On the run? Pulled off court? This shot can save you.
1. An open-stance backhand is a great shot if you’re short on time or in an emergency situation, such as when an opponent pulls you wide. The key to this shot is the shoulder turn. Many times, players hear “open stance” and they stand with their chests facing the net as the ball approaches. It’s impossible to accelerate the racquet through the ball from that position. Instead, plant your outside foot (the left foot for a right-handed player) and turn your shoulders. As you can see from this illustration, the lead shoulder is almost under the chin.
2. An open stance isn’t a license to leave the legs, hips and shoulders out ofthe shot. This robs the stroke of power and precision. Instead, plant your outside foot almost behind the ball, rotate at the trunk, and extend your racquet as you make contact in front of your body. Don’t lunge toward the ball. Good posture is essential when hitting an open-stance shot, especially on the run. Good posture equals good balance.
3. Your non-dominant arm (the left one in this illustration) should extend fully toward the target. That’s a sign of a well-driven ball. Don’t jump into your shot; instead, let the energy created by your shoulder rotation and aggressive swing lift you up. If you’re meant to come off the court, it will happen naturally.
4. The open-stance backhand allows you to easily prepare for the next shot. If you follow through over your shoulder and land on your inside foot (the right foot for righties), your weight will be headed toward the middle of the court. With proper preparation and execution, this shot lets you escape an emergency and pulls you back into the court so you can wrest control of the point from your opponent.
Rick Macci has coached Andy Roddick, Jennifer Capriati, and Serena and Venus Williams.
Originally published in the July/August 2010 issue of TENNIS.
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