A common mistake when hitting a backhand is an over-eagerness to look up for the result of the shot, before the shot is finished.
Like hitting a golf shot and kicking a ball in soccer, it is essential when hitting a backhand to keep your head still on impact, avoiding the temptation to follow the path of the ball with your eyes the moment the ball leaves your racquet. If you lift your head too soon you will almost certainly flip the top half of your body back, causing you to lose control of the shot.
NB. Don't be afraid to exaggerate this a little - fixing your head in the ball contact position that bit longer than you think is required.
As the image of Roger Federer shows, his head stays fixed in the contact position long after the ball has left his racquet. As he extends the racquet over his right shoulder he will then look towards the opponent's end of the court. But not before!
A stronger foundation for the backhand with a still head!
A well balanced shot with a still head on impact and solid foundations, compared to one where the head looks up too soon, are like chalk and cheese. The correctly struck shot will have a strong core running through it compared to the flimsy, head flipping option. The bad version will also incorrectly encourage the chest to open up too soon, causing yet more control issues.
With time you will learn to trust the result of your shot!
Assuming you are striking the ball in a comfortable position, the secret of a good still head on the backhand is to trust the shot's result. Nine times out of ten the reason for lifting your head too soon on the backhand is the dreaded lack of belief in the shot's result and a doubt as to whether it will land in the court. This lack of belief and the resulting head lift is generally the reason the shot goes wrong - a kind of self fulfilling prophecy!
Summary
Whether you play with a one or two-handed backhand, a still head on contact will result in a stronger, safer and more accurate shot.
As a junior player John represented his
country for many years and held the GB Under
16 National title. As a coach, John has worked
with all levels of tennis players from beginners
to junior national champions, Davis Cup and Wimbledon.
