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Forehand and backhand volleys: basic similarities, basic differences.
How different are the forehand and backhand volleys? It’s a fascinating and complex question. The fact is that there are fundamental similarities and fundamental differences. (Click Here for the forehand article.)
We saw on the forehand volley that the shape of the hitting arm was a critical component of the technical swing pattern. When it comes to the backhand volley this is equally true. Understanding the hitting arm shape and how to use it is the secret to establishing and mastering the stroke.
A second fundamental is also the same on the two volleys. This is the role of the shoulders and the feet in the preparation, or unit turn, that starts the motion. These factors are interrelated and happen together.
Differences
But there are also two fundamental differences between the forehand and backhand volleys. The first is the amount of spin. The second is the direction of the swing plane. These differences have led to a lot of confusion in learning and executing the two strokes.
Forehand volleys in pro tennis average less than 1000rpm of spin. But in general, the backhand volleys average more than twice that, or over 2000rpm….
