The Backhand Overhead

An aggressive backhand overhead is a matter of technique.

The backhand overhead is generally thought to be the most difficult shot in tennis. But, like any other shot, mastering it is only a matter of the right technique.

I believe the backhand overhead should be an aggressive shot hit for winners in exactly the same way as the regular overhead. The key to learning to do this is the right contact point.

The problem most players have on the backhand overhead is late contact. They hit the shot at the edge of their dominant shoulder. This forces them to abbreviate the swing and robs the shot of power.

I believe the contact point should be much further in front. The ideal contact point is not at the edge of the body, but about a shoulder width in front of the edge of the body. This allows you to swing with much more force.

Think of your forehand or your regular overhead. Where you hit these shots in relation to your shoulders? In both cases, the contact is about even with your non dominant shoulder.

The key is contact a shoulder’s width in front of your front shoulder.

You point to…