To hit a backhand in tennis as a beginner, start with a proper grip, turn your shoulders sideways, step toward the ball, make contact in front of your body, and follow through over your opposite shoulder. The backhand is one of the most important groundstrokes in tennis, and learning the right technique early prevents bad habits that are hard to fix later. According to a YouGov Canada study commissioned by Tennis Canada, nearly 5 million Canadians played tennis in the past year, with youth participation growing 11% since 2022. That means more beginners than ever are stepping onto the court and looking to build a solid backhand. This guide covers everything you need to know, from grip and footwork to common mistakes and drills you can practice at home or on the courts near Bayview Avenue in North York.
How to Do a Backhand in Tennis for Beginners?
To do a backhand in tennis for beginners, you need to focus on five basic steps: choosing the right grip, turning your body sideways, stepping into the ball, making contact out in front, and finishing with a smooth follow-through. Each step builds on the one before it, so take your time with each part before putting them all together.
The backhand feels awkward at first because it works against your body’s natural motion. Unlike the forehand, where your dominant arm pushes forward, the backhand requires your arm to cross your body. According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the overall injury rate in tennis is 20.7 per 1,000 sets played, and poor backhand form is one of the leading causes of elbow injuries in recreational players. Learning the right technique from the start protects your arm and gives you a stronger shot.
Many families along Sheppard Avenue East and in the Bayview Village neighbourhood are enrolling their kids in junior summer camp programs to learn strokes like the backhand in a structured setting. A certified coach can spot mistakes early and get you on the right track from day one.
What Are the Two Types of Backhand Hits?
The two types of backhand hits are the one-handed backhand and the two-handed backhand. The one-handed backhand uses only your dominant hand on the racquet, while the two-handed backhand adds your non-dominant hand above it for extra support and power.
According to research by Tennis Canada, as cited in a report from the German Tennis Federation (DTB), as many as 80% of top touring professionals now use a two-handed backhand. Data from the Sports Analytics Group at UC Berkeley shows that fewer than 10% of the world’s top 1,000 ranked tennis players hit a one-handed backhand. For beginners, especially kids and adults just learning in areas like Willowdale or Don Mills, the two-handed version is almost always the better starting point.
The two-handed backhand gives you more stability, more power, and a bigger margin for error. It uses the same large muscle groups as the forehand, which means the learning curve is shorter. The one-handed backhand offers more reach and a more elegant look, but it takes much longer to master and demands better timing and core strength. Most coaches, including the OTA-certified team at Bayview Village Tennis Camp, recommend starting with two hands and only switching if it feels more natural down the road.
What Is the Correct Way to Backhand?
The correct way to backhand starts with a continental or eastern backhand grip, a full shoulder turn, a low-to-high swing path, contact out in front of your body, and a high follow-through finishing over your opposite shoulder.
Here is the step-by-step breakdown:
What Grip Is Best for Backhands?
The best grip for backhands depends on whether you hit with one hand or two. For a two-handed backhand, place your dominant hand in a continental grip at the bottom of the handle, and your non-dominant hand above it in an eastern forehand grip. For a one-handed backhand, use an eastern backhand grip where the base knuckle of your index finger sits on the top bevel of the handle.
According to the USTA’s National Campus coaching staff, proper grip is the single most important factor in controlling where the ball goes. The strings of your racquet face wherever your grip positions them at contact. If your grip is off, you lose control of the ball no matter how good the rest of your technique is. Beginners taking private lessons often see fast improvement once their grip is corrected, because it fixes so many other problems at once.
What Foot Do You Step With When Hitting a Backhand?
The foot you step with when hitting a backhand is your front foot, which is the foot closest to the net. For a right-handed player hitting a backhand, that means stepping forward with your right foot. For a left-handed player, it is the left foot.
Good footwork sets the foundation for a clean backhand. Stepping into the shot transfers your body weight forward and adds power without extra arm effort. A study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy found that beginning players who used shorter backswings and proper weight transfer produced more controlled shots and put less stress on their elbows compared to those who relied on arm strength alone. Whether you are practising at Bayview Village Park or on the courts off Elkhorn Drive in North York, footwork drills should be a core part of your routine.
How to Hit the Perfect Tennis Backhand?
