You are playing someone who is tall, puts a lot of topspin on the ball and keeps hitting it to your backhand. The ball bounces up into the air and gets to you around your shoulders. You try to hit the ball into the air to get it back but it sets the tall guy up for more heavy spinning balls to your backhand. It’s time to be proactive. You jump in the air so that the ball is in your strike zone, then you hit a ball low into the court and the dynamic of the rally changes. Some call it the scissor kick backhand. But if you like your backhand, this is the type of backhand addition that will put it on par with your forehand. It will help you hit higher backhands with more confidence and you will be able to hit balls that jam you by jumping sideways. It can be done with a one handed backhand as well. It is a bit of a flashy move but it works.
1. instead of taking a step across your body, lift your back leg forward as you backswing 2. As you move the racket forward the leg you lifted moves to the back in synch
Marat Safin (Russia). Former number one player. had a devastating backhand.
Since men are stronger than women typically, they do the scissor kick backhand a little better. Women usually bring the racket closer to their body for more strength. With that said, ANYONE can do this technique.
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Rafael Nadal's lefty reverse forehand is feared by many opponents. He uses the Western Grip.
Your opponent just hit a ball that has not bounced as high as you thought it would and it is too late to move forward. So you are going to have to get your racket underneath the ball without properly setting your feet. You watch the ball intently and swing to hit it. But instead of following through across your body, you swing the racket over your head. It works and it puts enough on the ball so that you are not in trouble in the rally.
The reverse forehand is for when you cannot set up to hit a proper stroke. It is basically a shortcut for when you don't have time to move your feet. You can use it to take balls early after they bounce. You can use it to hit aggressive lobs. You can use it on the run. There are as many applications to it as the regular forehand. But use it sparingly because you need strength to hit it.
Jonathan demonstrates the Semi Western Grip
1. Recognize a difficult ball early 2. Follow through over your head
I even get to be in this one. Here is my reverse forehand approach shot (check how I change my grip without using my other hand). Semi Western.
For the old schoolers: Pete Sampras reverse forehand. Pete uses the eastern grip.
Learning this move is not so hard but it takes practice. You just get a ball machine or an instructor and have them feed you balls while you hit forehands and don't move your feet or turn your shoulders. You need pace with this shot so have the balls come at you at a decent speed. At first you might launch the balls but once you start to understand it an put it in your normal rallies you will never have to practice it again.
The reverse forehand is an advanced technique that you would use when the balls are coming faster than you expected. If you find yourself using it too much then it would be wise to take a step back from the baseline so you can hit normal strokes again.
You just hit a GREAT SHOT that made your opponent run off the court, tap the ball and run into the fence. BUT he managed to BARELY get the ball back over the net. He is very resilient as he has bounced off the fence and is heading back onto the court. You don’t want to give him a chance and the power shot is too risky. Better hit something softer. So you run to the ball and lightly tap it over. The opponent runs but to no avail.
A drop shot is most commonly used when the opponent is far away from the net and not expecting it. It is a touch shot so calm yourself before you hit it.
1. watch the ball to the strings 2. the ball should be heading towards the ground BEFORE it passes the net 3. Lean into the dropper
Novak Djokovic of Serbia is well known for his Crosscourt backhand/dropshot combination
Professionals hit the dropshot with a slice motion. For beginners I suggest that you lightly tap the ball forward. When you practice, aim for the ball to bounce 3 times before it gets to the service line. It doesn’t matter what angle you hit it at.
Since it is a touch shot, it is very unlikely you will hit a good one all the time. It would be best to hit this when your confidence is high like the first points of a game or if you feel great. I try to never hit a dropper on the important points as people are more determined to run them down.
