Video:Quick Tip: Perfect the Point of Contact of a One-Handed Backhand

Transcript:Quick Tip: Perfect the Point of Contact of a One-Handed Backhand

Hi, I'm Jeff Cooper for About.com; I'm here to help you perfect the point of contact for a one-handed backhand.

Basics About Perfecing the Point of Contact of a One-Handed Backhand

How forward your point of contact is on a one-handed backhand depends on your grip, but in all cases, the long axis of the racquet should be parallel to the ground, the strings should be vertical, and the racquet should be a comfortable distance out to your side, not right in front of you or stretched away.

Grips and Point of Contact of a One-Handed Backhand

With a full Eastern backhand grip, your point of contact should be about 18 inches in front, and it'll be comfortable pretty much from knee to upper-belly high.

With a modified Eastern backhand grip, your point of contact's 12-15 inches in front, and it's comfortable just a little bit lower.

With a Semi-Western backhand grip, your point of contact's about 24 inches in front and higher; it's comfortable from the knees up to about the shoulders.

And then the Continental grip, which isn't used much for topspin, should be met about 6 inches in front, and it likes a low point of contact.

Here's a topspin backhand with a full Eastern backhand grip.

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