improve my two hands backhand with very poor results. During training sessions (twice a week) I made relative good shots. My problem is when I play a match; I don't trust my backhand, so I'd rather slice the ball or perform a poor return.
I do my best during training, but seems to be not enough.
Is there any progressive system, any tip or secret to get a better performance from my BH?
I appreciate the time you take to respond my question.

Switch to a one hander and you won't have to worry about the 2 hander any more.

 

[Geezer Guy]

Gee-whiz man. You hit good backhands TWICE A WEEK when you're training, but then you're afraid to hit them during a match? What's up with that?

Come on bud, let loose and let'er rip!

You've got to trust your shots and go for them - even if you miss at first and lose a few meaningless matches. So what!? If you really go for your shots and groove your stroke, the balls WILL start going in. You just need to invest the effort. While you're learning this new and improved shot, EXPECT to lose a few matches. It's the price you pay for improvement, and it WILL pay off in the long run.

 

[Mahboob Khan]

Drill 1: Hit a basket or two with your righty forehand (I presume you are a lefty). This will involve your right hand in the hitting process as well.

Drill 2: Hit a basket or two with 2-handed BH.

Drill 3 (live ball drill with a partner). Establish a backhand cross-court rally; on an easier ball hit a winner down the line.

Drill 4: Establish a backhand cross court rally, on an easier/short ball hit a slice approach down the line and close in for volley.

 

[HappyLefty]

Drill 1: Hit a basket or two with your righty forehand (I presume you are a lefty). This will involve your right hand in the hitting process as well.

Drill 2: Hit a basket or two with 2-handed BH.

Drill 3 (live ball drill with a partner). Establish a backhand cross-court rally; on an easier ball hit a winner down the line.

Drill 4: Establish a backhand cross court rally, on an easier/short ball hit a slice approach down the line and close in for volley.

Great advice Mahboob Khan. I'm sure these drills will improve my self-confidence and technique. How about to practice with the wall?

 

[HappyLefty]

Switch to a one hander and you won't have to worry about the 2 hander any more.

NO Thanks!

 

[JeffH1]

How about to practice with the wall?

Walls are great. Make sure they have a line accross them at proper net height. Take chalk and draw targets to hit (left, center, right). The only problem with wall hitting is that you can't tell the depth of the shot. Also, watch your pace. Keep it slow so you can check your form.

 

[Docalex007]

Switch to a one hander and you won't have to worry about the 2 hander any more.

Damnit, you said it before I could.

 

[livthemoment]

Here is something i do when i make a change or try to improve.

Unless it is a tournament,
Play your matches with an indifference to losing. it is basically play to lose. If you are working on that 2-handed backhand, hit and swing like you would for practice during the match. If you lose, so what, you will feel like you accomplished your goal for the match if you stuck with hitting your 2 handed backhand aggressive the entire match.
You will lose, but you won't be losing because you cannot beat the opponent if you used old tactics; you will lose because you are working on something new.
I always come away feeling good... because I know once i am proficient at what I am practicing, i will destroy my opponent.

This allows me to get over mental blocks that occur from making distinctions between practice and matches.

 

[jtreed2000]

All good advice. Sounds like you need match time with the stroke you really want to use. Don't let fear of losing keep you from making changes. The lack of slice (esp if using topspin) alone should help keep the ball in the court while you're making this change. The difference between match/practice is mental, so you just need to build a little confidence. Commit to it once the important matches are out of the way and soon you'll see good results. If not, perfect your slice. : )
Good luck!

 

[ReturnAce]

First off, I VASTLY prefer a two-handed backhand to a one-hander (and yes, I've tried both). A 2HB gives you much more power and control to work with, and is generally more consistant than a one-hander. But that's just my opinion.

As for improving your backhand, most things have already been said. As far as the actual technique, that varies. You want to make sure you're hitting through the ball at a comfortable height (I say that because waist level isn't the best hitting zone for everyone. I like to hit my backhand at about thigh level, and I know a few players who hit their best backhands up around their shoulders), and getting a decent follow-through over your left shoulder.

hope this helps.

 

[jtreed2000]

Good points. I agree about the 2HB and consistency. Reach and having a little extra pop (more leverage) are the advantages of a 1HB, but at the cost of control.

One simple thing to think of while you're practicing, step into the ball and keep your leading shoulder down. The leading hand is the guide. Power comes from the trailing arm, good weight shift (to the ball), and acceleration through the shot. Flexibility helps, which may be why older and less mobile players use a 1HB. It also requires better/more disciplined technique in my opinoin.

 

[Thanatos]

As you can see in my signature, I have a "modest 2HBH" (try to be positive with this expression...).
During 2005 I've been trying to improve my two hands backhand with very poor results. During training sessions (twice a week) I made relative good shots. My problem is when I play a match; I don't trust my backhand, so I'd rather slice the ball or perform a poor return.
I do my best during training, but seems to be not enough.
Is there any progressive system, any tip or secret to get a better performance from my BH?
I appreciate the time you take to respond my question.

HappyLefty, you may want to take video of your BH and post it. I didn't realize how horrendous my 2-handed BH was until I video it. Afterwards I was able to pinpoint which part of my body was not performing correctly. It took me many weeks trying to figure it out. With the video, I was able to locate the problem within hours.

 

[RODMAN511]

try leaving a space (2 inches) between your hands. i'm a lefty too with a 2hbh. i find that i get more power and control out of this than having the hands close together. just give it a try.

 

[jtreed2000]

Video is a great idea. If the problem isn't obvious, you might be able to send it to someone who'll take a look. Even this message board?

Rodman511, you will have more control with the hands apart, but you won't achieve maximum power this way. This is more like a punch than a swing. The racquet is a lever, so the longer it is from the point it pivots (shorter in your case), the faster the head moves. Increased velocity equals increased power. That's why longer racquets offer faster serves, etc. It's personal preference though, so whatever works. I wouldnt' change this unless you're looking for long term benefits.
I put my right palm around the butt and my left hand nearly in the position of a lefty forehand. This equals a longer lever, so more power.

 

[HappyLefty]

Video is a great idea. If the problem isn't obvious, you might be able to send it to someone who'll take a look. Even this message board?

Rodman511, you will have more control with the hands apart, but you won't achieve maximum power this way. This is more like a punch than a swing. The racquet is a lever, so the longer it is from the point it pivots (shorter in your case), the faster the head moves. Increased velocity equals increased power. That's why longer racquets offer faster serves, etc. It's personal preference though, so whatever works. I wouldnt' change this unless you're looking for long term benefits.
I put my right palm around the butt and my left hand nearly in the position of a lefty forehand. This equals a longer lever, so more power.

Good tip.
Some of you know a free site for posting my video?

 

[jtreed2000]

WMV will probably be the smallest format (low quality), so you could get a few strokes for less than 1 mb. As far as hosting just do a google search for "free storage" and you can probably find something. My ISP allows 10mb which is pretty standard, but not very big.