Whether you hit a one-handed backhand, a two-handed backhand, predominantly with slice, or solely with topspin, this section will help you polish your backhand to achieve more power, consistency, and control.
By understanding and practicing the technical fundamentals in these videos, you will be well on your way to a more efficient and reliable backhand groundstroke.
We recommend you start with one of our three series of backhand lessons below. We have lessons for the one-handed backhand, the two-handed, and the slice backhand.
From a caterpillar to a butterfly – Two-handed backhand
In this analysis, we superimposed the same player on a two-handed backhand in three age groups - 10, 11 and 13. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or become a memb...
Experiencing the Movement Cycle
The best way to get the feel for the movement cycle is to shadow moving in different directions. Here is an example of a shadowing drill for your players. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, regi...
Working on the Split Step
Here is a good progression to work on the split step, starting with throwing and catching and then incorporating the racquet. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, o...
Improving your First Step
A quick first step is essential for an effective footwork. The following progression will show you how to work on exploding out of the split step. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register her...
Working on Recovering Efficiently
Stopping your momentum and recovering in one fluid efficient movement pattern is one of the most important skills for a tennis player. The goal is to move efficiently without wasting steps. In this video you will understand the theory a...
Recovery
A common mistake on the court is to fail to recover immediately after hitting the shot. The following drill will emphasize just that. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free ...
Move Diagonally Towards the Ball
Moving diagonally towards the ball is much more efficient than moving parallel to the baseline. Not only will you have shorter running distances but you will hit closer to the net taking time away from the opponent. To get a...
How to Deal with Deep, Forcing Shots that Push you Back
Sometimes deep and forcing shots will force you to move back. Here is how you should handle this situation. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or become a member ...
Use The open Stance on Wide Balls
In terms of footwork, an open stance is more efficient when moving to wide balls because it allows the player to return towards the middle of the court without having to take additional steps. Take a look at how this works. ...
Use a Cross-Over Step to Recover when far from the Middle
When a shots gets you close to the sidelines, side steps will not be quick enough to get you back to the ideal court-position. Starting your recovery with a large cross-over step will be much faster and efficient. To get acc...
Recover with a Sense of Urgency
Recovering towards the middle of the court effectively after each shot can make a huge difference on your ability to cover the court. Use the same intensity to recover than you use to run to the ball. Recover immediately and quickly. ...
Stop your Momentum for Better Movement
Avoiding extra lateral steps when running for wide balls will make a huge difference on your ability to cover the court. Rotating the hips as you hit and using the outside leg to stop the lateral momentum is the best way to make sure th...
Use Small Shuffle Steps to Adjust to Slow Moving Balls
Hitting the ball at the perfect distance to the body will minimize mistakes. Work had and use small quick shuffle steps whenever you have time to achieve an ideal strike zone. This will definitely improve the quality of your shot. ...
Always Start Fast then Slow Down
The key to hitting your shots in balance is to get to the ball with enough time to set up before you hit. If you are rushed as you are hitting your chances of making more errors will increase. Always start to the ball quickly and then sl...
Understanding the Split Step
Tennis is a game of constant starting, stopping and changes of direction. In order to change directions quickly and effectively you need to be in balance. The split step is the key to efficient movement. Understand it and practice it un...
Just Move!
Tennis is a game of movement. The better you move the better you play and great movement requires quick reaction. On court you have to be intense, on your toes and ready to chase any shot. There is no room for trying to evaluate if you s...
How to Slide on Clay
Sliding on clay is one of the most important skills to improve your movement on that surface. Here are a few concepts that will help you understand and practice how to do this. To get access to the videos and premium media, ...
Change your Attitude to Improve your On-court Movement
Movement is one of the most important aspects in tennis, and the ability to move better can make a huge difference in a player’s game. Fitness training has become an essential component for every serious player. However, there is one v...
