The backhand is most kids’ weaker side. Practice closes the gap. From a coach feed, the player gets predictable balls to the backhand. They can build the rhythm without having to rally.
What you need: Green or yellow tennis balls, full racquet, full tennis court.
Setup: Player on the baseline backhand side. Coach across the net with balls.
How to run it:
- Cue: Turn, Drop, Lift, Follow.
- Coach feeds to the player’s backhand side.
- Player turns, drops the racquet, swings up through the ball with both hands.
- Ball clears the net. Follow through over the front shoulder.
- Do 12 backhands. Mix some down the line and cross-court.
What to watch: The non-dominant hand. The non-dominant hand drives the swing on a two-handed backhand. If only the dominant hand is working, the swing is weak.
If they’re struggling: Slower feeds. Move closer to the net.
If they’ve got it: Mix forehands and backhands randomly. Player has to read the side and react.