Limited backhand...Limited Game??

[VictorS.]

I have a question concerning backhands. I honestly hate to self-rate myself because obviously we all have inflated opinions of our own abilities. However, from the baseline against most 4.5-5.0 players I'm really able to dictate points with my forehand with pretty good precision. I get a lot of topspin and good pace. However my backhand is another story. At times I've had trouble with consistency however now it's more of a directional issue. Because I can't really move a player around with my backhand I end up hitting it with good pace but with a ton of topspin. (When consistent) my backhands lands very deep and high with above average pace. Most players can't really take advantage of this shot when I'm consistent however it bothers me that I almost never get winners off my backhand side. Now perhaps I'm knit-picking. How common is this in general? Obviously guys like moya and roddick are prime examples of guys with weaker backhands. The thing about my backhand is: it seems to be a directional issue not really an issue of pace or depth. Can this easily be fixed?

BTW, I have a two handed backhand and I'm right handed. My backhand is similar in a sense to someone like jim courier although not as extreme in the grip. I don't really get that smooth follow-thru that you see with all the great twohanders (agassi, chang, etc). However, this is the swing that feels most natural. I've tried to get a more fluid swing but i just can't muster the pace on the ball that I can with my normal swing. My right hand is probably like in a eastern bh grip while my left hand is in somewhat of a semi-western/western grip.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

I have a question concerning backhands. I honestly hate to self-hate myself because obviously we all have inflated opinions of our own abilities. However, from the baseline against most 4.5-5.0 players I'm really able to dictate points with my forehand with pretty good precision. I get a lot of topspin and good pace. However my backhand is another story. At times I've had trouble with consistency however now it's more of a directional issue. Because I can't really move a player around with my backhand I end up hitting it with good pace but with a ton of topspin. (When consistent) my backhands lands very deep and high with above average pace. Most players can't really take advantage of this shot when I'm consistent however it bothers me that I almost never get winners off my backhand side. Now perhaps I'm knit-picking. How common is this in general? Obviously guys like moya and roddick are prime examples of guys with weaker backhands. The thing about my backhand is: it seems to be a directional issue not really an issue of pace or depth. Can this easily be fixed?

BTW, I have a two handed backhand and I'm right handed. My backhand is similar in a sense to someone like jim courier although not as extreme in the grip. I don't really get that smooth follow-thru that you see with all the great twohanders (agassi, chang, etc). However, this is the swing that feels most natural. I've tried to get a more fluid swing but i just can't muster the pace on the ball that I can with my normal swing. My right hand is probably like in a eastern bh grip while my left hand is in somewhat of a semi-western/western grip.

Direction comes from where you hit the ball (centered for down-the-line or the outside of the ball for crosscourt). Or when you hit the ball (earlier or a tad later).

Trying to arm it to a direction will not help you. Try and use your oblique muscles (stomach area) to initiate your rotation. It is a very light burst of energy that transfers energy up to the shoulders for a powerful yet controlled rotation into the ball. While you're doing this, relax the arms and hit the ball going through it.

You should be able to see a marked improvement if done correctly.

If your backhand is naturally the weaker side (which for most of us it is) use it to setup your forehand. Your backhand can then be used to maintain the rally (consistency) and for placement.

Hitting winners from the backcourt from both sides is difficult. Usually a player will use one side or the other (whichever they are strongest in) to hit the winner from if they opened the court enough.

It is what I do. I dont try to hit winners from the backhand side unless it is painfully obvious I should. I either hit to move the ball to get a forehand or if I can, I will run around the backhand to hit the forehand. If pros do it, we can too!

 

[andreh]

I'm also weaker on bh side. I use my backhand to approach the net. Backhand slice approach to the opponents backhand is the common stroke I use on that side. I attack on anything that's remotely short. That, and passingshots that are clearly on the backhandside. Sometimes, though, I can't resist trying to hit a winner of the backhand side, but almost always regret it!

 

[Cuzza]

Victor S,

I have a similar problem with the one you have- consistent, top spin; but no real directional strength and therefore scarce winners (apart from the occasional down the line).

My backhand does seem better when hitting down the line.

I usually use my backhand to put the ball deep with topspin which-:

1) Sets up my forehand.

OR

2) I come into the net and try to win the point from there. Usually a less powerful, high shot comes from returning a deep ball wth heavy topspin.

I am interested in gaining a better directional backhand.

 

[VictorS.]

The thing is, I've been working on the ball machine for quite some time now. I've really seen real gains on my forehand side and while I think my backhand is also progressing...it just doesn't seem to be improving at a similar rate. I'm wondering if I should kind of let it go for now...keep on working on it (but not harp on it). There's no doubt my backhand is the shot I probably work on most in practice.

I like Roddick's approach. Obviously his backhand is weak in comparison to his monster forehand....and he's well aware of that. But it doesn't seem to bother him....he works within the framework of his game and doesn't really go for a whole lot on that backhand side. I've noticed when I really just focus on hitting thru the ball and getting good clearance, that my backhand is very consistent (although maybe not a "weapon").

 

[coach ya]

your backhand is fine just hit it crosscourt and you will be able to finish it off with the forehand you dont need to hit winners off your backhand side trust me as long as its
deep and crosscourt you will win consistency is the key to tennis not hitting winnners howver fun that is lol

 

[tennisboy87]

My backhand is also weaker than my forehand, but I can be pretty consistent with my backhand, which is all I really need it to be. I usually just hit it deep crosscourt, and then wait for a forehand or run around and hit a forehand. I'm a sectionally and nationally ranked junior getting ready to play college tennis next year, so I think I've done pretty well considering my backhand is not a huge weapon. I think the more backhands I hit, the better it will get. It just takes time and a lot of effort, but if you keep at it, your backhand will steadily improve.

 

[Ken]

I'd keep working on your backhand, have the ball machine consistently feed to one place. Aim your first BH xcourt, the second down the line. Just keep switching directions. After maybe 10 minutes, change the place you're hitting at.

Or if your backhand begins to become more of a liability, I'd develop a good BH slice. Many, many pros who cannot hit good topspin or flat shots with their backhand (by good, I mean not as good as the rest of the "pro level"), almost always used slices. Steffi Graf for example.

The slice will help you set up a point, keep away strong replies, and also give you time to get back into position or attack the net.

I'd also practice running around your backhand to hit forehands. I'm sure you already know (you're a 4.5-5.0, way above my level), but take your right foot back (if you're a righty) and just start backpedaling.

coach ya, it's not always as simple as hitting it crosscourt and deep. Consistency IS key, but at higher levels you need to be able to win with your weapons, or "match up your weapon to an opponent's weakness". If it's not strong enough, it WILL be put away. Crosscourt allows him to be more consistent with his backhand, but being able to choose his direction better will allow him to be a better player.