The coach stands in front of the player and throws balls to the backhand side. The player executes backhands using only open stance.
Playing against left-handed opponent means that our strategy has to be reversed. Many times we feel comfortable while rallying with backhand cross-court because the opponent has to hit the ball with backhand too. With left-handed players, we have to adjust our position and we have to accept the fact that many times we will be forced to hit open-stance backhand. If you prepare for this scenario during practice sessions, we won't find it difficult to execute this shot under pressure.
In this drill player works on open-stance backhand. This position is difficult for many players so the coach should spend significant amount of time on basic drills to make sure that players start to feel comfortable with left leg to the side. The coach has to tell players that the more they bend their left leg, the more dynamic they are so every time they feel stiff, it means that the left leg was too straight.
Tennis demands a unique combination of endurance, power, agility, and flexibility. Physical preparation determines how long careers last and how players perform when it matters most.
Ecological dynamics is transforming tennis coaching. This constraints-led approach develops adaptable, creative players who can solve problems in competition, not just execute drilled patterns.
The one-handed backhand is becoming rare, but when executed well, it remains one of tennis's most elegant and effective shots. Is it a dying art or a tactical advantage?
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