This article is the second in a series on how relaxation adds power to groundstrokes and serves. We will cover the primary elements of relaxation on the slice or backspin backhand.
Relaxation Checkpoint #1: The Ready Position
As was discussed in the last issue, the key to relaxation in the ready position is the non-racket hand. Generally speaking, advanced players simply rest their racket hand on the grip in the topspin forehand position. The non-racket hand supports the full weight of the racket, usually up at the throat, even if the player hits most backhands with two hands. Some players are so relaxed (like Roger Federer) that they even twirl their rackets between shots, right in the middle of a point.
Like Roger, Rafael Nadal can also be seen twirling in the middle of a point. However, I would propose that while twirling waiting to return serve can help players relax, I would not recommend that players habitually twirl their rackets in the middle of points between shots.
Also remember that for slice backhands a grip change to a continental or hammer grip is advised. This grip change is accomplished by the non-racket hand turning the racket face to a slightly open position when it arrived in the backswing or set-up position discussed in the next checkpoint. To check that you have a continental grip, try repeatedly bouncing a ball down on the ground off the edge of the racket. If your wrist is comfortable and in a similar position to chopping vegetables, you should have a grip that will work for all backspin shots, including slice backhands and volleys.
Relaxation Checkpoint #2: The Set-up
The set-up takes place once you’ve identified that the incoming ball is a backhand. Like all groundstrokes, the turn in the set-up should be completed as early as possible, often before the opponent’s ball crosses net. The main issue is to initiate the shoulder turn in the set-up primarily with the non-racket hand. Yes, once again, keep your racket hand as relaxed as possible. For a slice backhand, the racket head is pulled back and around past pointing to the back fence as shown in the photo or even further. Note that the player in the photo has a green Velcro strap connecting both wrists. This is a simple training aid that helps give players the feel for the “split” of forces from the non-racket hand pulling the racket back and the forward acceleration of the racket head into contact. It’s very similar to a tug of war.
Relaxation Checkpoint #3: The Tug of War
Once the racket is set in the back position, it’s time to make the adjustment steps necessary to ideally position yourself to the ball. Then, it’s time for what I call a “Tug of War” where the non-racket hand tries to hold the racket in the back position and the racket hand literally “tears” the racket away from the non-racket hand. The result of this tug of war is that the non-racket hand flies backwards and the racket hand and racket itself fly forwards in a quick and explosive motion. You can see the result of this tug of war in the photo on this page where the Velcro training aid known as the Backhand Fixer dangles from the right hand of the player. In this photo, the Velcro of the Backhand Fixer has pulled off the non-racket wrist after the tug of war is won by the hand holding the racket.
Of course, in beginning phases, players will generally be less explosive and swing slower, but the tug of war still takes place.
Relaxation Checkpoint #4: The Contact
In the old days, firming up at contact was the gold standard of coaching tips. The sweet spot was small and so was the face of the racket. Without firming up, slightly off center hits could easily twist the racket. Today, mainstays like this are challenged by larger sweet spots and more resilient materials alongside stable wide body rackets. Nevertheless, since a slice backhand requires a slightly open racket face, the force of an off-center ball strike can still torque or twist the racket face, causing loss of control over the flight of the ball. Our recommendation is to firm up the grip a fraction of a second before contact and just enough to avoid frequent mishits. However, stay relaxed most of the time to avoid unnecessary tension, since this will inevitably slow down the speed of the racket and cause more errors than a relaxed and more fluid swing.
Relaxation Checkpoint #5: The Finish
If you watch slice backhands in slow motion of the top ten men and women in the world, you’ll see one primary finish position that can be a little misleading. You’ll see the racquet face finishing around the body. However, note that at all levels the wrist remains firm enough to avoid letting the racket chop down on the ball, a move that often results in hitting the ball into the net.
To get an initial feel for a slice or backspin backhand, we would recommend finishing with the strings pointing in the direction you are aiming the ball as seen in the photo of our young player. One idea that is especially helpful to young beginning children is to draw a smiley face on the strings using a magic marker. Just ask the children to follow through with the smiley face watching the ball bounce. This little drill works well for all backspin shots, including volleys as well as slice backhands.
Summary
Next time you’re on the court working on your slice backhand, remember to relax and use the non-racket handle to help. Just be sure not to also relax your feet, which should be moving light but also intense. Just relax your hands and upper body. You’ll end up with a more effective slice backhand, a shot often used for control as well as mixing up the rhythm of your opponent by keeping the ball low and out of their most comfortable hitting height. Your opponents may not like it, but for you it can make tennis more enjoyable than ever.
Joe Dinoffer is a USPTA and PTR Master Professional. Visit his site, Oncourt Offcourt, at www.oncourtoffcourt.com.
Since its inception in 1994, Oncourt Offcourt has become the world’s leading source for hundreds of creative training aids, books and videos for the tennis industry.
For part one of this article series, please click here.
[...] For part two of this article series, click here. [...]