A backhand is a tennis stroke used in the game of tennis in which the racket crosses the player's body before striking the ball with the palm towards the chest and the back of the hand travelling toward the opponent on the follow-through. A one-handed or two-handed backhand stroke is possible in tennis.
When utilised correctly, the backhand may be a strong and aggressive attack shot that is used to return an opponent's shot and can be used to move an opponent across the court or win a game.
Both the topspin and the slice backhands are commonly used by players whom employ the single handed stroke. As per the double handed backhand, most players hit it with topspin. The slice two handed backhand is quite uncommon. As with the forehand, flattening out either backhand is often a feature of high-performance players games when they are inside the baseline and/or advancing toward the net.
Some mechanical variation exists between different players using the two handed technique. This variation, typically in the segmental interaction and angular displacement of the two upper-limbs (i.e. elbow and wrist joint motion), provides a distinction in the racquets trajectory and positioning up to and for impact. These differences are well illustrated by comparing the backhands of players like Serena Williams and Lleyton Hewitt.
Key features of the backhand of beginner and intermediate players thus, include the following:
A balanced, relaxed and comfortable ready position followed by a sound footwork.
A continuous and rhythmic racquet swing/trunk rotation adapted to the oncoming ball.
A semi-open (double/square (single handed) stance at impact to contact the ball in front of the body.
A smooth follow through that follows the path of the ball and finishes across the body.