| Yes, it's a simple question, but unfortunately, the | | | | should be perpendicular to the net. You should keep |
| answer is fairly complicated. How to hit a backhand is | | | | them in this position while hitting the ball. |
| one of the first things that new tennis players ask | | | | While you are running to the ball, start bringing your |
| about. New players realize pretty quickly that the | | | | right arm back across your body. Your arm should be |
| forehand is fairly easy, especially when compared to | | | | slightly bent, but your wrist should remain straight. Use |
| the backhand. Most new players think that they can | | | | your left hand to steady the racquet while you are |
| just pick up the game by watching other people. But | | | | waiting for the ball. |
| soon they realize that it's not as simple as it looks. | | | | Once the ball starts to arrive, let go with your left hand |
| When someone asks me how to hit a backhand, this | | | | and start your swing. Keep the face of the racquet |
| is what I tell them. | | | | perpendicular to the ground as you swing and gradually |
| For the sake of this tutorial, I will just assume that you | | | | straighten your right arm. By the time you hit the ball, |
| are a right hander. If you are a left hander, just make | | | | your arm should be straight. Rotate your hips and |
| the appropriate reversals. I will also assume that you | | | | shoulders during the swing, this where your power |
| are using the one-handed backhand because some of | | | | comes from. |
| the directions are different for the two-handed | | | | It is important to follow through with your swing even |
| backhand. You can always add the two-handed | | | | after you hit the ball. You should end up with a straight |
| backhand if you need more power. | | | | arm pointing in the direction of the net and your |
| The first thing is to use the Eastern grip | | | | racquet should be above your head. |
| If you're playing a game and ball goes to your | | | | Even after hitting the ball, keep your eye on the |
| backhand side, it's important to keep both eyes on the | | | | contact point for half a second or so before you look |
| ball. This isn't easy to do, because you have turned | | | | up at the ball trajectory. This will help with your follow |
| your body to run to the ball, but it's important because | | | | through. |
| you need both eyes to determine depth perception in | | | | Now that you know how to hit a backhand, it's |
| relation to the ball. | | | | important that you practice your backhand each time |
| When you are running to the ball, you will be temped to | | | | you play. Remember, the only way you'll get better is |
| use large steps. Try to resist the temptation to do this. | | | | to practice. Knowing how you're supposed to do |
| Try to use small steps so you won't overrun the ball. | | | | something and actually doing it are two different things. |
| When you move to the ball, your shoulders and hips | | | | If you practice, you will get better. I guarantee it! |