Back Hand

There are generally eight basic types of shots that a tennis player can play in a tennis match. They are forehand, overhead smash, serve, lob, volley, drop shot, half volley and backhand.

Backhand can be played by the application of various grips such as full eastern, eastern and continental. For hitting a slice, the continental backhand grip can be used. The slice and top spins are created with the eastern backhand grip. It involves the palm on the left flat of the racket. The palm on the bottom flat of the racket handle can form a full eastern backhand grip.

The backhand starts on the left hand side of the body in case of a right handed player. Backhand can be played using one or both the hands. Backhand is generally played using one hand with the eastern or continental grip but later in 1970, the two handed backhand grip became more popular. The two handed grip provides more power to the player. A slice shot is created by the use of one hand.

Don Budge dominated the tennis scene of the 1930s and 40s with his powerful one handed grip. Among other players was Ken Rosewall who used to play backhand in 1950s and 60s.

The backhand does not create a powerful shot as the forearm along with the racket crosses the body on the back swing.

The continental grip is used for topspin whereas the drop shot, lob or slice can be delivered by the eastern grip. In Backhand, the racket is tucked towards the inside of the body.

The two handed shot finishes over the right shoulder. The one handed backhand shot is made by extending the arm out to play the shot.