Two-Handed Topspin Backhand Swing Path
In this clip the player backs up far behind the baseline and hits a high defensife topspin shot. The racquet path drops quickly from a position above the shoulders to around knie height. The wrist is fully involved extending towards the ...
One-Handed Topspin Backhand with a Closed Stance (Bird View)
In this demonstration we see a player hitting a one handed topspin backhand. The bird view perspective allows us to see a clear circular swing, the use of the forearm, the contact point in front of the body and the way the racquet head ...
High Defensive One Handed Topspin Backhand
The path of the ball is a resutl of the angle of the swing, the racquet head at contact and the speed of the racquet. here we can cleary see that in order to hit a high ball with ample spin, the racquet head has to drop considerably un...
The Open Racquet Head in the Backhand Lob (Swing Path)
An interesting trayectory of the racquet head on a slice backhand lob. The racquet moves down to the ball and consinues moving down even after conteact before starting to move up. What creates the upward momentum of the ball is the o...
Two-handed backhand dropshot disguised (Back view)
Here we see a nice example of a two handed player disguising a one-handed drop shot. The player sets up as if driving through the ball and changes the path of the racquet at the end of the backswing. To get access to the vide...
Two-handed Backhand Drop Shot Disguised (Bird view)
This bird view of a disguised drop shot allows us to take a close look at the moment the player changes the swing from a two-handed drive to a slice. When executed correctly this maneuver allows the player to fake a penetrating drive and...
Two-handed Backhand Drop Shot Disguised (Front View)
A drop shot at the right time is a wonderful way of disrupting the opponent's rhythm. An effective drop shot will have some slice to force the ball to "die" after the bounce. Ideally it will be hit softly and with finesse so that it land...
One-handed Off-the Bounce Backhand (Side view)
Sometimes during a point the player will not have time to move back and will have to hit a ball right of the bounce. This shot requires a very short backswing and the use of the forearm to square the racquet head to contact. Let's take a...
One-handed Backhand Slice Lob (Sideview)
A good lob is an essential tool for any tennis player. A defensive lob at the right time or an offensive lob when unexpected can change the momentum of the point. Adding slice to a lob will provide the player with extra control. The one ...
One-handed Topspin Backhand Lob (Sideview)
When at the net in doubles angle the short lobs and hit deep lobs through the middle or at the opponent’s feet. A good topspin lob requires great racquet acceleration and hat is not easy with a one handed backhand. To accomplish this s...
One-handed Topspin Backhand at Shoulder Level (Sideview)
One of the most difficult shots to hit for a player with a one-handed backhand is high bouncing ball. This shot requires the player to swing around the body to generate circular momentum and catch the ball at shoulder level. The player ...
One-handed Backhand Topspin Lob Backing up (Sideview)
When the opponent's ball is coming high and deep it is sometimes necessary to back up and hit a defensive shot back. However, the tactical goal is to hit a good enough shot to prevent the opponent from attacking. A high, deep shot with h...
Two-handed Backhand High Contact Point (Front view)
In the front view we can clearly see that even on a high contact backhand the wrists and forearms play an important role as the racquet head drops below the contact point on the backswing before driving up and through contact. The swing ...
One-Handed Topspin Backhand
In this demonstration, our player hits a one-handed topspin backhand. The camera follows from the back allowing us to see in more detail how the player lines up behind the ball and how he uses his upper body rotation in the swing, ...
One-handed Backhand with a Closed Stance (Side View)
In this demonstration, our player hits a one-handed topspin backhand. The camera follows from the side allowing us to see in more detail exactly where the player makes contact and the path of the racquet through contact. From this angle ...
One-handed Backhand Slice with a Closed Stance (Bird view)
In this bird view of the one-handed backhand slice you can clearly see the circular movement of the racquet head around the body. The player wraps the racquet around his body on the backswing and uncoils it as he swings. To ge...
One-handed Backhand Slice Approach (Back view)
This video of the one-handed slice backhand approach from the back show clearly how the racquet head moves high to low and across the body. It also shows how the player remains sideways as he moves through the shot towards the net and on...
