The ATP Two Handed Backhand: Optimizing the Muscles

Let’s look at some of the biomechanics underlying the ATP backhand. In the first article I identified the three general types of the two-handed backhand and asserted that there was an optimum type, the type used by top men's pros such as Novak Djokovic. I also argued that this so-called ATP backhand generated more racket speed with less motion and could be taught to players at all levels and of all ages (Click Here). In this article I want to preface our presentation of the actual backhand model to try to give a simplified explanation of the biomechanical principles upon which it based. I think this is important to address independently because, in modern coaching, biomechanical terms are often thrown around casually, and often, incorrectly. So let's give a brief overview of muscle mechanics and how it is possible that the body could produce more racquet speed with abbreviated ranges of motion when the body segments are activated in the correct sequence. Then in the following articles we can proceed with describing the actual two handed back model. The Default Choice How is it possible that a shorter swing could produce greater racket speed? That goes against one long standing...