Use the backhand drill to master your backhand

Backhand Drill 1
Backhand Setups (two players)

This drill is good for getting the feel of the backswing, whether one-handed or two-handed. Stand behind the service line in the middle of the court and have your partner toss 10 consecutive balls, bouncing them waist-high to your backhand (figure 2.7). The objective is to hit a return that lands inside the singles court.

• Start the drill from the baseline.
• Have your partner increase the pace of the setups.
• Have your partner hit, rather than toss, the setups.

• Have your partner reduce the pace of the setups.
• Start with the racket back.
• Practice drop-and-hit backhands, with your partner dropping the ball on your backhand side.

Success Check

• Focus on control, not power.
• Use a horizontal or low-to-high swing.

Score Your Success

1 point for each successful backhand returned into the singles court

Your score: ___ out of 10