use-of-legs-on-backhand-topspin
Slicepong asked 6 years ago
Hi Dan and Tom, when we have time to use the legs significantly on a backhand topsin do we straighten the legs and knees as we make contact? It seems like on the forehand we use the legs, but it’s more of a weight transfer so the knee position doesn’t change much. On the backhand, it seems necessary to use the glutes and knees to get adequate power. Thanks.
Tom Academy Coach answered 6 years ago
Hey Slicepong,
So it does depend if your playing a backhand topspin against a block or a topspin ball, for these type of backhand there is less use of the knees and legs than when playing against a backspin ball.
When playing against a push for example it’s definitely good to use the knees and legs to help generate power,although you shouldn’t fully straighten them. Using the glutes to get low when playing against backspin and then pushing up on contact, you still need to keep a good flex in the knees even when finishing the shot so you are still in a low and controlled position for the next ball.
So yes you’re absolutely right forehand is more weight transfer and you certainly need the legs to help when playing against backspin on the backhand,just keeping your knees flexed and not fully straighted when doing so to maintain a good position and stance.
