Hitting a backhand crosscourt seems to be easier than hitting one down the line for most recreational players. This stems from a lack of upper-body rotation that makes a crosscourt swing -- moving across your body -- more natural. Hitting down the line from this position requires you to lead with your forearm and break your wrist, making the shot more awkward. Turning yourself sideways and rotating your torso will help you hit a more natural stroke and make it much easier to hit down the line.
Step 1
Stand on the baseline and hit backhands using your current stroke. Hit balls crosscourt, then down the line. Look at your racket path for both strokes. Note if it's easier to swing left to right, if you're right-handed, or straight ahead. Note the opposite if you are left-handed.
Step 2
Turn sideways to the net with the toes of your feet pointing toward the deuce court sideline, if you are right-handed. Do the opposite if you are left-handed. Swing the racket without incoming balls to note the direction of your racket. Keep yourself sideways to create a swing path that moves the racket from the baseline to the net until after you hit the ball.
Step 3
Have your partner or a ball machine feed balls to your backhand while you are in your turned position. Hit balls from this square-stance position, stepping toward the net just before, not as, you swing the racket. Practice keeping your upper body turned to the sideline until after you hit the ball. Practice turning your upper body away from your opponent until she can see your back.
Step 4
Stand on the baseline and face the opposite baseline. Practice turning to the backhand side using a core turn, rather than a step toward the ball, as your first move. Point the butt of the racket at the incoming ball before you begin to run.
Step 5
Practice hitting backhands starting in the ready position, facing the opposite baseline. Move to the ball with your racket back and upper body turned away from your opponent. Swing the racket toward the net, finishing the stroke above your shoulders, rather than below.
Things You'll Need
- Ball machine or partner
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