Tennis Backhand Return

Tennis Backhand Return

A return is tennis's second most important stroke (after the serve).

1.    Grip

a.    Use Eastern Backhand(1) two-handed grip. The easiest way to find it is to hold the racket horizontally at waist level and grip it with both hands.

2.    Backhand Preparation (before incoming ball bounces)

a.    Once the server's ball has been launched, one should creep toward the best position and do a split step before hitting the ball

b.    Prepare for the stroke early: yell "forehand" or "backhand" and get ready right away

c.    For fast incoming balls, use the Open Stance (no time for the Closed Stance)

d.    In Open Stance, load up left leg (7% left, 30% right), left foot pointing 90 degrees.

e.    Bring both arms back (abbreviated stroke). The racket tip should be parallel to the ground

f.    You should visualize the height and direction of the returned ball. Aim for the opponent's baseline (to avoid the opponent volleying the ball)

3.    Backhand Return

a.    When the incoming ball bounces, breathe in and start the forehand stroke

b.    Be sure to accelerate gradually (not suddenly) and build up maximum racket speed when about to hit the ball. You may need to initiate strokes earlier than you're used to. Making the noise of "vrrrooooom" will help you to achieve this new timing.

c.    Meet the ball with the right arm slightly bent at waist level (the ball should be 1-1.5 feet in front of your body) while breathing out

d.    During the whole return, you should be moving forward into the ball

4.    Completion

a.    The chest should be facing forward on completion

b.    Finish the stroke with both arms over the shoulder

c.    Move your head to observe the ball's travel

5.    Refinement

a.    According to Jorge Capestany, it is essential to start creeping forward to maintain momentum while waiting for a serve.

i.    Once the server's ball has been launched, one should move toward the best position and do a split step before hitting the ball

ii.    Prepare for the stroke early: yell forehand or backhand and get ready right away

b.    According to Ian, there are 3 types of returns possible:

i.    For big serves, tap it in (defensive response). There is no time for a backswing. Just try to meet the ball with your racket.

ii.    For medium serves, guiding the ball with a drive (defensive response). Use a shortened backswing for both forehand and backhand

iii.    For weak serves, hit the ball like a ground stroke (offensive response)