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Develop
Consistency
for the Backhand
Top Ranked IRT Pro,
Mike Guidry, show us why he has one of the most consistent backhand
stroke by following the five backhand steps. Guidry points out that,
“The most important thing on the backhand is to swing level and hit the
ball out in front of you.”
The Grip
The grip is rotated about one
quarter of a turn toward the front wall in order to make the racquet
head parallel to the front wall. If you keep a forehand grip while
hitting a backhand, the ball will have a tendency to rise. The rotated
grip will help keep the ball level after contact, thus making for a more
consistent backhand.
Racquet Preparation
Today’s
professional players use a much more efficient and powerful racquet
preparation and stroke. The racquet is reaching towards the backwall and
away from the body. The racquet head is upright and the elbow is
slightly bent, but level and away from the body. The wrist is straight
and not curled as been taught in the past. This way allows for a swing
that is basically straight across and level. Try to avoid curling the
wrist because it is only wasted motion and has no positive benefit.
Elbow Movement
The elbow moves in a
level motion that extends away from the body. This type of motion will
cause the racquet to generate head speed as well as keep it level
through contact. One of the key to the backhand stroke is to keep the
elbow away from the body. When practicing your backhand, drop the ball
farther away from your body so that you have to extend to hit it. Don’t
step into the ball to get closer to it. You want to make yourself reach
out with your arm and racquet. Also, concentrate on keeping the racquet
head level throughout the swing.
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