One-handed Backhand Slice with a Closed Stance (Backview)
A common misconception about the slice is that the racquet cuts under the ball. As you will see in this analysis, at contact the strings are almost parallel to the net. This back view shows us a clearly the path of the racquet, starting ...
One-handed Backhand Slice with a Closed Stance (Frontview)
The front view of this one handed backhand slice allows us to see how the body stays sideways through the shot and how the arms move in opposite directions to stabilize the body and prevent it from rotating too early. In addition it pres...
One-handed Backhand Slice with a Closed Stance (Side view)
From this side view we get a close look at the racquet path and racquet-head position throughout the swing on this one handed slice backhand. Especially noteworthy is the arm and racquet position at contact. The contact point is slightly...
One-handed Backhand Slice, Low with a Closed Stance (Back view)
In this video we can observe a player hitting a low one-handed backhand slice from the back. In order to hit this shot effectively the player has to take a big step towards the ball to help him lower his center of gravity. In addition he...
One-handed Backhand Slice Approach with a Closed Stance (Front view)
The player hits a one-handed slice approach. From the front view you can clearly see how he uses the cross-over step (carioca step) to force the body to remain sideways as he transitions forwards towards the net. Observe also how the rac...
One-handed Backhand Slice with a Closed Stance (Birdview)
Here we see a player hitting a one handed slice backhand. The camera is straight over him and allows us to observe the angle of the racquet head throughout the swing. As you can see the racquet head starts open, closes to contact and ope...
Two-handed backhand with an open stance (Back view)
More and more players are using an open stance to hit the ball. What used to be an exclusivity of the forehand is now more and more common on the backhand side, especially for players with a two-handed backhand. To get acces...
Two-handed Backhand with a Closed Stance (Back view)
More and more in modern tennis players are hitting their backhands with an open stance, especially those with a two-handed backhand. However, when the player is moving forwards or if the player has time to get behind the ball, a closed s...
Two-handed Backhand with a Closed Stance, Defensive (Front view)
At times players will have to back up to defend against a high deep shot from the opponent, especially on clay. Ideally the player will move back quickly using side steps or cross over steps. He then will try to stop the momentum and hit...
A Better Rotation. Comparing the Two-handed Backhand of Li-Na and a Junior Player
Li Na's technique vs. a junior player. Here we compare the technique of Li Na on a two-handed backhand to the technique of a talented junior to determine what technical elements will have to be addressed to help the young player improve....
Low One-handed Backhand with a Closed Stance (Back View)
In this demonstration, we force our player to hit a low topspin backhand. In order to do this effectively, our player will have to lower his center of gravity by taking a large step to the ball and sinking. This not only, requires more l...
One-handed Backhand with a Closed Stance (Front View)
In this demonstration, our player hits a one-handed topspin backhand. The camera follows from the front allowing us to in more detail how the player lines up behind the ball and how he uses his upper body rotation in the swing. From this...
One-handed Backhand Approach
In this demonstration, our player hits a one-handed topspin backhand, approaching the net. In order to hit this shot effectively the player has to hit the ball with heavy topspin to make it dip over the net and move fluidly through the s...
One-handed Backhand with a Closed Stance (Back View)
In this demonstration, our player hits a one-handed topspin backhand. The camera follows from the back allowing us to see in more detail how the player lines up behind the ball and how he uses his upper body rotation in the swing, From t...
One-handed Backhand Backing Up
In this video we will analyze a one-handed backhand where the player has to back up. From this frontal camera angle we can clearly see how the player moves sideways to get in position and then swings up and around to hit a deep, heavy, h...
Hit Through on the Slice Backhand
To hit a more effective slice backhand, make sure that you are hitting through the ball and not too steeply down at the ball. The best way to think about this is by setting the racquet behind contact on your backswing. That is, if the co...