To hit the perfect tennis backhand, combine a proper grip, early preparation, a smooth low-to-high swing, contact in front of your body, and a complete follow-through. Here is how each piece fits together.
How Do You Prepare and Turn for a Backhand?
You prepare and turn for a backhand by rotating your shoulders as soon as you see the ball coming to your backhand side. Use your dominant shoulder to track the ball. Bring the racquet back across your body with both hands on the grip (for a two-hander). Your chest should face the side fence, not the net.
This “unit turn” is what gives you time. Many beginners in the North York area, whether practising near Leslie Street or at Cummer Park, rush the swing because they did not turn early enough. The earlier you turn, the more relaxed and controlled your shot becomes. Think of it like loading a spring: the turn stores energy that you release when you swing forward.
Where Should You Make Contact on a Backhand?
You should make contact on a backhand slightly in front of your front foot, between knee and waist height. Hitting the ball out in front gives you maximum power and control. If you let the ball get too close to your body, you lose both.
According to a biomechanics study published in PMC (PubMed Central), advanced tennis players generate significantly lower joint forces during the backhand than intermediate players. The reason is that advanced players consistently make contact in the ideal zone in front of their body, while intermediate and beginner players often hit the ball late, forcing the arm to absorb more impact. This late contact is also one of the biggest contributors to tennis elbow, which according to Medscape affects more than 50% of non-professional tennis players.
How Do You Follow Through on a Backhand?
You follow through on a backhand by letting the racquet continue moving upward and across your body after contact. For a two-handed backhand, both hands stay on the racquet and finish near your opposite shoulder, with your non-dominant elbow pointing down the court. For a one-handed backhand, your arm extends fully and finishes high.
The follow-through is not just decoration. It controls the direction and spin of the ball. Cutting the follow-through short is one of the most common errors coaches see in beginners at clubs near York Mills Road and along Bayview Avenue. A full, relaxed follow-through also reduces stress on the wrist and elbow. Players enrolled in adult group lessons often work on follow-through drills in their very first session because it has such a big impact on shot quality.
Why Is Tennis Backhand So Difficult?
Tennis backhand is so difficult because it works against the body’s natural motion. On the forehand side, your dominant arm pushes outward, which feels instinctive. On the backhand side, your arm crosses your body, and the dominant hand pulls toward the ball instead of pushing. This makes it harder to generate power and maintain control.
Research from the Mouratoglou Academy confirms that the backhand requires more complex muscle coordination between the arm, core, and legs than the forehand. The non-dominant side of your body does not naturally produce force, so your brain and muscles need extra training to build the motor patterns. That is why repetition matters so much. A study cited by the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that novice players eccentrically contract their wrist extensor muscles during the backhand stroke, which increases injury risk. Experienced players, by contrast, use smoother, full-body mechanics that reduce strain.
This is also why coaching makes such a difference. Players training at facilities near Finch Station or Sheppard-Yonge Station who work with qualified instructors tend to develop cleaner technique faster. The programs and camps at Bayview Village Tennis Camp use a 4:1 or 6:1 student-to-coach ratio specifically so coaches can give real-time feedback on backhand mechanics.
What Are Common Backhand Mistakes?
Common backhand mistakes include gripping the racquet too tightly, failing to turn the shoulders, hitting the ball too late, not bending the knees, and cutting the follow-through short. Each of these errors leads to weak, inconsistent shots and increases the chance of injury.
Does Gripping Too Tight Cause Problems on the Backhand?
Yes, gripping too tight causes significant problems on the backhand. A tight grip increases tension in the forearm, absorbs more shock at impact, and limits wrist flexibility. According to the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, roughly two-thirds of all tennis injuries are due to overuse, and a tight grip on the backhand is one of the most common contributing factors.
The fix is to hold the racquet firmly but not rigidly. On a scale of 1 to 10, aim for about a 4 or 5 in grip pressure. You should be able to feel the racquet in your hand without squeezing. Many residents near Banbury-Don Mills and St. Andrew-Windfields who pick up tennis as adults develop grip tension from stress and everyday habits. Being mindful of relaxation during your backhand is a game changer.
What Happens When You Do Not Turn Your Shoulders?
When you do not turn your shoulders on a backhand, you end up using only your arms to swing. This robs the shot of power and accuracy. The shoulder turn loads your core muscles and creates a rotational energy source that your arms then deliver to the ball. Without it, you are working twice as hard for half the result.
