How to do Advanced Tennis Backhands

Joe Dinoffer emphasizes backhanded hits some more, going beyond the basic tips this time.

As much as we have emphasized the use of the left or non-dominant hand in the previous issues of Fast Lane Tennis, I feel that now I want to reemphasize this essential component to improving in the fast lane and specifically, how important it is for the backhand. Here are two scenarios to consider. First, if you hit a two-hander, you have a choice of where to place the left hand when you are in the ready position. You can either hold the racket up high on the throat as you have seen Colindy(ph) hold it. The classic model for this style is Agassi. The other option is to keep the left hand down on the grip, so that it's immediately ready for that two-hander. Models for this approach are players like Lleyton Hewitt and Jennifer Capriati. Well, this approach arguably allows slightly quicker preparation. Players who hold the racket with the left hand up top, particularly with the left-hand index finger on the strings will often tell you that it gives them a better feel for the angle of the racket face and allows them to switch from the two-hander to the one-handed backspin backhand more easily. Both styles work and you have to decide this one for yourself. Take a look at Colindy mixing it up a bit. Here you see Colindy hitting some two-handers and also switching to her one-handed backspin backhand. Notice how her left hand returns to the throat of the racket in between shots and helps take the racket back from that position before sliding it down when she hits her two-hander. The next natural question is, under what circumstances should a two-hander hit their backspin backhand with one hand? A clue is that players have less reach with a two-hander as compared to that one-hander. To understand the full answer, take a look at some practical situations.