Drills to Increase Your Backhand Tennis Swing

Most tennis players use the backhand swing less than a forehand shot, but a strong backhand swing can add a topspin to the ball and improve your game. Some players use a one-hand backhand, while others prefer a two-hand backhand. Each player should develop his own backhand swing style and practice drills that will help to improve power and accuracy when returning the ball.

  1. Strength Exercises

    • A powerful backhand swing requires strong wrists and forearms. Strength training in addition to regular drills will help improve power and accuracy. Use light weights, such as 3-pound to 5-pound dumbbells, to help strengthen your wrist muscles. Perform 10 to 15 repetitions of wrist curls with the palm facing upward and the forearm supported on a sturdy table. Turn your palm downward for wrist extensions and do another 10 to 15 repetitions. Bicep and tricep exercises will help strengthen the elbow to increase backhand power.

    Wall Drills

    • Develop your backhand swing with wall drills. Start the drills standing about six feet away from a wall. Hit the ball against the wall and return the ball with a backhand swing. Continue returning the ball against the wall using only your backhand for 10 to 15 minutes. Try not to let the ball touch the ground. Move closer to the wall, about three feet away, and continue the drill by returning the ball to the wall using only a backhand swing. You will have to react more quickly to the ball when you are closer to the wall.

    Lateral Drill

    • A lateral drill will help improve topspin and increase the power of your backhand swing. Partner with another player or an instructor who can feed balls to you. Stand near the back of the forehand side of the court -- the right side if you are right-handed. Have your partner hit balls to your backhand, then run up court and return them with a backhand swing.

    Service Line Drill

    • The service line drill also requires the help of a partner or instructor. Stand inside the service line, relatively close to the net. As your partner feeds balls to you, return them with a backhand swing. Try to return the balls as deep into the other side of the court as you can. Standing close to the net requires you to use your body when returning the ball, which should improve your backhand stroke.