How to Hit a High Backhand in Tennis
A backhand is one of the most important strokes in tennis. If you can master the backhand, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a great tennis player. In this article, we’ll show you how to hit a high backhand in tennis.
Introduction
In tennis, the backhand is a groundstroke played with the back of the hand facing the ball. For a right-handed player, this is a stroke that begins on the left side of their body, and vice versa for a left-handed player. The backhand can be executed either one-handed or two-handed. It is generally considered less powerful than the forehand, but can be very effective when used properly.
There are several different ways to hit a backhand, but the most common is to use an eastern grip and swing from low to high. This type of swing is called a topspin backhand and is often used by professional players.
#####Hitting a High Backhand
For beginners, it is often easiest to start by hitting the ball flat, or without any spin. This can be done by using an eastern or continental grip and keeping your wrist firm as you swing through the ball. As you become more comfortable with the stroke, you can start adding spin by using a slightly more open grip and swinging from low to high. This type of swing is called a topspin backhand and will make the ball bounce higher over the net.
If you are having trouble hitting the ball cleanly, you can try using a Western grip. This grip gives you more power but less control over where the ball goes. For more control, use an eastern or continental grip as described above.
#####Practice Tips
The best way to improve your backhand is to practice regularly. If you don’t have access to a tennis court, you can practice your strokes against a wall or fence. Start by standing close to the wall and hitting soft balls against it with one hand. As you become more comfortable with the stroke, move further away from the wall and hit harder balls. You can also try using two hands for added power and control.
When you are ready to take your game to the next level, try practicing with a partner. Start by volleying back and forth over a low net before progressing to groundstrokes. If you have access to a tennis court, try practicing your backhand while playing singles or doubles matches. The more you play, the better your skills will become!
The grip
One-handed backhands are not as common as they once were, but the high backhand is still an important shot in the game of tennis. Hitting a high backhand requires a bit more technique than a regular backhand, but it can be a very effective shot if executed properly. Here are some tips on how to hit a high backhand in tennis.
First, you will need to grip the racquet differently than you would for a regular backhand. For a high backhand, you will want to use an eastern forehand grip, which means that your index finger and your thumb should be on opposite sides of the racquet handle. This grip will give you more control over the shot.
Next, you need to position yourself correctly. You will want to be further back from the baseline than you would for a regular backhand, and your weight should be shifted onto your back foot. This will give you more power behind the shot.
When you are ready to hit the ball, take a long swing and make contact with the ball slightly above waist level. The follow-through should be up and over your shoulder, and your non-racket arm should finish across your body. This shot can be tough to master, but with practice it can be a very effective tool in your tennis arsenal.
The stance
Assuming a right-handed player, the first step is to take a step back with the left foot and turn the left foot so that it is perpendicular to the baseline. The right foot should be turned out as well. The player should be standing with his or her feet shoulder-width apart and weight on the balls of both feet, ready to pivot in any direction. The player’s racket arm should be extended out in front, and the non-racket arm should be bent at about a 90 degree angle, with the hand placed on the hip.
The backswing
To hit a high backhand, start by taking a backswing and shifting your weight to your right foot. As you swing your racket back, rotate your shoulder so that your arm is in line with your shoulder. Then, when you reach the top of your backswing, snap your wrist and accelerate your racket head through the ball. Try to make contact with the ball at the top of your swing for maximum power.
The forward swing
Start the forward swing by rotating your shoulders and then your hips. As you start to bring the racket head up, turn your wrist so that your palm faces the ball. As you make contact with the ball, snap your wrist so that your palm is facing the ground. This will give you extra power and spin.
The follow-through
After you contact the ball, your racket should continue traveling up until your arm is fully extended above your head. This is often referred to as a “high follow-through.” As you can see in the picture, Novak Djokovic’s racket is just about to reach its highest point. At this moment, his elbow should be at shoulder height and his wrist should be cocked so that the racket face is pointing towards the sky.
One key point to remember is that you should try to keep your wrist firm throughout the entire stroke. If you let your wrist collapse too soon, you will lose power and control. So keep that wrist cocked until your racket is almost vertical!