The Correct Finish on the Slice Backhand
On the slice backhand the racquet head will start open and should also finish open. Here is more on that. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or become a member of...
How to use Rotation for a Better Two handed Backhand
A two handed backhand is much more effective when you involve the whole body. The clip will explain how to use rotation of the body for a more solid two-handed backhand. To get access to the videos and premium media, just lo...
The Backswing on the Two-handed Backhand
The clip will explain the two acceptable ways to take the racquet back on the two handed backhand: the loop backswing and the straight backswing. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here...
Catch the Ball Before it gets too High for a Solid backhand Slice
Ideally you should always avoid hitting the ball above your shoulders on the slice backhand. A very high contact point is much harder to control. Take a look! To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, ...
Hit a Better Slice by Controlling the Height of your Backswing
A common mistake when slicing the ball is hitting down on the ball. In order to hit a more penetrating shot you have to focus on hitting through the shot. Adjusting the height of the backswing to the contact point will help you accompli...
The Role of the Non-Dominant Hand on a Slice Backhand
The non-dominant hand plays a very important role on a slice backhand. It helps stabilize the racquet on the backswing and more importantly, it helps stabilize the trunk. Take a look at how this is done. To get access to the...
How to stabilize the Body on a One-handed Slice Backhand
A common mistake on the one-handed slice backhand is opening the body too early. This is especially common when hitting an approach shot. In order to avoid this, players should get comfortable using a carioca step when approaching the n...
The Best Grip for a One-Handed Slice Backhand
The Clip discusses the best grip to use to hit an effective one-handed slice backhand. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or become a member of „Tennis2Brain“...
Allow your Body to Rotate Better by Stepping into the Shot Correctly
A good footwork is the base of any stroke. A common mistake on groundstrokes, is stepping forwards with the foot parallel to the net. This will make it very difficult for the hips to rotate properly. In order to allow the body to work e...
The Best Grip for a Two-handed Backhand
A solid stroke starts with a strong grip. Without an effective grip, the swing will suffer. I this video you will learn how to hold the racquet to hit a strong two handed backhand. To get access to the videos and premium med...
Release your Forearm for a Solid One-handed Topspin Backhand
Using the forearm correctly is essential to hit a strong one-handed topspin backhand. On an effective shot, as the arm moves towards the ball, the forearm will rotate explosively to accelerate the racquet head up behind the ball. Here i...
The Ideal One-Handed Backhand Grip
A solid stroke starts with a solid grip. In order to hit a firm one-handed topspin backhand, it is very important to place your hand on top of the grip. Using the forehand grip will not allow you to develop solid technique. ...
The Perfect Swing-path on a One-handed Topspin Backhand
If you want to generate speed and spin on your topspin backhand, you have to swing efficiently. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or become a member of „Tennis2...
Keep your Arm Straight on a One-handed Backhand
Avoid bending your elbow, keep your arm straight and try to swing from the shoulder. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or become a member of „Tennis2Brain“, th...
Stay sideways on the One-handed Backhand
The use of the torso is very different on a forehand and on a backhand. Here is how the upper body works on a one-handed backhand. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial...
Backhand Slice for Two-handed Players – Take the Left Arm Back
Many two handed players have a hard time hitting an effective one handed slice because they are used to moving the non dominant hand forward. This will lead to an over rotation of the body and affect the shot. Ideally, both arms should ...
Backhand Slice – Open the Racquet Face on the Backswing
The best way to hit a backhand slice is to keep the racquet head open on the backswing, that is the strings pointing to the sky. This will allow you to swing more fluidly and efficiently at the ball. To get access to the vid...
Backhand Slice – Keep Your Wrist Up
Keeping the wrist up will help you achieve a solid contact point on a backhand slice. Even though you are hitting on a slightly downward path, your racquet head should never drop below your wrist or you will lose control. To...
