Pace and Control On 1H-BH

[rbowser]

My one-handed backhand is pretty good for my n00b level, says my teacher/coach. Even though it is a shot that is pretty consistent, it's a neutral or weak shot. I can't upload videos of it, which I know will help alot, but I'll just ask: it's in the title: Anways, how do you get more control on the ball? Hit it more in front? I can, but I either prepare my raquet take-back too early or too late. I especially have problems when facing high-boucing topspin balls and fast paced bombs. How should I prepare? Another thing is that my backhand is slow-paced, which opens an opportunity for my higher-level peers to hit a fast winner on me. How do I go on the offensive with my backhand yet still have control? I had a two handed way before, but I'm sticking with the one hand. Any tips, instructions, ideas, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time. :grin:

 

[tricky]

Are you . . .

1) Using an Eastern BH grip (flat, heavy shots), SW grip (high ball and angles), or continental grip (general shots but lacking support)?

2) Using your feet, driving into the ball?

3) Swinging the racquet across your body (bad), or in a straight line toward ball (good?)

4) Initiating the forward swing with the hands/racquet (bad), or with the shoulder (good?)

5) Having a deep shoulder turn (i.e. racquet pointing to side fence?)

6) Tracing the forward swing in a U pattern?

7) Using your feet, driving into the ball? (see 2)

 

[YonexDude]

Are you . . .

1) Using an Eastern BH grip (flat, heavy shots), SW grip (high ball and angles), or continental grip (general shots but lacking support)?

2) Using your feet, driving into the ball?

3) Swinging the racquet across your body (bad), or in a straight line toward ball (good?)

4) Initiating the forward swing with the hands/racquet (bad), or with the shoulder (good?)

5) Having a deep shoulder turn (i.e. racquet pointing to side fence?)

6) Tracing the forward swing in a U pattern?

7) Using your feet, driving into the ball? (see 2)

that's about it. concentrate on those things one at a time and i can bet you'll improve. also, remember to initiate your swing by snapping your racquet out of your takeback hand (the hand that is holding the throat). this will help you accelerate the racquet INTO the line of ball.

also, pretend that instead of hitting one ball, you're hitting a line of balls that are lined up end-to-end. that way you'll hit THROUGH the ball better and get more of a drive on your shot.

these tips helped me a lot with my 1 handed backhand. remember to "spread your wings" too have the left hand do the same as the right, it'll act like a counterbalance and give you more control because you won't be opening up your shoulder

 

[Solat]

don't take offense, as it is good that you are keen to improve and its great that you are exploring different avenues to get there.

but you admitted in your OP that you are a new player, and have a good backhand for the level you are at, even tho you have recently changed from a 2hb to a 1hb. Don't expect more then necessary, take the time to develop the stroke, don't look for quick "bandaid" solutions.

As far as your q's go, tricky has covered the key points, but to be more specific to your q: you cannot have control with power unless you are using heavy spin. Spin is how to best control the ball at pace but it takes time to learn especially with a 1hb. What I believe to be more important then you worrying about power of your stroke is to concern yourself more with the depth that you get the ball. Basically it is very hard to attack a deep ball, regardless of pace, so if you can be more consistant in the depth you achieve you will be exploited less on that wing.

It would also be an option to work on slice backhands as they tend to be much easier to utilise in a defensive situation, if you are having trouble against high balls and fast balls then a slice bh has a more compact swing with a stronger wrist position so that you can handle the difficult balls more easily.

 

[joeyscl]

practicing in general helps... provided that the stroke is correct in the first place