Backhand Strike
A backhand strike is a key technique used in racquet sports such as tennis, badminton, and squash to hit the ball or shuttlecock when it is on the opposite side of the dominant hand. It is effective for returning shots and maintaining control when the ball or shuttlecock is on the non-dominant side.
Teaching tips
Use KIDDO’s teaching tips to help children develop their backhand strike:
- Ready: Stand side on to the ball and knees bent
- Reach to the wall: Racquet pulled way back
- Step: Step with same foot towards target
- Level swing: Low to high with racquet face pointed at the target
- Follow through: Reach over shoulder on opposite side of body
Hitting against a wall, with a friend, or to a family member is great way to develop the backhand strike at home. You can use any equipment you have at home, it does not have to be a tennis racquet and ball.
Common errors
- Gripping the racquet too tight, reducing control and flexibility.
- Swinging too hard, leading to loss of accuracy and timing.
- Poor foot positioning.
- Not watching the ball.
- Swinging across the body.
- Not following through.