Two-Handed Backhand Issues....

[VictorS.]

I've been having a number of issues with my two-handed backhand for quite some time now and have tried just about everything in the book. I think the real issue stems from my lack of coordination and strength on the left side of my body. Even playing basketball growing up, I could dribble fairly well with my left hand. However, shooting even a lay-up with my left was quite difficult. Watching me throw a ball left handed is like watching someone throw a ball for the first time (maybe that's going a little too far but you get the point). My backhands in practice rallies are actually not that bad. The swing pattern is significantly slower in comparison to my forehand however I can get decent pace on the ball and pretty good topspin.

The problem arises in pressure situations such as playing out points. Even if I tighten up (even slightly)....my balls begin to really land short and my opponents easily hit winners as a result. I'm really not sure which direction to really concentrate on. I'm in my mid-20s and I'm wondering if I'm getting to a point where the backhand is just going to always be a tougher shot for me. I'm even considering going to a primarily slice shot on the backhand. It's not my best shot but I've noticed it's often better than my topspin backhand because it tends to stay low and my opponents tend to have difficulty attacking the shot. My current topspin backhand though really lacks pace and depth and unfortunately for me...leads to a number of winners for my opponent.

 

[StraightSets]

I had a very similar problem to you, very similar. My backhand collapsed for about a month. I mishit and hit short regularily. I considered changing to a one handed backhand or using slice, but I knew my used to be quite strong.

My backhand came back to its usual strength when I gripped the racquet looser and softer and had a bigger, faster swing and that seemed to solve the problems.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

...I'm wondering if I'm getting to a point where the backhand is just going to always be a tougher shot for me...

It will always be your weaker side! It is not your natural side. But it can be developed. You have to be determined to strengthen and coordinate that side through drills and repetition. If you have time on your side, you should be out there practicing.

A lot of the twohanders power is coodinating the "hip snap" with relaxed arms sending the racket into the ball. It also comes in handy to sense that slight use of the stomach muscles to send energy into the ball. You will be amazed at how much power can be sent into the ball by just a small use of the stomach muscles.

Dont crossover, it will will kill your twohander.

 

[bkc]

I recently have dropped my right hand off the two-hander (I'm righthanded) and am now using two forehands. Its so simple!