Tips for Properly Executing a Backswing

By Fadi Bejjani

Introduction

A resident of New Jersey, Dr. Fadi (FJ) Bejjani leads as the director of clinical research at American Cryostem, LLC. Away from work, Dr. Fadi Bejjani enjoys playing tennis.

A sport of speed and strategy, tennis requires a players to have a good understanding of racket swing to carry out a certain amount of force with the accuracy of ball placement intended. In particular, the following must be done to expertly execute a backswing.

Backswing

1. When setting up a backswing, a person should bring their racket back and have it ready to approach a ball before it lands on their side of the net.

2. If using a straight backswing, which is best for beginners, a player should hold the racket at waist level and parallel to the ground. The elbow is close to the body so the arm is slightly bent. As the player brings the racket back, the head of the racket should tip back first.

Conclusion

3. For more skilled players, employing a circular backswing should also begin with the tip of the racket head moving backward first. The player performs an oval motion as they swing through the ball. As the racket ascends through the hit, the elbow stays slightly bent, and at the peak, the racket is at eye level. Completing the oval, the racket comes back down, causing the arm to straighten slightly to prepare for the next motion.