The Backhand

The backhand is the shot that most players, at professional and recreational levels, do not hit nearly as much as other shots like the forehand, in both matches and during practice. Most players, if they have time on the shot, will choose to move around the ball so that it is then coming to their preferred forehand side rather than hit a backhand. However, the backhand should not be a shot you fear since by the end of this article, you will be ready to go out and perfect your aggressive backhand shot.

There is a wide variety of backhand shots: the one-handed backhand, the two-handed backhand, and the one-handed backhand slice. These also can apply to volleys, but we're looking at the groundstroke in this article.
The grip that most players use for the two-handed backhand is the two-handed backhand grip.
                                                 
Hold the racquet with your dominant hand in a continental grip. Position your other hand slightly above or touching your right (or left) hand in a semi-western forehand grip (see image).

For a one-handed backhand, you'll want to use an eastern backhand grip. From the continental grip, shift your hand counterclockwise so it's on the very top of the grip. This grip is best for the backhand slice groundstroke.

To hit a backhand:

1.