Solo Feeds - Backhand

Introduction

As previously stated the basic backhand technique is not a singular basic technique but a basic swing which enables two other basic swings.  Furthermore, it is the Backhand Open Plane Swing which the player should  initially learn via Goal Setting and Sequencing as this swing is the natural initiator of the other two swings.

The player needs to incorporate Sequencing, Segmented Ghosting also known as Role Playing, Visualisation and Goal Setting. 

After Segmented Ghosting the player ghosts the holistic swing without and then with the ball.

When learning the player should focus on the various technical aspects of the swing and in particular the back swing's initial opening of the racquet face it's why and how. The player sequentially segments the swing.

The first segment of the back swing opening the face (pronation) between 30-45 degrees being the most important. 

The second segment of the back swing the approximate 30-45 degree angle is maintained at both the shoulder and top of the backswing, respectively.

The third segment of the forward swing squaring the racquet face (supination) just before or on contact.

The fourth segment of he forward swing that after completion of the swing's follow through that the elbow point is facing the floor and the angle at the elbow is approximately 90 degrees, respectively.

It is critical that the player practises solo without a ball while segmenting the swing.

 

The Backhand Open Plane Swing

The player uses Segmented Ghosting and visually checks which assists with Visualisation when learning the swing.

Initially, the player practises without the ball. On the backswing the player focuses by visualising on maintaining the open face at an angle between 30 and 45 degrees. 

The player practising Solo The Backhand Open Plane Swing

The player is ghosting the slice drop and the volley drops at varying heights. The player swings slowly while focusing on the segments of the swing.

The Backhand Return Of Serve

Primarily, this solo routine is focused on encouraging the player to volley

When returning serve The Open Plane Swing encourages the player to hunt and volley before the ball hits the sidewall. 

The Backhand Open To Closed Plane Swing

The player uses Segmented Ghosting and visually checks which assists with Visualisation when learning the swing.

Technically, the forward swing commences when the racquet face is completely closed. However, it is easier for the player to feel that the forward swing begins from the neural position with the rocking of the arm.

Initially, the player practises without the ball. On the backswing the player focuses by visualising on opening the face before starting to close it. 

Hitting the ball off the back wall with The Open To Closed Plane Swing

This technique is normally adopted when there is enough rebound that does not require the player to improvise and not too much rebound that allows the player to plant either foot just prior to contact.

After the player is familiar with the Generic Movement Pattern from the T Area to the D2 Zone the player then practises solo ghosting, without the ball, from the D2 Zone with the identical final step hit of the Generic Movement Pattern. The player with the ball in hand pretends to throw the ball off the back wall before step hitting. The player continues with Solo Ghosting before actually throwing the ball. The player focuses on each segment sequentially before moving onto the next.

After adopting the starting position, with the racquet face closed and the right foot forward the player ghosts throwing the ball and steps while concentrating on the downswing moving parallel with the back wall before focusing on an imaginary contact area. After contact the player concentrates on the follow through being as straight as possible and clearing the hitting area with the right foot. The player completes the follow through. 

The Backhand Return Of Serve

Primarily, this solo routine is focused on encouraging the player to volley

When unable to volley before the ball hits the sidewall The Open To Closed Plane Swing encourages the player to volley off the wall.

The Backhand Open To Extended Plane Swing

The third swing which is enabled by the Backhand Open Plane Swing is the Backhand Open To Extended Plane Swing. Again the major focus is on the first segment opening the face, however, past 45 degrees.

The player uses Segmented Ghosting and visually checks which assists with Visualisation when learning the swing.

Initially, the player practises without the ball. On the backswing the player focuses by visualising on opening the face past 45 degrees.

After the player has done holistic ghosting the player then introduces The Matchplay Solo Ghosting Routine

My Swing 

The Forehand Open Plane Swings are also depicted

 

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