May 2000
Failure to rotate the shoulders properly is the single greatest cause of a flailing backhand.
The transfer of learning concept partially explains why most player’s backhands are a constant source of embarrassment. The inexperienced player, when hitting forehands, can succeed without first turning his shoulders to the side. Since strength is not crucial when hitting an open (facing the net) stance, he has no problem. Later, when a player tries to learn the backhand, a negative transfer of learning occurs. He didn’t have to rotate his shoulders on the forehand, so he doesn’t worry about it on the backhand.
To overcoming this learning dilemma, you’ll have to work extra hard to develop the backhand technique – a technique that eventually will become a habit, and that habit will some day make your backhand a fun shot to hit. Pretend you have numbers on the back of your shirt, like a baseball player. Whenever a ball approaches your backhand side, rotate your shoulders so your opponent can see your numbers. Do it as quickly as you see it’s coming to your backhand. Before the ball bounces say to yourself, "SHOW MY NUMBERS." Make a game of it. For the next few weeks prepare for every backhand that way.
Once you SHOW YOUR NUMBERS properly, the backhand is one of the most uncomplicated shots in the game. It’s just your arm that does the work. Some liken the motion to that of throwing a frisbee. Stay sideways to the net throughout the entire stroke. Reach forward to make contact. Try to hit the ball as far out as possible. Follow-through high, so you hand is above eye level.
See? It’s easier than you thought.