According to the USTA’s coaching guidelines, the shoulder turn is the most commonly skipped step among beginners. Coaches at fall junior programs near Bayview Village often use a simple cue: tuck your chin over your front shoulder before you swing. If your chin is not over your shoulder, you have not turned enough.
How to Get More Power on Backhand Tennis?
To get more power on backhand tennis, use your legs and core, not just your arms. Power starts from the ground up. Push off your back foot, rotate your hips and shoulders through the shot, and let the kinetic chain deliver energy to the racquet head at contact.
A biomechanics study published in PMC found that advanced players generate backhand power primarily through hip and trunk rotation, while beginning and intermediate players over-rely on the arm, which creates higher joint forces and less racquet speed. The takeaway is clear: if you want a harder backhand, train your legs and core. Exercises like lunges, squats, and rotational medicine ball throws are all effective off-court training options.
On the court, focus on “coiling and uncoiling.” As you turn to set up, you store energy in your legs and torso. When you swing, you release it. Players training near the Don Valley Parkway corridor or at Edwards Gardens often combine running and fitness drills with on-court hitting for a complete development approach. The coaching team at Bayview Village Tennis Camp integrates physical conditioning into their junior spring program to build these habits early.
What Are Backhand Drills for Beginners?
Backhand drills for beginners include shadow swings, drop-hit drills, wall rallies, mini-court rallies from the service line, and crosscourt target practice. Each drill isolates a specific part of the backhand so you can build muscle memory step by step.
How to Practice Backhand in Tennis at Home?
To practice backhand in tennis at home, use shadow swings in front of a mirror. Stand sideways, go through your full backhand motion slowly, and watch your form. Check that your shoulders turn, your hands stay together on the grip, and your follow-through finishes high over your opposite shoulder.
Shadow swinging at home is one of the most effective ways to build muscle memory. You do not need a ball or a court. Even 10 minutes a day of focused shadow swings, done in your living room or backyard near Newtonbrook Park or Edithvale Park, can make a noticeable difference within a few weeks. Video yourself from the side so you can compare your form to what proper technique looks like.
How to Practice Your Backhand Alone?
To practice your backhand alone, find a wall and hit backhands against it. Start close, about six feet from the wall, and focus on control. As you get comfortable, move farther back and increase your swing speed. Wall practice forces you to react quickly and builds consistency because the ball comes back to you every time.
Another solo drill is the “drop and hit.” Hold the ball in your non-dominant hand, drop it in front of you, and swing through it with your backhand. This removes the pressure of a live ball and lets you focus entirely on form. According to the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association), beginning in a smaller space like the service box and gradually working back to the baseline is one of the fastest ways to develop a reliable backhand stroke. Courts near Sunnybrook Park and along Leslie Street are great spots for this kind of focused solo work.
What Is the Backhand Technique Also Known As?
The backhand technique is also known as a groundstroke, specifically a backhand groundstroke. It is one of the two main groundstrokes in tennis, the other being the forehand. The backhand can also be categorized into variations like the topspin backhand, the flat backhand, and the backhand slice, each of which uses a different swing path and racquet angle.
The backhand slice, sometimes called a “chip” or “underspin backhand,” keeps the ball low and is useful for defensive situations and approach shots. According to Tennis Canada, the backhand slice is one of the key strokes that every competitive junior should develop by the time they reach the U14 level. Players at all skill levels, from beginners in Hillcrest Village to tournament-level juniors near Earl Haig Secondary School, benefit from learning multiple backhand variations over time.
What Is the 80/20 Rule in Tennis?
The 80/20 rule in tennis means that roughly 80% of your points are won or lost on about 20% of the shots you hit. In practice, this means your serve, return of serve, and a few key groundstrokes, including the backhand, determine most of your match results.
For beginners, this rule highlights why getting a reliable backhand matters so much. If your backhand breaks down under pressure, your opponent will keep hitting to that side until they win the point. Data from the Match Charting Project analyzed by Tennis Abstract shows that the average point probability from the backhand corner is about 47.2%, meaning players win slightly less than half the time when forced to play from their backhand side. That number drops even further for players with weak backhands. Investing time in your backhand technique gives you the best return on your practice time.
Is It Better to Have a One-Handed or Two-Handed Backhand?
