1. THE BOTTOM HAND
The
bottom hand on the grip is responsible for controlling the length of the contact.
The further up on top of the handle the bottom hand is positioned, the longer
the contact zone.
The further
around to the front of the grip the bottom hand is the shorter the contact zone
2.
THE TOP HAND
The first function of the top hand is to set the angle of the
racquet-face before you start the swing. The top hand acts as a rudder on the
racquet-face for setting heights.
This process of setting the racquet head with the top hand
involves you transferring your focus to what height you want the ball to cross
over the net before your do anything else.
As you set the racquet head with your top hand you should also
relax the bottom hand slightly and allow it to “find a new position” on the
handle. This process has achieved two important functions for you during the
preparation (1) it has set the angle of the racquet face to where you want it
(2) it has changed the grip of your bottom hand into its ideal position
The top hand is also responsible for generating the swing to the
ball. Try to dominate the swing with your top hand in order to achieve a
smoother, more versatile and more powerful swing
3.
THE SOURCE OF POWER & TIMING
To add power to your two-handed back hand you need to interact
with the ground through the contact foot. This is your source of power.
Learn to create your Contact Foot from either foot and be equally
proficient hitting off a front foot or back foot. This versatility is the
foundation of a great back hand
The ground is also the source of timing for your stroke. All
timing will come from the foot you use as your contact foot.
By sending your awareness there as the ball is arriving you will
be able to time the ball better that ever before.
It’s also important again to practice “timing” off both feet AND front
foot and back foot
- ADDING SPIN
Avoid spinning the contact. Instead, add topspin
to the ball by finishing both hands high after contact.
The problem with spinning the contact is that
you lose feel for height and you lose penetration at the other end. Sure, it’s
safer initially but long term it holds you back.
By finishing with your hands high you maintain
the clean ball strike and a better awareness of your heights.
To add underspin to the ball, finish with the
racquet face open to the sky
- CHANGING DIRECTION
Change direction by changing the position of the
contact point.
Hit crosscourt by contacting the ball earlier in
the contact zone.
By changing direction in this way it’s much easier
to achieve success under all conditions, particularly under pressure. It makes more
sense!
These are the key elements that will change your
backhand dramatically.
If there’s something missing that you think
should have been mentioned chances are that it is not an integral part of the
back hand and could instead be a less important cosmetic of the back hand.