Developing Players - Two-handed backhand

• By Ramon Osa

After Wimbledon, I started thinking a lot about development… and with more players going to a two-handed backhand, I wanted to share what USPTA Elite Professional Mark Bey says about it from his talk at USPTA Pacific NorthWest last year.

Straight back takeback or using a loop?

According to Mark, Straight back takebacks have fewer moving parts, and achieve a great “pre-stretch” right away, creating great elastic power potential.

The loop takeback has more moving parts. But when it’s properly executed, the stroke tends to have a great rhythm which helps with timing... and as long as the tip of the racket doesn’t drop too soon, there’s an opportunity for tremendous racket acceleration into contact.

The return of serve

Mark’s got some thoughts about taking it early, loading the outside leg, and hitting deep up the middle (in singles). Then as your player gets into a rhythm… they’ve earned the right to go for more.

Champ of the Court game

AKA King of the Court, the last idea from Mark I wanted to share with you. The cool variations he lists include: mean feed/nice feed, a mandatory net appearance, and even changing of court position. This drill gives you endless ways to engage your students in a competitive environment.

In the meantime, keep up the great work, Coach.