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Two-handed Backhand, Topspin
Grip: Continental with the dominant hand (right), Eastern with the non-dominant hand (left).
Preparation:
Keep your feet moving and get into a split step as you see the ball leaving your opponent’s racquet. Push with your feet on the ground and slide the inside foot (right) towards the outside foot (left); pivot and step out with the left foot while turning the hips and shoulders sideways; change your grip by twisting the racquet with the non-dominant hand.
Your weight is transferred to the left foot; the racquet can be taken either to shoulder high or down to hip level during the preparatory phase. Center of gravity should be kept low at this stage.
Swing and Contact:
The inside foot steps into the ball and body weight is transferred forward onto it. The racquet drops underneath the path of the ball as it comes off the ground.
Swing low to high through the ball making contact in front of the right hip about waist high. Racquet strings should be facing either forward or slightly down. Power is generated from the left arm which swings/pushes the racquet as in a left handed forehand swing, transferring the weight forward, turning the hips and shoulders in the direction of the ball.
Keep your head down at contact for more control and balance.
Follow Through and Recovery:
The hips and shoulders keep rotating even after the racquet has made contact with the ball and the weight is kept on the front foot (right). Finish with the left elbow up and pointing towards the net and racquet dropping over the right shoulder almost tapping the back.
For a quicker recovery, slide the left foot out and around and then push off the ground.
When do we use the Topspin Two-handed Backhand?
In most baseline rallies, passing shots and some of the approach shots.
Click here to learn how to master the Topspin Two-handed Backhand!
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