Hey Resznotes, we are fine, I hope all is well with you too. Ok so what I would say is that it’s not a totally different shot to a normal backhand by any means, more like just some subtle changes which can make it more effective and simplify it for some people. It’s about having the slightly more open bat angle and brushing over but also around the ball in a quick snappy movement which produces the dip and spin on the ball but also means you can keep a shot compact stroke. If the ball is still going off the end you can think about closing the angle slightly and brushing through the back of the ball and over a little more.
The wrist is definitely key in these types of shots and I would say it is easier if it’s slight cocked to help produce spin and get the wrist accelerating through the contact too. The biggest thing with this technique is the way you can keep it compact and snappy and save time, a more traditional backhand topspin can be a little to long and take too much time, where as with these small changes and a more Harimoto type style it saves time. Most of the top players do use similar elements in their backhands too, of course every player is unique and Harimoto is a great example to watch and learn this type of attacking shot.
I feel the best way is to just think of your normal backhand but then try to shorten it down and get that nice snappy action and hitting through brushing over the ball with a quick acceleration through the contact. I hope that makes sense and anything else on this just let us know 🙂
Thanks, Tom
