The Backhand Overhead

Most players before a match or in practice will practice their overheads. Problem is everyone practices only their forehand overhead. Where is your opponent most likely to lob you? You are right, over your backhand shoulder. This is one of the hardest shots to execute; but it does not have to be if know how to execute the stroke.

First thing to do is turn sideways and raise the butt of your handle toward the ball, (your dominate hand should be straight and your racket head down). When the ball is two feet above the butt of your racket you will swing and the back of your grip hand will be facing the net. Think of it as backhanding someone in the face, you want to hit them with the back of your hand. After you swing if the back of your hand is facing the court you have flipped the racket head over and you will lose both speed and depth on your shot. Remember, turn sideways, butt of racket to find the ball, and back of hand facing the net after you swing, and just like your forhand overheads, hit out and hit it past the service line.

Any questions e-mail: dbeamerd@netscape.net