Service: Two-handed backhand longline – a tutorial

Break out of the cross duel – and pull the (both hands) backhand longline.That’s the way!

It behaves like the colorful fish in the pond.You have to be able to fall out of line.Such a “colorful fish” can be a hit on the tennis court that breaks through an ordinary rally and causes an immediate change in the rally.Such a stroke is the backhand longline – the backhand along the line.This article deals specifically with the backhand played in both hands.Cross-duels can break out with this blow.An opponent’s shot may be too short.The opponent can be caught on the wrong foot with the backhand longline.What does it take to use this blow cleverly and correctly?We’re gonna get to the bottom of this now.

The backhand along the line cannot be played at will, from any position.The angle for this shot must be right.Ideally, you are relatively far in your own backhand corner.The more central you stand, the more complicated the angle.From a backhanded cross duel, which pushes you far into your own backhand, you can play a better backhand longline than from a neutral position.You should make it a rule to wait for the right situation in the rally and then act lightning fast.The opponent’s ball should not come close to the baseline, but more towards the T-line.The backhand longline can be played better on a short ball of the opponent.

The height of the opponent’s ball is also decisive.To play a quick backhand along the line, the ball should not be below the edge of the net – the angle would become too complicated again.If the ball is located above the netting edge, on the other hand, a much better angle for a good and effective backhand is obtained.

The right moment for the backhand longline in key points:

out of one’s own backhand

the opponent’s ball is played a little too short

the ball is above the netting edge

Standing sideways, the front shoulder facing the ball, body weight is on the front foot – the wrist and the direction of the racquet determine the shot.As with a door handle, the folded down right wrist opens the door for the backhand longline.Pulling up the wrist closes the door to the blow again.Afterwards, the bat must be led as far forward as possible, through the stroke.The arms and the swing act like a signpost to direct the stroke in the right direction.Going through the ball has to be accompanied by real self-confidence.Those who are hesitant and do not dare to follow the ball forward with their body will not score points along the line with the backhand.

The outward movement should not be too complex.Simply taking the club back is enough.The right shoulder should point sideways forward as quickly as possible.If you put yourself in the right position too late, the important timing is lost – the ball is hit too late and goes sideways to the out.

The right technique in keywords:

Stand to the side of the ball

front shoulder facing forward

low centre of gravity – stability

approach the ball

walking through the ball after the shot

As in the last paragraph: Your self-confidence is extremely important to be able to play a good backhanded longline.If you feel uncomfortable and are still looking for your beat rhythm, you should play cross instead of longline.This will give you more security at first.You have to fill up your tank of self-confidence first, then use it for the backhand longline.The score does not always have to reflect the action on the court.For example, if you’re 1-4 down, but you’re getting better and better at the game, a terrific backhand longline can pull the momentum to your side.This blow stands and falls with your confidence.Make use of this knowledge in the field.And don’t hesitate!