Tennis is a complex sport, requiring a combination of power, agility, and precision. One of the most important strokes in tennis is the backhand, which can be used to defend or attack. Teaching a beginner the backhand is a challenging task that requires patience, repetition, and skillful instruction.
In this article, we will discuss the fundamentals of the backhand, the various types of backhands, the key components to consider when teaching the backhand, and the drills and exercises that can be used to improve a player’s backhand technique.
The Fundamentals of the Backhand
Before teaching a beginner the backhand, it is important to understand the fundamentals of the stroke. The backhand is a two-handed stroke that is used to hit a tennis ball on the opposite side of your body. The backhand is typically used to hit a ball that is either to the left or right of you.
The backhand can be performed using either a one-handed or two-handed grip. The one-handed backhand is the most common type of backhand and is used by most players. The two-handed backhand is typically used by players who want extra power and stability.
Types of Backhands
There are several different types of backhands that can be used in tennis. The most common types of backhands are the topspin backhand, the slice backhand, the flat backhand, and the drop shot backhand.
- The topspin backhand is a powerful stroke that involves a lot of spin. The ball is hit with a lot of topspin, which causes it to bounce high and fast.
- The slice backhand is used to hit a shot that has a lot of backspin. This type of backhand is useful for keeping the ball low and forcing your opponent to reach for the ball.
- The flat backhand is a powerful stroke that is used to hit a hard and fast shot. The flat backhand is often used to hit a winner.
- The drop shot backhand is a soft shot that is used to hit a short, low-bouncing shot. This type of backhand is used to keep your opponent off balance.
Components to Consider When Teaching the Backhand
When teaching the backhand, there are several key components to consider. These components include the grip, the stance, the swing, and the follow-through.
Grip
The grip is one of the most important components to consider when teaching the backhand. It is important to teach the player how to hold the racquet correctly in order to maximize power and control.
The most common grips are the Continental and the Eastern. The Continental grip is the most popular grip used in tennis and is used for both one-handed and two-handed backhands. The Eastern grip is used for one-handed backhands and is slightly less popular than the Continental grip.
Stance
The stance is an important component of the backhand and should be taught to the beginner. The stance should be comfortable and balanced. The player should be in an open stance with their feet shoulder-width apart, their weight evenly distributed, and their knees slightly bent.
Swing
The swing is the most important component of the backhand and should be taught carefully. The swing should be smooth and fluid. The player should bring the racquet back with their dominant arm and bring it forward with their non-dominant arm.
The player should aim to hit the ball at the peak of their swing. The player should also aim to hit the ball in front of their body to maximize power and control.
Follow-Through
The follow-through is the final component of the backhand and should be taught to the beginner. The follow-through is the motion of the racquet after the ball has been hit. The follow-through should be smooth and fluid and should bring the racquet back to the starting position.
Drills and Exercises to Improve the Backhand
Once the fundamentals of the backhand have been taught, it is important to practice and improve the technique. Here are some drills and exercises that can be used to improve the backhand:
- Racquet drills: These drills involve striking the ball with the racquet. The player should practice hitting different types of shots, such as topspin, slice, and flat backhands.
- Footwork drills: These drills involve moving around the court and hitting shots from different positions. The player should practice moving to the ball quickly and hitting the ball with the correct technique.
- Serve and return drills: These drills involve hitting serves and returning them. The player should practice hitting serves to the backhand side and returning them with the correct technique.
- Volley drills: These drills involve hitting volleys. The player should practice hitting volleys from different positions and with different techniques.
Conclusion
Teaching a beginner the backhand can be a challenging task. It is important to understand the fundamentals of the stroke, the various types of backhands, the key components to consider when teaching the backhand, and the drills and exercises that can be used to improve the technique. With patience, repetition, and skillful instruction, a beginner can learn the backhand and become a competent player.