Backhand groundstroke control: left hand usage

What this lesson covers

The coach addresses the lack of control on backhand groundstrokes by focusing on the role of the non-dominant hand. Players often create a wavy, inconsistent swing path by failing to use the left hand to guide the racket. The left hand should hold the throat of the racket during the preparation phase to pull the racket back and down, creating tension that stabilizes the swing. This action ensures the racket head stays below the ball, allowing for a controlled, low-to-high motion rather than a downward chop that often leads to errors in the net.

To achieve a soft, precise shot, imagine a barrier at waist height that the racket must stay beneath. This constraint forces the player to maintain a consistent, repeatable swing path similar to a golf stroke. By keeping the racket low and using the left hand to load the movement, the player gains the ability to dink the ball into the opponent's feet. Once the ball is placed deep or at the opponent's feet, the player can transition forward to net position to finish the point. This technique applies equally to shots off the glass, where maintaining a low racket head remains the priority.