Backhand Slice – Control the Racquet-face at Contact
Many players believe that in order to hit a backhand slice, the racquet head has to be open at contact. In reality the racquet head has to be almost perpendicular at contact. Having the racquet-face too open will produce more spin but th...
How to Return a Deep Lob that Gets Over your Head
Ideally you should always try to hit an overhead when the opponent lobs. However, there are times when the lob is so deep that you will have to run behind it and hit it after it bounces. In those occasions, it is important that you run t...
Offensive and Defensive Lobs
A lob is an important shot in tennis and can win you many points. There are two types of lobs: The defensive lob which is high and deep and is used to buy you time to recover from a difficult situation and the offensive lob, which is low...
Step Forward to allow your Body to Rotate
When hitting with a closed stance, keep your foot pointing forward to allow your body to rotate freely. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or become a member of „...
Point to your Target for a Better Two-Handed Backhand
In order to hit a strong two-handed backhand, the racquet head needs to stay behind the ball longer. Bringing the racquet-head up too quickly will generate more spin but less power. To get access to the videos and premium med...
Learn to Generate more Topspin on your Two-Handed Backhand
The forearm and wrist of the non dominant arm are responsible for accelerating the racquet head to generate topspin. Use your non-dominant arm as if you where hitting a forehand. Learn how to do this effectively to hit a heavier ball. ...
Keep your Shoulders Level on your Two-Handed Backhand
It is important to keep your shoulders level on your groundstrokes. Your shoulders should remain parallel to the ground and your body should rotate without dipping forwards or backwards to guarantee a more consistent contact point. This ...
The Ideal Two-handed Backhand Contact Point
The right contact point allows the whole swing to flow. Understanding where that contact point is is half the battle. Let’s take a look at the ideal contact point on a two-handed backhand. To get access to the videos and pre...
The Correct Stances for the Two-Handed Backhand
In tennis the force is transmitted from the ground to the racquet so a solid stance makes a hug he difference. For a two handed backhand you can use a closed stance, an open stance or a stance in between. However, avoid stepping across ...
The Right Grip and Contact Point for a One-Handed Topspin Backhand
The right grip will allow you to make contact in front of the body on your one-handed topspin shot. Keeping the ball in front will allow you to swing with more power and control. Understanding the right contact point is half the battle....
Using the Carioca Step on a Short Slice Backhand
When you hit a backhand slice approach shot it is important that the body stays sideways through the shot. In order to accomplish this modify your footwork by using a carioca step. This video shows you how. To get access to ...
Rotate the Body into the Shot for a Solid Two-handed Backhand
Contrary to a one-handed backhand swing where the torso stays sideways, on a two-handed backhand it is very important to rotate into the shot. The hips and torso should be point in forwards at the end of the swing. To get ac...
Two-handed Backhand Drill for the Non-dominant Arm – Part 2
The first part of the drill is to prepare with two hands and hit with the non-dominant arm. The second part is to hit with both hands and release the dominant hand at the end. To get access to the videos and premium media, j...
Two-handed Backhand Drill for the Non-Dominant Arm Part 1
The non-dominant arm is really responsible for generating speed and spin on a two-handed backhand and therefore has to work efficiently. Here is a drill to help you understand the role of the non-dominant arm on this stroke. ...
The Non-Dominant Hand on the Two-Handed Backhand
The non-dominant hand plays a determinant role on the two-handed backhand. It is the source of power and spin. Most great two-handed backhand players easily hit a forehand with their non-dominant arm because they are used to that motion....
The Use of the Non-dominant Arm on the One-handed Backhand
The non-dominant arm plays an important role on the one-handed backhand. It helps take the racquet back on the backswing, and more importantly helps to keep the torso from over rotating on the forward swing by moving opposite the hittin...
The Role of the Forearm in the One-Handed Topspin Backhand
The forearm plays a very important role in a one-handed topspin backhand. It generates racquet-head speed and topspin. The forearm rotates on the backswing to allow the racquet-head to dip under the ball, then as the arm moves forwards t...