Technical  Libary

Forehand

  • Correct topspin grip

  • Racquet face perpendicular

  • Low-to-high swing

  • Non-dominant hand guides

  • Finish over shoulder

  • Loose grip

Backhand

  • Continental grip

  • Handshake hold

  • Low-to-high loop

  • Follow through over shoulder

  • Non-dominant hand primary driver (two-handed)

Groundstroke Reset

  • Check grip

  • Loosen hands

  • Bend knees

  • Slow rally pace

  • Reset mentally

Overheads

  • Continental grip

  • Turn sideways

  • Trophy pose

  • Contact at highest reach

  • Snap wrist

Serve

  • Continental grip

  • Straight toss

  • Full extension

  • Wrist snap

  • Complete follow-through

Volleys

  • Continental grip

  • Split step timing

  • Racquet head up

  • Punch volley

  • Move forward

Download Serve Toss Guide

The Backhand Overhead Smash

Most recreational players rarely encounter the backhand overhead smash, but at the collegiate and professional levels, it can become a spectacular offensive weapon. This advanced shot is used when a player is lobbed over the backhand shoulder and does not have time to run around the ball to hit a traditional forehand overhead.

Unlike a standard backhand volley, the backhand overhead requires a full shoulder turn, exceptional footwork, and the confidence to swing aggressively. Elite players often prepare by taking the racquet high and behind the hitting shoulder almost as if preparing for a forehand overhead on the opposite side.

Key Elements of the Shot

  • Turn the shoulders immediately and move quickly into position.

  • Take the racquet back high, often near or behind the ear.

  • Use crossover or shuffle steps to get underneath the ball.

  • Swing aggressively through contact, driving the ball downward.

  • Maintain balance and recover quickly for the next shot.

While many coaches teach the backhand overhead as an emergency or defensive shot, accomplished doubles players and collegiate athletes can transform it into an offensive weapon capable of ending points.

Featured Demonstration

These videos demonstrate the athleticism, footwork, timing, and racket preparation required to execute one of the most difficult shots in tennis.

Additional Instructional Resources

A clear technical breakdown of the backhand overhead, emphasizing preparation, footwork, and contact point.

Online Tennis Instruction: “Tennis Tip: Master the Backhand Overhead”

Former professional player Gilad Bloom explains the body turn and wrist action required to execute the shot effectively. (⁠PlaySportsTV)

PlaySportsTV: “The Backhand Overhead”

Coach Melissa’s Note

Many players have attempted the backhand overhead, but very few truly master it. Success depends on early preparation, explosive movement, and the willingness to commit fully to the swing. As Tennis.com once put it, the backhand overhead may be “the toughest shot in the game.” (⁠Tennis.com)