Tennis Backhand Groundstroke Ultimate Guide

The tennis backhand groundstroke can be executed three ways: the one-handed backhand, the two-handed backhand, and the slice backhand. Each option has strengths and weaknesses — knowing when to use each one is what separates consistent players from reactive ones.

Tennis Backhand Groundstroke: Stances

There are two main backhand groundstroke stances: the neutral stance backhand, which is more traditional, and the open stance backhand, which is more modern. Both are used by professional players today and both can be effective at all levels of play. Unlike the forehand, the majority of tennis teaching professionals agree that players benefit from having both stances in their arsenal.

What Is the Best Tennis Backhand Groundstroke?

When the ball is around the center of the court and the player has enough time to set up, most professionals will hit neutral stance backhands. When pushed off the court and needing more time to recover, players tend to hit open stance or slice the ball back. The decision comes down to court situation, footwork and strategy.

The Backhand Groundstroke Grip

There are several backhand grips to choose from: the continental grip, the semi-western backhand grip, and the eastern grip. Most professionals use a semi-western backhand grip for the one-handed backhand, and a continental grip with the dominant hand combined with an eastern grip for the non-dominant hand on the two-handed backhand. There is always wiggle room — each player adjusts slightly to what feels most natural. For a full breakdown of every grip, see the Ultimate Tennis Grip Guide.

Pro Tip: Finding the One-Handed Backhand Grip

Hold the racquet by the throat with your non-dominant hand, strings facing forward and arm extended. Then place your dominant hand on the grip with your arm extended as well. This naturally positions your hand in the correct backhand grip.

Backhand Groundstroke: Preparation Phase

Footwork

Footwork is the foundation of solid preparation. Before the ball reaches your opponent’s racquet, time your split step so your feet hit the ground at the exact moment you identify the direction of your opponent’s shot. Once you recognize the ball is traveling to your backhand side, pivot and load your weight onto your outside foot while rotating your shoulders and hips. As your shoulders and hips rotate, your racquet will naturally begin to come back as well.

Pro Tip: Hip and Shoulder Turn

Your hip and shoulder turn naturally takes the racquet back in the preparation phase — not the arms. The arms control the racquet head angle and positioning while you are on the move.

Strike Zone Set-Up

As you approach the ball, take the necessary adjustment steps to ensure proper distance between you and the ball before setting your feet. Pay attention to both the horizontal distance from the ball and the height — you want the ball to rise or drop into your comfort zone, generally around waist high, before you set your feet.

The Grip Change

While moving to the ball, change to your desired backhand grip. Most players have their dominant hand resting in the forehand grip at the baseline and adjust as needed. Support the racquet head with your non-dominant hand on the throat for the one-handed backhand, or keep it on the grip for the two-handed backhand. Rotate the racquet slightly until you reach the desired backhand grip, then re-grip loosely to avoid fatigue.

Pro Tip: Unit Turn

The shoulder and hip turn happen simultaneously with your grip change.

Set Up for the Neutral Stance Backhand

With the proper grip and the ball in your comfort zone, load your weight onto your back foot (left foot if right-handed) and step into the ball with your right foot. Ideally your feet will align as if riding a skateboard or snowboard — this allows your hips and shoulders to open up efficiently and point in the direction you want to hit the ball.

Pro Tip: Back Foot Load

Bend your back knee slightly as if beginning to sit down. This sets the stage for a quality weight transfer into the ball on the backhand side.

Next Step: The Two-Handed Backhand

These preparation tips apply whether you hit with one or two hands. Continue to the full guide on the two-handed backhand groundstroke for the complete breakdown of swing, contact point and follow through.

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