It is better for most beginners to have a two-handed backhand. The two-handed backhand is easier to learn, generates more power, and provides a bigger strike zone, especially on high balls. The one-handed backhand offers more reach and can be a beautiful weapon, but it requires superior timing, greater core strength, and much more practice time to master.
| Feature | Two-Handed Backhand | One-Handed Backhand |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Learning | Easier for beginners | Takes longer to develop |
| Power | More power from both arms | Less natural power |
| High Balls | Handles high balls well | Struggles above the waist |
| Reach | Less reach on wide balls | Greater reach and extension |
| Usage Among Top 1,000 ATP | ~95.7% of players | ~4.3% of players |
| Usage Among Top 1,000 WTA | ~98.3% of players | ~1.7% of players |
| Disguise on Slice | Harder to disguise | Easier to disguise |
| Injury Risk (Elbow) | Lower elbow stress | Higher elbow stress |
Sources: Tennis Canada / German Tennis Federation (DTB) research; Sports Analytics Group at UC Berkeley; British Journal of Sports Medicine; PMC biomechanics research on two-handed vs. one-handed backhand impact forces.
The numbers speak for themselves. According to Tennis Canada’s data, only about 12 players in the ATP top 100 and just 1 player in the WTA top 100 use a one-handed backhand. For beginners learning the game at facilities along Yonge Street or near North York Centre Station, the two-handed backhand gives you the fastest path to hitting with confidence and consistency.
What Is the Most Common Tennis Injury?
The most common tennis injury is lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow. It affects the tendons on the outer part of the elbow and is caused by repetitive overuse of the forearm muscles, especially during backhand strokes.
According to Medscape, lateral epicondylitis affects more than 50% of non-professional tennis players at some point, while only about 5% of professional players experience it. A study published in PMC’s British Journal of Sports Medicine found that novice players are far more likely to develop tennis elbow than experienced players because beginners tend to use their arms for power instead of their legs and core. The two-handed backhand also helps prevent this injury, because it distributes force across both arms rather than concentrating it all on one elbow.
Proper warm-up, correct technique, and the right racquet grip size all reduce your risk. Players who take lessons with certified coaches, like the team at Bayview Village Tennis Camp’s coaching staff, learn these protective habits from the start. This is especially important for adults picking up tennis for the first time in areas like Lansing, Henry Farm, and Pleasant View.
What Is the Hardest Shot to Hit in Tennis?
The hardest shot to hit in tennis is widely considered to be the one-handed backhand on a high-bouncing ball. The combination of reaching across the body, hitting above the ideal strike zone, and generating topspin with only one hand makes this one of the most technically demanding shots in the sport.
Research from the Sports Analytics Group at UC Berkeley shows that the one-handed backhand’s potency drops significantly when the ball bounces above waist height. Modern polyester strings allow players to generate extreme topspin, pushing the ball higher into the one-hander’s weakest zone. This is one of the main reasons more and more professional players have moved to the two-handed backhand over the past three decades. For beginners, this is another reason to start with two hands. You will face far fewer situations where the ball is in a difficult position to handle.
How to Get Better at Backhand?
To get better at backhand, practice consistently, focus on one element at a time, film yourself to spot errors, and get feedback from a qualified coach. Repetition builds muscle memory, and targeted drills build confidence.
According to the 2025 USTA Participation Report, tennis participation in the United States reached 27.3 million players in 2025, a 54% increase since 2019. The ITF’s 2024 Global Tennis Report shows Canada is now second globally for the percentage of its population playing tennis, at 12.8%. With this many new players on the court, demand for quality instruction is at an all-time high. The players who improve fastest are the ones who combine regular practice with professional coaching.
Residents near CF Fairview Mall, the Shops at Don Mills, or along Steeles Avenue who want to accelerate their backhand development should consider private or semi-private lessons at Bayview Village Tennis Camp. One-on-one instruction lets a coach zero in on your specific weaknesses and correct them in real time, which is the fastest path to improvement.
What Are the 3 R’s in Tennis?
The 3 R’s in tennis are Ready, Read, and React. Ready means getting into your split step with your knees bent and weight on the balls of your feet before your opponent hits. Read means watching the ball and your opponent’s racquet to predict where the shot is going. React means moving quickly to the ball once you have read its direction.
