For most racquetballers, particularly beginners, the forehand is a relatively natural shot, but the backhand is much more difficult to master or even properly develop. At times even the most advanced players have been known to practically scale the side walls to avoid hitting a backhand shot. However, a solid player must acquire a strong backhand that he has confidence in using at all times.
Too many players on all levels are unrealistic about their own game. Before working up an elaborate tactical plan relative to your opponent’s game and weaknesses , first analyze your own game to correct your faults. Work on your game to a goal of perfection; which means a great backhand to go with your forehand.
The backhand probably gives racquetballers more trouble than any other stroke, yet mastery of it is essential. This will not only prevent opponents from taking advantage of your weak stroke by attacking your backhand side, but it can be turned into a powerful offensive weapon. A strong backhand will allow you to get many passing attempts and will save the numerous steps to walk around a ball to get a forehand shot.
The technique for a good backhand stroke starts with the proper grip. Many people, especially those who have some tennis experience, feel it necessary to change the position of the hand on the racquet when switching from a forehand to a back hand, or the other way.
However, I feel that the continental grip is suitable tor both strokes. This grip will prevent you from being jammed, when you are in front of the service line on a ball hit directly at you.
As I grip the racquet throat the butt of the racquet rests on the heel of my opposite hand. I shake hands with the racquet, my fingers curve around the handle and my forefinger extends naturally up the racquet.
Proper stance and footwork are the next steps in developing a good backhand. Many beginners are unaware that the backhand stroke must always be executed while facing the side wall so that your arm can snap the ball directly toward the front wall. The knees must always be flexed, don’t stand flat-footed, and have your feet spread out at shoulder length. When re-killing a shot I try and take a wider stance and get down even lower than usual.
Initially, your body weight should be placed on your rear foot. The backswing depends on the amount of time you have to line up the ball and execute your shot. At the peak of your backhand, your shoulder points directly toward the spot to which you are aiming the ball, and your forearm is parallel to your body. The knees are now bent as you prepare to transfer the body weight to your front foot. As you swing, step into the stroke, toward the front wall, throwing your weight onto your front foot. The ball should be hit at nearly arms length to maximize the power input. Always follow through on your swing.
The only way to improve your backhand is by practice. Practicing alone, hitting a variety of backhand shots will help you become comfortable and confident with the stroke. When playing singles with players of lesser ability than myself, I can play an entire game using the backhand RACQUETBALL shot almost exclusively. Try this for a week and I guarantee that your backhand will improve.
I have found that a major portion of the power put into the backhand drive is produced from the triceps and muscles of the forearm and wrist. Therefore, more power can be developed through weightlifting exercises such as reverse curls, trench curls and wrist curls. Try to do these weight exercises three or four times weekly. To increase your strength, exercise with as heavy a weigh t as possible for three sets of low repetitions. You will find that these movements can put more “zing” into your backhand.
The only way you can ever hope to have any success at improving not only your backhand, but your total game is through a proper conditioning program. As I have already mentioned, weight lifting can be useful to you. A friend of mine in St. Louis added two feet to his ceiling ball by following a simple weight lifting program for a few months. Don’t just try to be good at racquetball, try to be a good athlete. Anyone can pick up a racquet and start beating the ball into the wall, but only a hardworking athlete has any chance of becoming proficient at the game. The best way to join the other athletes in the sport is by running,-notice I said running, not to be confused with jogging. I run a brisk two mile cross country course every morning in 12 minutes. You should start by running one-half to a mile daily and within two months be doing two miles in 14 to 16 minutes. Everyone who wants to play the game seriously must run to improve his wind, adding stamina to the rest of his game.