Teaching Children About Backhands

The backhand is one of the most basic strokes in tennis. It is one of the skills that must be mastered to become successful at the game of tennis. The good news is that the backhand is one of the easiest strokes to perfect. Teach children proper grip, position, swing and motion to help them master the backhand stroke.

  1. Grip

    • Teach your student how to complete a backhand stroke with a two-handed backhand grip. Help him understand that in order to perform the stroke soundly and powerfully, he must hold the racket differently than for a forehand stroke. Help the student twist his hand until the knuckle of his index finger rests on the top of the racket handle. Then, have him extend his index finger out before wrapping it around the racket. Help him slide his other hand down the racket handle just beneath the pinky of his top hand. Wrap his thumb around the racket to support its weight during his stroke.

    Position

    • Position your player so that he faces the tennis net. Have him stand in the classic waiting position, as if waiting for a shot to be volleyed his way. With his knees slightly bent and his weight distributed evenly between his feet, have him lean forward slightly and hold his racket in front of his body so that his forearm is parallel to the ground. Help him get the proper backhand grip around the racket handle. You and he will know that he’s positioned properly when his racket points toward the side of the tennis court and not the net.

    Swing

    • A powerful backhand starts with a turn of the player’s torso and hips. The arm follows with the strength emanating not from the arms, but the legs and core body muscles. Have the child turn his shoulders and hips until the racket touches his left hipbone. His weight should shift to his left foot as well. At this point, just before he swings, instruct him to wrap his left hand around his right hand on the racket handle.

    Motion

    • The player is now ready to step forward toward the net with his right foot and hit the tennis ball with a backhand stroke. As he swings, instruct him to shift his weight to his right foot and time his movement so that his racket connects with the ball just in front of his right leg. His racket shouldn’t be above his head or below his waist. Rather, he should hit the ball with the racket at his hip height. After hitting the ball, encourage him to follow all the way through the swing, not stopping short but moving with a continuous, sweeping motion. The child’s stroke should finish high, up by his right eye so that his shoulders are turned halfway to the net. He should practice quickly getting back into the waiting position so he is ready to take his next shot.