Learn Tennis – The Backhand
Posted on June 19, 2009
Filed Under Tennis
Learning how to play tennis is all about fundamentals. The backhand is the second most common shot in tennis and should be learned in tandem with the forehand. The process of hitting a backhand is the similar to the forehand stroke. This article will show how to hit a two hand backhand.
Using the two-handed backhand stroke is the most common for beginning players. Having two hands on the racket will increase the control and placement of the ball. However, a one-handed backhand stroke generates more power and explosiveness. There are four elements to the backhand stroke; positioning, shoulder turn, strike and follow-through.
Being passive when hitting the ball is a sure fire-way to hit a weak backhand. Take an aggressive stance when hitting the ball by going to the ball instead of letting the ball come to you. You can shuffle to the ball, plant your feet and make sure that your feet are a shoulder length apart. Being in the right spot before the ball lands will ensure that your shot is explosive and controlled.
Your shoulders should be turned and the racket should be pulled back above waist level. Both hands should be grabbing the racket and both shoulders should be turned perpendicular to the net. Having your shoulders turned before the ball comes is important because it will give you enough time to increase racket speed, this will ensure a clean strike and follow through.
Hit the ball hard. Don’t be afraid to swing through the ball as this is the only way you’ll feel where to strike the ball. When hitting the ball, strike low and follow through high. Your strike should be around waist level and your racket should still be above your wrists. Follow through the ball by lifting up on the racket and swinging across the body. Your racket should be across the opposite shoulder if you have swung through the ball correctly.
If you follow the steps outlined in the paragraphs listed above, you will definitely hit a proper backhand in no time. Practice is the key to any sport and not all the steps I listed will be suitable for your playing ability. The important part of tennis is learning what feels right to you.
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VIDEOS To Learn Tennis With
This is a great program put together by a professional tennis coach and is designed as a 'tennis for beginners' step-by-step video manual. You can do your tennis lessons online over and over again until you know it back-to-front and then go out and practice what you have learnt.
Learning To Play Tennis: Instructional Videos For Tennis Beginners. AND for Free video clips of the training CLICK HERE.
PLUS 1 OF 2 BONUSES AVAILABLE :
