| A common mistake on the backhand is an | | | | correctly struck shot will have a strong centre of |
| over-eagerness to look for the end product of the | | | | gravity compared to the woolly, head lifting option. The |
| shot, before the shot is finished. | | | | bad version will also incorrectly encourage the chest to |
| Like hitting a golf shot and kicking a ball in soccer, it is | | | | open up too soon, causing yet more control problems. |
| essential when hitting a backhand to keep your head | | | | Trust the result of your shot! |
| still on impact, avoiding the temptation to follow the ball | | | | The secret to keeping your head still on contact |
| with your eyes as soon as it leaves your racquet. If | | | | (assuming your ball position is correct) is to trust the |
| you lift your head too soon you will almost certainly pull | | | | result of your shot. So often the reason for looking for |
| the top half of your body back, causing you to lose the | | | | the result too soon is a lack of belief in the result and a |
| much needed control of the shot. | | | | doubt as to whether it will land in the court. This lack of |
| NB. Don't be afraid to exaggerate this a touch - | | | | belief and the lifting of the head is generally the reason |
| keeping your head fixed in the ball contact position that | | | | the shot goes wrong - a kind of self fulfilling prophecy! |
| bit longer than you think is required. | | | | Summary |
| Stronger foundations for the backhand with a still head! | | | | Whether you are double or single-handed on your |
| A well balanced shot with solid foundations and a still | | | | backhand, a still head on contact will result in a |
| head on impact, compared to one where the head | | | | stronger, safer and more accurate shot. |
| looks up too soon, are like chalk and cheese. The | | | | |