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How to Hit the Jumping Backhand Overhead in Tennis

By , About.com Guide

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Ready
ready position for backhand overhead
TV tennis commentators often call the backhand overhead "the toughest shot in tennis." Arguably, a few shots are much tougher, but they're always optional, whereas the backhand overhead can sometimes be your only way to save a point.

On any lob that hangs in the air long enough, you should always move over and hit a forehand overhead. The backhand overhead, because it cannot be hit with nearly as much force, should only be used on low lobs to your backhand side.

Few players can hit a backhand overhead with overwhelming power, but good placement will often yield a clean winner.

On the following pages are stop-action shots illustrating how to hit the backhand overhead.

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