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Running One-Handed Backhand on a Short Ball - Video and Analysis

Specific How-To

By , About.com Guide

Watch WMV video. (162 KB)

Key Points:

  • Grip: The running backhand in this video is hit with a full Eastern backhand grip. Any grip from full Eastern through Continental will work well on a flat shot like this.
  • Backswing: Use a short backswing to keep the timing simpler on the run.
  • Footwork: With insufficient time to do a skip step or carioca step, your best choice is to run smoothly through the swing. If you can slow down a little before you start running through the swing, that will help you control your shot, but don't try to slow down while you're swinging.
  • Point of Contact: Meet the ball farther forward than your hips, preferably by one to two feet.
  • Swing Path: Swinging mostly forward is simplest, because it keeps the racquet in the ball's path longer. When trying to hit flat, many players swing upward slightly and create a little topspin. This slight upward motion won't complicate the stroke or create enough topspin to make much difference.
  • Follow Through: You'll naturally follow through upward, even though you're not trying to hit much topspin.
  • After the Shot: Get ready to split-step and execute a volley. You might hit a clean winner once in a while with this shot, but most often, you'll need to follow it up with a volley, which makes the down-the-line placement, as executed here, the best choice.

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