Backhand Play (Part-1)
IN making a backhand stroke use the opposite side of the racquet from that used in forehand shots. This avoids the need of turning the wrist over, which loses time. Some players use the same side of the racquet. By using the opposite side of the racquet a player is forced to make less change in his grip and it can be made more quickly.
Running the thumb up the handle of the racquet for backhand shots enables one to guide the strokes better, but in that grip there is a slight loss of power. I find that by leaving the thumb around the grip I get more power in the stroke. But one should get used to all the different grips. In gripping a racquet, players should spread their fingers apart slightly. This gives better control of the racquet and a free wrist play.
To make a proper stroke the player should see that he does not take the ball too near his body, and also take it just opposite him, not too far in front and not too far behind.
For those who can time a ball accurately the most effective stroke to use is a "top" (see top stroke in Chapter I). Let the racquet follow through as far out as the arm can stretch toward the point where the ball is to be placed. Otherwise the racquet has a tendency to go up and to come in or across, which sends the ball out of court. See that your body does not turn in making the stroke. This will send the ball in court. In extending the arm on the follow through, do not let the racquet come across the line on which you want the ball to go.
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