Strong forehand but weak backhand

[NewGuyHere]

My forehand is pretty good for my skill level. I can rally and smash with my forehand. But I struggle with my backhand. My backhands are half-hearted, with no follow-through, just blocking. So anything on the left side is limited.

Any suggestions on how to improve?

Btw, I only play doubles. When I return serve, i automatic go to back hand mode and return with a high throw for spin serves.

 

[longle]

what do you use for BH ? if it's bouncy maybe try a more controlled, slower rubber (like a Chinese tacky rubber, it holds the ball very well)

 

[NewGuyHere]

what do you use for BH ? if it's bouncy maybe try a more controlled, slower rubber (like a Chinese tacky rubber, it holds the ball very well)

Nittaku Fastarc C-1.
I can't play with tacky/bouncy rubber. I tried my friend's tenergy 05 and the ball goes flying!

 

[Dr Evil]

...I struggle with my backhand. My backhands are half-hearted, with no follow-through, just blocking. So anything on the left side is limited.

Any suggestions on how to improve?

2x2 drills (2 forehands, then 2 backhands). Start slowly enough that it's no challenge for you to keep the rally going, and concentrate on efficient footwork and good form on both wings. It's helpful to get some video of your drills so you can see what you're really doing (rather than what you imagine you're doing). Keep practicing until it looks and feels solid on both wings, and then speed up a little. Transitions (especially forehand to backhand) can be harder to master than the basic strokes themselves, so have patience.

 

[Larshos]

Nittaku Fastarc C-1.
I can't play with tacky/bouncy rubber. I tried my friend's tenergy 05 and the ball goes flying!

T05 is NOT what longle meant with his recommendation. Not remotely close.
Try something like Mercury 2, BD 38, H3N 37 or Moon 12 M-

 

[Gozo Zyreruna]

try to use non-tensor classic rubber like Sriver on BH. Learn to open up ( Topspin ) with BH first. Poor quality also never mind, just learn how to create an arc that clear the net. Just do this first.

 

[Ultravisitor]

My forehand is pretty good for my skill level. I can rally and smash with my forehand. But I struggle with my backhand. My backhands are half-hearted, with no follow-through, just blocking. So anything on the left side is limited.

Any suggestions on how to improve?

Btw, I only play doubles. When I return serve, i automatic go to back hand mode and return with a high throw for spin serves.

Also if you only play doubles it's hard to improve at a technical level. Find someone you can do drills with, then you will improve your bh

 

[vanjr]

Also if you only play doubles it's hard to improve at a technical level. Find someone you can do drills with, then you will improve your bh

I agree with ultravisitor-almost no way to improve much playing doubles only. If you can also do some training with a coach yes. Playing doubles is what you do after you have learned the basics. Or if you a senior.

 

[chandyrandy]

try to use non-tensor classic rubber like Sriver on BH. Learn to open up ( Topspin ) with BH first. Poor quality also never mind, just learn how to create an arc that clear the net. Just do this first.

Gotta disagree with the sriver take Gozo that one's just way too dated.

 

[Gozo Zyreruna]

Gotta disagree with the sriver take Gozo that one's just way too dated.

I know it is out-dated. But for training and getting into the groove of things, that rubber or similar ones like it ( non-tensor ) grippy rubber is a great learning tool, read: a tool, not your soulmate. Oh well, I’ll leave it at this. To each his own.

 

[golden_son]

Gotta disagree with the sriver take Gozo that one's just way too dated.

Gozo is just trying to start them on the Sriver->Bryce->Tenergy->Dignics->Zyre pathway (rabbit hole). "Oh, Sriver is too slow? Try Bryce, it's still old but faster. Not enough spin? You're ready for Tenergy" and so on 😂

 

[Gozo Zyreruna]

Gozo is just trying to start them on the Sriver->Bryce->Tenergy->Dignics->Zyre pathway (rabbit hole). "Oh, Sriver is too slow? Try Bryce, it's still old but faster. Not enough spin? You're ready for Tenergy" and so on 😂

You and I are going to be BFF!

 

[NextLevel]

Gozo is just trying to start them on the Sriver->Bryce->Tenergy->Dignics->Zyre pathway (rabbit hole). "Oh, Sriver is too slow? Try Bryce, it's still old but faster. Not enough spin? You're ready for Tenergy" and so on 😂

Liu Gozoliang is the best coach!

 

[Gozo Zyreruna]

Liu Gozoliang is the best coach!

you liken me to pipsters? No brownie points for you Next!

Spoiler: Pips?

 

[Lungfish]

My forehand is pretty good for my skill level. I can rally and smash with my forehand. But I struggle with my backhand. My backhands are half-hearted, with no follow-through, just blocking. So anything on the left side is limited.

Any suggestions on how to improve?

Btw, I only play doubles. When I return serve, i automatic go to back hand mode and return with a high throw for spin serves.

Develop a setup backhand. Copy technique from players like lin gaoyuan and jung youngsik. Work on blocking and countering with a compact stroke. (this will improve stability and consistency)

 

[driversbeat]

Learn from Winter. Use anti.

 

[MORTtheORT]

My forehand is pretty good for my skill level. I can rally and smash with my forehand. But I struggle with my backhand. My backhands are half-hearted, with no follow-through, just blocking. So anything on the left side is limited.

Any suggestions on how to improve?

Btw, I only play doubles. When I return serve, i automatic go to back hand mode and return with a high throw for spin serves.

Maybe you should be using pimples or anti spin on your backhand? Using these on your BH to set up a FH attack is a effective playing style.....and a lot of players fear pimples and will play to your FH.

Training is the only answer to developing your backhand. Put that aside, it sounds like you are very passive on your backhand. Are you playing with fear so you just block?

If so, maybe a more control focused rubbers like the Rakza 7 soft? It is a very friendly rubber for developing your BH as well. Might be a better option then the Fastarc for getting your BH going and improved confidence.

 

[NextLevel]

you liken me to pipsters? No brownie points for you Next!

Spoiler: Pips?

View attachment 39354

I likened you to the greatest contemporary TT coach of all time and all you can think about is that he used pips when he played? Come on lol....

You prefer Gozo Hao? Liu Gozozheng? Gozo Rosskopf? Coaches who used inverted but didn't win as much?

 

[Gozo Zyreruna]

2014 JWJ says, no BH? No problem...

2026 JWJ be like: BH? Don't f**k with my BH!

Spoiler: Gozo's comment:

12 years ago, no backhand? No problem. In today's modern era TT? A shakehander grip user who does not develop good backhand is severely disadvantage; better be a penholder instead.