Master Your Backhand: A Step-by-Step Drills Guide for Club-Level Players

If you’ve ever watched a match and felt a pang of envy when a player whips a backhand winner past the net, you know why this drill guide matters. A solid backhand can turn a shaky game into a confident one, and the good news is you don’t need a pro‑level coach to get there. At Serve & Spin we love breaking down big ideas into simple steps you can try on the club court today.

Why the Backhand Often Gets Overlooked

Most club players spend a lot of time perfecting the forehand because it feels natural to swing with the dominant hand. The backhand, however, asks you to use a different grip, a different swing path, and sometimes even a different footwork pattern. That extra complexity can make it feel like a chore, and many players end up avoiding it altogether. The result? A predictable game that opponents can exploit.

The truth is, a reliable backhand gives you two big advantages:

1. More options – you can hit cross‑court angles, down the line shots, and defensive lobs without scrambling for a forehand.
2. Better balance – when you trust both wings, you stay centered on the court instead of constantly shifting weight to one side.

The Building Blocks: Grip, Stance, and Swing Path

Grip Basics

For most club players, the two‑handed backhand is the easiest to learn. Start with the dominant hand (right hand for right‑handers) in a continental grip – think of holding a hammer. The left hand (non‑dominant) should sit like a shaking hand, using a semi‑western grip. This combo gives you power and control without a steep learning curve.

If you prefer a one‑handed backhand, use an eastern grip – the palm faces slightly upward, and the knuckles line up with the racquet face. This grip is more demanding on the wrist and shoulder, so be sure you have the flexibility before you dive in.

Stance and Footwork

A solid stance is the foundation of any good shot. For a two‑handed backhand, start with a closed stance: the right foot (for right‑handers) points toward the net post, and the left foot is slightly behind. This position lets you rotate your hips and shoulders fully, creating a smooth swing.

If you’re working on a one‑handed backhand, a semi‑open stance works better. Keep the right foot pointed toward the sideline and the left foot behind you. This stance helps you stay balanced while reaching for wide balls.

Swing Path Simplified

Think of the backhand swing as a “low‑to‑high” motion. Begin with the racquet low, behind the body, and finish high, over the shoulder. The key is to keep the racquet face slightly closed (tilted forward) so the ball jumps up over the net with a bit of topspin.

Drill #1: Shadow Swings – The Muscle Memory Maker

What it does: Teaches the correct swing path without the pressure of hitting a ball.

How to do it:

1. Stand at the baseline with your racquet ready.
2. Without a ball, go through the full backhand motion – low start, rotate hips, swing up, finish over the shoulder.
3. Count “one, two, three” on each swing to keep rhythm.
4. Do 20 repetitions, then switch to the opposite side to keep both sides balanced.

Why it works: Repeating the motion builds the neural pathways that later translate into smooth, automatic swings when you actually hit a ball.

Drill #2: Wall Rally – The Consistency Builder

What it does: Gives you instant feedback on timing and placement.

How to do it:

1. Find a solid wall at your club (many have a practice wall near the back).
2. Stand about 6 feet from the wall, backhand side facing it.
3. Toss a ball against the wall and hit a backhand return, aiming to keep the ball at waist height.
4. Try to keep the rally going for 30 seconds, then rest 15 seconds. Repeat 5 times.

Tips: If the ball is too high, lower your swing start point. If it’s too low, raise your racquet a bit earlier. The wall forces you to adjust quickly, sharpening your feel for the ball.

Drill #3: Cross‑Court Target – The Angle Trainer

What it does: Helps you hit purposeful cross‑court backhands with depth.

How to do it:

1. Place a cone or a rolled towel on the opposite side of the court, about 3 meters from the net on the backhand side.
2. Stand at the baseline, feed yourself a ball (or have a partner feed you).
3. Aim to land the ball inside the target area, using a full swing.
4. Count each successful shot. Aim for 10 in a row, then move the target a little farther back.

Why it matters: In match play, a well‑placed cross‑court backhand can open the court for a forehand winner. This drill trains you to hit that shot under pressure.

Drill #4: Down‑The‑Line Sprint – The Footwork Finisher

What it does: Combines foot speed with a backhand finish, mimicking a real rally.

How to do it:

1. Start at the center of the baseline.
2. Have a partner feed a ball to your backhand side, about 2 meters deep.
3. Sprint to the ball, hit a backhand, then immediately sprint to the opposite side of the court and hit a forehand (or just a volley) to finish the drill.
4. Rest for 20 seconds, then repeat 8 times.

Result: You’ll notice your footwork becomes sharper, and you’ll feel more comfortable hitting backhands while on the move.

Putting It All Together: A Weekly Plan

Stick to this schedule for four weeks and you’ll see measurable improvement. The key is to keep each session short but focused – 30 to 45 minutes is enough for most club players.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

1. Racquet too flat – If the ball skids low over the net, you’re likely keeping the racquet face too open. Slightly close the face by rotating the forearm at the finish.
2. Hips not rotating – A stiff torso leads to a weak shot. Practice the hip turn by placing a towel under your right hip and feeling it lift as you swing.
3. Rushing the swing – Speed comes from a smooth, full motion, not from swinging hard early. Slow the swing down in shadow practice, then gradually add speed.

A Personal Tale: My First Backhand Win

I still remember my first club tournament backhand winner. I was 19, nervous, and my forehand was decent, but my backhand was a mess. During a tight second set, I found myself on the backhand side with a short ball landing just inside the service line. I recalled the “low‑to‑high” swing we practice at Serve & Spin, took a deep breath, and let the racquet do the work. The ball rose over the net, clipped the opposite corner, and the crowd cheered. That moment taught me that confidence comes from repetition, not magic.

So, whether you’re a weekend warrior or a competitive club player, give these drills a try. Your backhand will thank you, and your opponents will start to think twice before targeting your weaker side.