The Backhand Part 1: Double Backhand

The backhand is a tennis stroke you will most definitely add to your arsenal of shots. The two methods of executing a backhand are the single and double backhand. This is a matter of preference.

Tennis has transitioned from being predominantly single backhands to a modern game where the double backhand runs supreme.

Eight out of the top ten currently ranked tennis players in the world use a double backhand.

How to: Double Backhand

Step 1: Grip
Grip the bottom of the raquet with your dominant hand and place your other hand above.

Step 2: Foot Placement
As the ball approaches step forward with your dominant foot. Your foot should point in the direction of the ball.

Step 3: Shoulder Turn
Turn the shoulder enough to look over your dominant shoulder to the incoming ball and slightly bend your knees (the turn will bring your racquet back as well).

Step 4: Racquet Placement
Drop the racquet head below the ball. The handle end should be facing the ball.


Step 5: Accelerate
Accelerate the racquet forward into the ball in a forward and upward motion.


Step 6: Follow Through
Follow through contact, your elbows should finish high and you will be looking over your non-dominant shoulder.

The follow through should end with your arms bent in an "L" (refer to the video for a visual).

Step 7: Prepare
Prepare for the next shot by going into an open stance (body facing the net).

Juan Martin Del Potro demonstrates this technique with each incoming ball. The trajectory of the ball changes, but his technique remains mostly the same. 

There are subtle tweaks that can be done to change power and distance. The key is finding a balance between shoulder rotation and racquet acceleration.

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How much should I be spending on a Racquet?

Tennis Companion

Low-end Racquets

If you've looked online for prices of tennis racquets you may be shocked at how pricey some of them can get. This can be intimidating if you're a  beginner looking to buy your first racquet.

Don't be too alarmed though because there are low-end racquets that may not be the best in quality, but are great for anyone just starting out.

 If you visit your local Wal-Mart or Target you'll find a tennis section with some of the most affordable racquets on the market. They can range anywhere from $15 to $40.

These are stepping stone racquets. You can learn the bare basics and get the hang of hitting, but you'll want to go with racquets a bit more expensive as your skill improves.

Mid to High-end Racquets

Dick's Sporting Goods has a variety of racquets to choose from once you've decided to go with a higher end racquet more suited to your playing style. Read my previous post on types of racquets to decide on what type will suit your needs.

For intermediate players you'll probably still want to buy pre-strung racquets. At Dick's you can get a decent racquet for as little as $40, but as cost goes up the quality normally does too.

A great source for making selections would be referring to customer reviews for a specific racquet you're looking at. Dick's hosts a number of top tennis brands including Wilson, Head, Prince and Babolat.

If you find that you want to try out other brands like Yonex and Prokennex you'll have to go to a local racquet shop or check them out online. If you're a recreational or club player buying a racquet between $60 - $100 will suit your needs just fine.

High-end Racquets

Advanced players will most likely have a feel for what type of racquet they like and how much they'd be willing to spend on a racquet, but this can be used as a reference for future purchases.

At this level of play pre-strung racquets are still a great option, but to optimize your playing style you may want to buy an unstrung racquet and choose the type of string and tension you'd like for your racquet.

There are a host of different strings to choose from, but that is the subject of another blog post. Tension is how loose or tight you want the strings.

As a general rule of thumb looser strings offer more power and tighter strings offer more control. Un-strung racquets can range anywhere between $90 - $230. Keep in mind that this price will go up with the cost of string and stringing of the racquet.