Showing posts with label Backhand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Backhand. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Marco Bitran: Backhand Slice

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Quiet please...

The players are about to begin grunting.

Professional tennis players like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, as well as recreational players like you and I, we enjoy using the slice backhand to set up an approach shot, to slow down the ball while recovering from a defensive position, or to handle a low bounce.

The tennis backhand slice technique, has been used for many years, going back to when there were wooden racquets. Today, this stroke remains an effective technique, IF, it is executed perfectly and if it is hit away from the opponent's comfortable hitting area.

In the past years of playing the sport I find this shot ending up as a defensive shot most of the time because of the short preparation and accuracy. As I have mentioned, Federer does a perfect example of this shot and there are some pros that use a slice for their backhand.

Federer is very effective at this technique, because his opponents soon learn that they can't just push the ball back in the court off the slice, or he will rebound on the next ball and nail the forehand.

On the professional circuit, it is already known that Djokovic has one of the best backhand slices on the court. Djokovic has a solid slice backhand, where the ball comes off his racquet clean and extremely well executed.

Let's take a look at its application - most players use the backhand slice in a baseline rally when they want to distract their opponent's rhythm. A well placed backhand slice, can force your opponent to return a short ball, to counteract low balls, to return the ball in a baseline rally or if you are in a defensive zone.

A slice backhand in tennis, is guaranteed to slow the ball down and allow each player to get back in the recovery position or as I say, "in the point." When we hit a rally ball, its backspin slows the pace of the shot and keeps the ball low and out of your opponent's strike zone.

Also, when you're inside the court, you can be more aggressive with the slice by driving a deep, low, skidding shot, which you can take to net. It's also the spin that you need to be successful with volleys and drop shots.

See you on the court... !

"I am not afraid of anyone but sometimes I'm afraid of myself. The mental part is very important." Justin Henin

Learn more about Tennis Forehand Techniques:
http://tennismethod.blogspot.com/2015/05/forehand-techniques.html

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Marco Bitran: Tennis Lessons - How to Perform a Two-Handed Backhand

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While the two-handed backhand is easy to learn at first, it requires a lot of repetition and practice in order to be perfected. Be an expert just like the aforementioned players by following these tips on how to perform a two-handed backhand:

Ready Your Grip

The continental grip is recommended for the dominant hands, while the Eastern forehand grip is best for the non-dominant hand.

Mind Your Step

While waiting for the ball to arrive, do a split step and execute your unit turn. This will make your shoulders and the racquet turn together. Step out the leg near the ball for a little as you make the turn. Pivot in such a way that you can see over your shoulder as the ball heads towards you.

Be Prepared

Prepare to hit the ball by placing the weight on your back foot; be ready to transfer said weight to your front foot.

Place the racquet above the ball level (10 or 2 o'clock, whichever you prefer). Keep your shoulders leveled and your knees slightly bent.

Relax your hand and let the racquet head go below the ball height. As you do so, transfer your weight from your back foot to your front foot, and take the shot. Uncoil your shoulders as you make contact with the ball.

Stay with the Shot

After hitting the ball, you need to maintain your forward momentum. Keep your arms extended toward the ball, making sure that your stroke has length.

As for the follow-through, your elbows should finish way up high. This will help your non-dominant hand pull your rear through the finish, so that you will end up facing the net. By this time, you will be looking over your non-dominant shoulder, in contrast to your starting point (looking over your dominant shoulder).

Finally, plant your outside foot and push off it. This will help you recover with a shuffle or crossover step, but it will depend on your court location and the trajectory of your adversary's shot.

More Tips:
  • Avoid strangling your racquet as you take the shot. Keep the motion fluid so you can generate the speed that will create the ball's power and spin.

  • Remember to keep the butt cap of your racquet aimed towards the incoming ball.

  • Professional players have different kinds of arm positions at ball contact. If you are a club player, it is best if you keep both elbows slightly bent. This will help you derive energy from your legs, arms and shoulders - forces that can help you hit the ball accurately.

  • Avoid pulling off from your shot too soon! This will waste your energy. As such, you will end up making a weaker, less-accurate shot.
With its ease, stability, readiness and power, the two-handed backhand remains a popular choice for many players. Drive the ball deep and outlast your opponents by following these tips when delivering the perfect two-handed backhand.

Mubashir Shafi is the student of tennis lessons san diego academy.