Tennis Tips

Northland Age, Volume 4, Issue 5, 2 November 1934, Page 6

Tennis Tips

VIII

NEVER RUN AROUND A BACKHAND SHOT

“My advice to beginners,” said Ralph E. Chambers the other day, “is never to run around a backhand shot. This leaves an opening for the other fellow, and shows up a glaring weakness.

“I maintain that the backhand stroke should be better than the forehand,” Chambers stated. Before I could ask why he added : “Because the swing, co-ordination of arms, body and footwork are far more natural.”

The fundamentals of the backhand stroke follow closely in line with those of the forehand. Chambers tells us how to grip the racquet and stroke the ball.

“In gripping the racquet rhere is a slight change from the forehand to the backhand position. Your hand should be at the top of the handle. Now, shift your thumb to a position alongside the handle. This helps to secure a firm grip on the racquet as well as prevent it from twisting in your hand, and from being forced back by the impact of the ball.

“The changing of this grip from the forehand should be made as your body is shifting sideways. While your left hand holds the racquet at the throat, make a quarter turn with your right, toward your body. During this procedure your thumb shifts to the side of the handle. Practice this change in grips until it becomes almost second nature.

“Now, let’s stroke the ball. From the waiting stance pivot on the ball:, of your feet until your body is sideways to the net. The racquet should be carried to a position back of your left shoulder, with the left hand still holding it at the throat. “By holding the racquet in this manner you are certain of having it back far enough to allow a full free swing. It is also a means of helping you to keep your right arm from being too close to your body as you move the racquet back.”

“Your left hand should be brought forward with the racquet until you are almost ready to meet the ball, then taken from the racquet to maintain correct balance. In carrying your left hand forward in this manner, the racquet is steadied in meeting the ball, as well as kept from buckling or twisting under the impact. Also it will tend to keep the racquet from swinging forward too quickly and cutting across your body, which is a natural tendency with many. Assume a crouched position and bend the knees. This will enable you to meet the ball a comfortable distance from your body and to hit the ball off the waistline. “Next comes the follow through. The same rule applies as in the forehand follow through. Carry the racquet two or three inches forward before allowing your wrist to carry the racquet over. “After you have carried the racquet through as far as it will go,” concludes Chambers, “bring it back to its resting place in the left hand and assume the waiting stance.” Now you are ready for the next shot.