The Backhand Returns

What are the keys to the variety of possible backhand returns?

In my last article I looked at the forehand return. (Click Here.) Now let’s turn our attention to the backhand side. This requires a separate look at the one-handed backhand returns and the two-handed backhand returns. Some aspects are similar (and also similar to the forehand). But some aspects are very different.

As we did with the forehand return, we’ll look at the differences between blocking a backhand return and hitting a swinging return. We’ll also see how the use of one or two hands influences those options.

We’ll look at positioning when returning–how close to the baseline should a player stand? When and why should you shift left or right? Finally, I want to raise another issue that is usually overlooked: the mental aspect of the return game. Is there is a difference mentally between returning with one hand versus returning with two hands? Is there a difference compared to the forehand?

Backhand Return Similarities

Let’s start with the similarities between the one-handed and two-handed backhand returns. The ready position and footwork are basically the same, the same as they are for the forehand. That makes sense since…