Introduction
How do I make the backhand over head easy? Okay well, how do I make it look easy? Listen, the backhand overhead is one of the hardest shots to hit in tennis. I’m talking about the ball that comes over my head on the backhand side. This is not a shot that most beginner or intermediate players should even attempt. However, sometimes in matches you find yourself in the position that this may be your only option.
What? That shot exists?
How to Hit that Shot Like a Pro
- Rule #1: Please, don’t let that ball even get in that position. Try to take that ball as a regular overhand. However, if you’re playing at a high level, players are smart and will lob the ball into that position. So, get your legs set in the right position. Using your legs can give you more power and motion.
- Rule #2: This is not a shot to be aggressively attacking on. Tennis players usually don’t have that much strength in their external rotation. The goal of returning this shot isn’t to hit a winner – its not to lose the point. Additionally, if you put too much power into your backhand overhead and don’t have the strength to back it up, you could injure yourself.
- Rule #3: PRACTICE, PRACTICE. PRACTICE. If you work on your external rotation strength, and practice hitting the shot, then you should have a solid backhand overhead in your arsenal for matches. No one should hop on the court and hit this shot out of the blue. Like all shots in tennis, it requires practice. The more you practice, the better this shot will be.
Here are a few pros performing the backhand overhead successfully:
Kei Nishikori Backhand Overhead – https://youtu.be/1MG7zKnfN7Y
Roger Federer Hitting 10 Backhand Overheads in Match Situations – https://youtu.be/NOERrIt9VNY
Interested in learning more about the backhand and other tennis skills? Check out the courses at https://kovacsinstitute.learnworlds.com/pages/courses for more information on how to improve your game!
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