For the backhand, the “Read” phase is especially important. The sooner you recognize a ball is coming to your backhand side, the sooner you can start your shoulder turn and get into position. Beginners who play at parks near Lawrence Avenue East or Willowdale Park often struggle with the backhand simply because they are late reading the ball, not because their swing mechanics are bad. Working on anticipation and split-step timing can transform a shaky backhand into a reliable one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Learn a Backhand Without a Coach in North York?
You can learn the basics of a backhand without a coach in North York by watching instructional videos and practising against a wall at parks like Cummer Park or Bayview Village Park. However, a certified coach will help you progress much faster and prevent bad habits that are difficult to fix later. Bayview Village Tennis Camp at 30 Elkhorn Drive in North York offers both group and private instruction for all skill levels.
How Long Does It Take a Beginner to Learn a Backhand?
It takes a beginner roughly 4 to 8 weeks of consistent practice to develop a basic, functional backhand. According to Tennis Canada, youth participation among 6 to 17 year-olds grew by 11% in recent years, and structured programs like those offered near Bayview Avenue and Sheppard Avenue help kids develop fundamental strokes within a single season. Adults may take slightly longer depending on how often they play.
Are Two-Handed Backhands Easier for Kids to Learn?
Yes, two-handed backhands are easier for kids to learn. Children lack the wrist and forearm strength needed for a stable one-handed backhand. The two-handed grip gives them extra power and control. According to the German Tennis Federation’s research, the vast majority of junior players worldwide independently develop two-handed backhands because of the ease and stability it provides. Programs in the Bayview Village and Willowdale neighbourhoods, like the ones at Bayview Village Tennis Camp, teach the two-handed backhand first for this reason.
What Is the Best Age to Start Learning Tennis Backhand?
The best age to start learning the tennis backhand is around 4 to 6 years old, using age-appropriate equipment like smaller racquets and low-compression balls. A YouGov Canada study found that 25% of Canadians under the age of 12 played tennis last year, and 30% of parents planned to enroll their children in tennis programming. In North York, families near Don Mills Station and Bessarion Station have easy access to junior programs that introduce strokes like the backhand in a fun, structured way.
Do I Need Special Equipment to Practice My Backhand?
You do not need special equipment to practice your backhand. A standard tennis racquet and a few balls are all you need. For beginners, make sure your racquet grip size is correct, as a grip that is too small increases forearm strain. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, proper grip size is measured from the middle of your palm to the tip of your ring finger. Residents near Highway 401 and the DVP corridor can find sporting goods stores in the area to get properly fitted.
Where Can I Take Beginner Tennis Lessons Near Bayview Village?
You can take beginner tennis lessons near Bayview Village at Bayview Village Tennis Camp, located at 30 Elkhorn Drive in North York, ON (postal code M2K). The camp offers adult group lessons, private lessons, and seasonal junior programs led by OTA-certified coaches with over 40 years of experience. It is easily accessible from Bayview Station on Line 4 and is just minutes from the Bayview Village Shopping Centre.
Is Backhand Important for Recreational Tennis Players?
Yes, the backhand is extremely important for recreational tennis players. Your opponent will always look for your weakest shot, and if your backhand is unreliable, they will target it every rally. According to Tennis Abstract’s Match Charting Project data, players who can handle balls hit to their backhand corner have a significantly better chance of winning points. Even casual players in neighbourhoods like Concord Park Place, Parkwoods-Donalda, and Seneca Village benefit from developing a consistent backhand.
Key Takeaways for a Reliable, Powerful Tennis Backhand
The backhand does not have to be your weakest shot. With the right grip, proper footwork, a full body rotation, contact in front of your body, and a complete follow-through, you can build a backhand that is both reliable and powerful. The data is clear: starting with a two-handed backhand is the fastest path for beginners, and working with a qualified coach dramatically accelerates your progress while keeping you injury-free.
Whether you are a junior just starting out or an adult picking up a racquet for the first time, the key is consistent practice with the right guidance. Bayview Village Tennis Camp in North York has been developing players of all ages and abilities for 40 years, with a coaching team led by National Champion Peter Nielsen. Their proven 4:1 and 6:1 student-to-coach ratios mean you get the personal attention you need to build a backhand you can trust. Reach out to the BVTC team today to get started on your tennis journey.
