My Backhand
by Austin
(Tollhouse, CA, USA)
Well my problem is my one-handed backhand. I hit it with topspin and every time it sinks to the net.
I swing through and finish high, but still it hits the net. Are there any tips on how to make my backhand clear the net consistently?
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From Tomaz:
My feeling is that you have been misled as so many tennis players reading books and online tennis websites.
What you believe is that if you do something differently in the technical sense (finish high, keep your elbow somewhere, extend your arm, etc.), then the ball will go in.
In other words, you believe that when you missed the ball, you did something wrong technically and if you correct that mistake, the ball will go in.
Now read the above sentences a few times and think why do pros miss.
Is Roger Federer's forehand technically wrong when he misses it? (He does miss it, right?)
NO.
He misses it because he makes a small mistake in ball judgment, timing, point of contact, racquet head angle or one of the hundreds other possibilities. (he can also choose to risk a lot)
So do you. While your backhand may technically be good or not good, you need to start focusing on the BALL FLIGHT and not on the technique.
If the ball goes into the net, AIM HIGHER.
You don't have to analyze HOW you are going to aim / hit higher, just do it.
Check this article on There Are Only 4 Mistakes in Tennis for more...
