The exercise serves as a methodical preparation for the two-handed backhand. One side takes over the Feed method and throws the ball in a controlled way. On the hitting side, the ball is first clamped centrally in the string bed with the second hand. Later, this hand is at the top of the grip in the two-handed backhand and deliberately takes on an active role in the exercise. After clamping, the ball is released and softly played back with this hand in a Forehand movement on the non-dominant side. For a right-handed backhand, this corresponds to a left-hander’s Forehand. This first simplifies and isolates the function of the upper hand before both hands work together on the racket.
Training Goal
The focus is on understanding the active function of the second hand in the two-handed backhand. Instead of learning the backhand immediately as a complex two-handed stroke movement, the movement of the upper hand is built up first.
The central clamping of the ball also supports contact point orientation. The distance to the ball must be organized so that the ball can be taken up in a controlled way in the center of the string bed. From this position, a simple Forehand movement of the second hand is then developed.
This exercise therefore combines three important elements: finding the contact point, activating the second hand, and building a controlled stroke movement.
Coaching Keys
- Position the second hand at the top of the grip.
- Clamp the ball as centrally in the string bed as possible.
- Organize the contact point with enough distance in front of and to the side of the body.
- Deliberately use the second hand as the active hitting hand.
- After releasing the ball, perform a short, controlled Forehand movement.
- Play the ball back softly so a high number of repetitions remains possible.
Possible Corrections
The ball is not clamped centrally in the string bed:
Simplify the Feed method and reduce the tempo. First control only the contact point. Only when clamping succeeds reliably should you continue with rallying.
The contact point is too close to the body:
Create more distance to the ball. Small adjustment steps before contact help coordinate racket and ball better in space.
The second hand remains passive:
First have the movement executed consistently as Forehand on the non-dominant side. This makes the function of the upper hand more clearly perceptible.
The stroke movement becomes too big:
Shorten the backswing movement and work again from the contact point. In this learning phase, the focus is on control and movement understanding, not on speed.
The ball is played back too hard:
Choose a short distance and keep the hand feed deliberately soft. A controlled ball makes the next repetition easier and supports the methodical build-up.
Progressive Increase
1. Only clamp the ball
Controlled tossing and stopping the ball centrally in the string bed with the second hand. The contact point and distance are the focus.
2. Clamp and play back
After clamping, release the ball and play it back with a short Forehand movement of the second hand.
3. Direct Forehand with the second hand
The clamping is omitted. The thrown ball is played directly with the non-dominant hand after the bounce.
4. Add the first hand
The dominant hand is additionally positioned lower on the grip. The movement of the upper hand, which has already been prepared, remains clearly active.
5. Two-handed backhand from the Feed
Both hands work together. The movement becomes increasingly fluid and the ball is played back in a controlled way after the bounce.
6. Transition to rallying
The Feed method becomes gradually more dynamic until the methodical task turns into a cooperative rally with a two-handed backhand.
