Two-handed backhand, good for beginners
Backhand
The other ground stroke is called the backhand. Since the point of contact is performed with back of the hand this shot is perform on the opposite side of the body to the forehand. You may use the non-playing hand: to effect the appropriate grip change; to assist in getting the racket back-swing; or some use to also hit the shot with two hands. The suggested grip is called the Continental grip which is located in the middle of the “V” formed by the thumb and forefinger at 11 o’clock for right handers and 2 o’clock for the lefties on the racket handle.
The backhand stroke follows a forehand stroking sequences. The body turns sideways to the net with the feet spread not greater than shoulder width apart. The racket is drawn back by backswing can be best performed with butt of the racket handle (cocking the wrist) point toward the net. I like to get the racket prepared in the lowest position possible since hitting the ball low to high is easier while some accomplish the backhand stroke with a arc- or loop-like back swing motion.
The eyes maintain a steady contact with the oncoming balls to best to align the middle of the racket strings on contact out on the side low and in front of your body.
Again like the forehand the weight transfers from rear to front foot as if you where throwing the racket to your target. The only difference is that you elbow is in and your arm my form a “L” (start your racket long and low). Greater leverage and control can be fostered when the racket drops below the level of the ball. As the ball approaches, the heel of the hand move from inside the thigh traveling low to high in an inside to outside semi-circle (180 degrees). The more the arm fully extends, pointing toward the target the greater change it will go to that specific destination.
Better form can be accomplished by placing the other hand ( hand without racket if your not hitting with two) down several feet out right behind the racket hand exact spot in which the middle of the racket strings will make contact with the ball. Even greater execution of the backhand will come it the knees, hip and shoulders pivot together fluidly in a motion that greatly resembles the movement of a swivel chair.
The body weight transfer of the backhand stroke is slowed down slightly, so that weight remains on the rear foot long enough for correct ball contact. When players experience a problem with using the body correctly in executing the backhand, I recommend the two-hand stroke to demonstrate the effectiveness of using the knees, hips and shoulders together. However, some players may perfer to hit a one handed backhand with the hands spreading apart.
Again it is up to your own comfort if you hit it with one or two (youngsters sometimes start with two because it may be easier to hold the racket). If you hit a two-handed backhand your non-playing hand rests above the playing hand on the handle for the duration of the stroke. Usually, the playing hand pulls the racket handle through the ball from low to high, inside to outside, semicircular swing. Since the playing arm is closer to the net you may finding it easier to keep your weight on the rear foot until you make contact with the ball low and in front of you.
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