Backhand Play (Part-2)
Start well back for your stroke. In case the player misjudges the ball a short back stroke prevents the forward stroke from being uniform.
Players will find it a good plan to step forward and meet the ball just as it is opposite the body. By doing so one meets the ball higher in its flight, the return is quicker and has more chance of keeping the ball in court. If, however, a player must meet the ball when it is well back the weight should be on the foot behind and one should lean back with his body. Leaning back helps the player to avoid having the ball too far back when he strikes it.
After hitting the ball do not check the stroke, but let the arm well out after the ball. Following through gives the "drop" on the ball. All through the stroke, both before and after you meet the ball, the player should maintain the same steady swing without check or jerk. Let the wrist go forward after meeting the ball instead of down or over. The above refers to forehand strokes, also.
In backhand work players are prone to let the ball go far behind before hitting it. This is the cause of many weak returns in backhand shots. It is important to have a good backhand method, as all players put the ball to you on that side at times. Always face sideways in taking backhands. To have a good backhand players should meet the ball the same as in forehand strokes, that is, opposite the body.
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