December 10, 2014 | By John W. Sherwood
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In today’s game, one of the most under-practiced shots is the inside-out backhand. While the inside-out backhand is not the weapon of choice players enjoy with their inside-out forehand, there are key times and reasons you should include this shot into your practice schedule and match play.
Return of serve
As a right-handed player, returning in the deuce court (lefty’s into the ad court), and when your opponent serves into the T, and thus your backhand, you will need to have the option of creating this inside-out angle, and be able to adjust your footwork and stance accordingly, allowing for contact to be made on the inside of the ball. The inside-out backhand return becomes more important and valuable in doubles play, given the server’s starting position, coupled with your goal as returner to create a cross-court return away from your opponent at the net. Most players should be spending more time practicing their return of serve anyway, and focusing on creating this inside-out angle and proper set up. For both singles and doubles play, this will produce big dividends.
Hit behind your opponent
There will be times when you find yourself with the opportunity to hit behind a moving opponent, but due to your court position, a backhand shot must be executed. The inside-out backhand, versus the cross-court backhand, may not be the shot anticipated by your opponent, thus catching them by surprise and increasing its effectiveness. You will want to create practice scenarios to prepare for this sequence.
Your backhand is better than your forehand
This is fairly common in younger players and even with some adults. Your backhand may be more consistent or your ability to control shot placement a bit better. If this is the case, your inside-out backhand will give you greater rally flexibility and the ability to hit behind your opponent as discussed above.
Out of position
Say for example, you have been pulled out wide to the forehand side and have not fully recovered. Your opponent has caught you out of position. You find yourself jammed, and may need to construct an inside-out backhand to stay in the point and improve your position and opportunities for future shots.
Mid-court transition
Here you have found yourself in mid-court transition with a short ball into your backhand. In some cases, the best open court option would require the inside-out backhand to set-up the best approach, allowing you to continue closing effectively.
Footwork and balance
Since the inside-out backhand is not as natural or comfortable as the inside-out forehand, players need to allocate time to practice the footwork, stance and balance associated with the shots above. Challenging yourself here will improve your overall footwork and balance skills, making you a more complete player.
Matches can be won or lost on just a few key points. Work with your coach to incorporate a few drills to address the above scenarios. Practicing the inside-out backhand will help you prepare for every situation that you may be presented within today’s game, thus increasing your success on the court.
