The backhand traditionally is considered the weaker side for many recreational players. Most players are unable to generate the power off the backhand side like they can with the forehand, where the arm is farther from the body creating a more effective lever. Don't let general rules apply to you; develop strong backhand techniques using a one-handed backhand to create disguise and spin variation.
Slice Backhand
The basic motion of the slice backhand starts above the ball and comes down the back of the ball finishing under it toward your target. Some players start above the ball much higher than others who use a more subtle stroke, angling the racket under the ball as the arm drives forward. Regardless of where your racket head starts, there are several fundamentals required to hit a slice properly. The grip should be sitting on the top of the racket butt. With your free hand, pull the racket back as you move your feet into position to strike the ball, shoulders perpendicular to the net. Move the racket forward as you step toward the ball, making contact on the lower half of the ball and moving forward. Follow through to your target as your arm moves downward and forward.
Flat Backhand
Flat means the ball does not have under spin or topspin. In today's game with the power rackets and player strength, it is nearly impossible to hit a truly flat drive and keep the ball in the court. The flat backhand is therefore a drive that has some spin to keep it in the court but not with a lot of height, like in a passing shot. Use the eastern backhand grip where your knuckles face the sky just before contact. With your free hand, pull the racket back around waist level as your feet get your weight behind the ball. The power comes from stepping into the ball and making contact two to three inches in front of your body. Strike the ball with the racket moving slightly upward but the racket face slightly facing the ground to drag the racket face over the ball. Follow through to the target.
Topspin Backhand
The topspin backhand uses the same fundamentals as the flat backhand drive. Generating more spin requires getting low on the ball with a closed racket face moving upwards. The follow through is still to the target as you step into the ball, but the finish is up high. Controlling the spin requires practicing the timing to make sure you are contacting the bottom of the ball while moving the racket head up.
Uses
The slice backhand is frequently used to return big serves and maintain consistency in long rallies where you don't want to take any risks with your shot. The benefit of a well-hit slice shot is keeping the ball low, forcing opponents to hit up thus presenting an opportunity for you to attack. The flat shot is an aggressive shot going for the winner, whether as a passing shot or in a groundstroke rally. The topspin backhand is also hit for consistency, but has more weight on the ball, forcing opponents to work harder to control the spin jumping at them.
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