Backhand groundstrokes are a crucial part of any tennis player’s arsenal. Mastering this shot can enhance your overall game and provide you with a solid foundation for rallies. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your technique, these drills will help you develop a consistent and powerful backhand. Here are three effective examples of backhand groundstroke drills that you can practice alone or with a partner.
This drill is great for improving your backhand consistency and timing. It’s perfect for players of all levels and can be done anywhere there is a wall.
Start by standing about 10-15 feet away from a wall. Begin hitting backhand groundstrokes against the wall, focusing on keeping your feet moving and your eyes on the ball. Aim for a specific spot on the wall to improve your accuracy. As you get more comfortable, increase the distance from the wall or challenge yourself to hit the ball harder.
To add variation, you can switch from a two-handed backhand to a one-handed backhand to develop versatility in your shots.
This drill emphasizes teamwork while improving your backhand strokes. It’s ideal for players who are comfortable with the basics and want to take their skills to the next level.
Pair up with a partner and stand on opposite sides of the court. Begin a rally using only backhand groundstrokes. Focus on maintaining a consistent rhythm and depth in your shots. Aim to keep the rally going for as long as possible while keeping track of the number of consecutive hits.
As you become more proficient, introduce targets on the court to aim for, or alternate between hitting deep shots and short angles to challenge each other and improve your strategic play.
This drill is structured for those looking to refine their accuracy and shot placement. It’s suitable for intermediate to advanced players.
Set up a few cones or markers on the opposite side of the court at varying distances (close to the net and deeper in the court). Start at the baseline and aim your backhand groundstrokes at these targets. Focus on your footwork and follow-through as you hit each shot.
To increase difficulty, assign different point values to each target; for example, the closest target could be worth 1 point and the farthest worth 3 points. You can also incorporate movement by hitting while moving from side to side or after a few quick steps forward.
Practicing these examples of backhand groundstroke drills will not only help you improve your technique but also build confidence on the court. Remember to stay patient with yourself as you progress, and don’t hesitate to mix up the drills to keep your practice sessions fresh and engaging!