The last two weeks we discussed the backhand
slice and the backhand drive. This week
we focus on when to use each one.
When to use a Slice Backhand
In general, use the slice backhand if the ball is out
of the "strike zone", that is, if the ball is
higher than your chest or lower than your knee.
Examples of when to use:
high balls..ie kick serves to your
backhand
when approaching the net (more on this
shot next week)
when returning a ball that is short
and/or low (this helps you get the ball up
over the net)
to hit a defensive lob
When to use a
Drive/Topspin Backhand
It is best to hit the backhand drive when the
ball is in the strike zone (between your knee
and your chest). Examples of situations to use
the drive:
as a passing shot (topspin helps make
the ball dip after crossing the net, making
your opponent volley up)
to keep the ball deep in the court
during a ground stroke rally (once again,
the topspin helps bring the ball down making
offense difficult for your opponent)
to hit an offensive topspin lob (this
one takes lots of practice)
