4 Reasons Running Around Your Backhand Is Important

Eric Pietersz
Jun 24
2 min read

Updated: Jun 27

On TV you see pro tennis players, where possible, running around their backhand to hit the ball with their forehand. Why are they doing this instead of hitting the ball with their backhand?

And, is this for lower-level tennis players also important?

REASON 1

Most players have a stronger forehand than a backhand, and they want to avoid mistakes or weaker shots with their backhand.

REASON 2

When hitting a forehand from your backhand side, it's easier to play with your forehand in different directions.

Outside ball

When a cross-court ball is going to your backhand, it's called an outside ball.

The ball is moving away from you, and when you're hitting the ball back with your backhand, the easiest direction is cross-court back.

Inside ball

When a cross-court ball is going to your backhand, and you're running around your backhand to hit a forehand, it's not called an outside ball anymore, but an inside ball.

The ball is moving towards you, and the advantage is that you can hit your forehand easily in two directions; inside out and down the line (inside in). Also, you have more camouflage for your forehand shot, your opponent doesn't know in which direction you're going to hit.

REASON 3

More effective against topspin.

Most players have huge difficulties with high topspin balls on their backhand.

With high-contact points, it is much easier to return the ball with the forehand.

REASON 4

Element of surprise

It can be a surprise because the opponent is not expecting a forehand shot.

Maybe the rhythm is disturbed, and now you have a good chance to win the point.

IN WHICH SITUATIONS, CAN YOU RUN AROUND YOUR BACKHAND?