Coaching

Further work on the backhand.  Always remember the basics, and the rest will come:

- correct grip (at the moment we’ll use the “backhand grip” where the thumb is along the small bevel, for all backhand shots

- hit by rotating (supanating) the forearm. No big swing of the arm, no hitting with just the wrist, just a sudden swift rotation of the forearm

- it’s a “rebound” action, so little or no follow-through, and the racket rebounds back at the end

Practise hitting backhand drives and clears in a straight direction. It’s not going to be your strongest shot, so playing it straight will generally give you the best chance.  We can get clever later!

Many thanks to Joanne for running the last two sessions – I’m back properly on the 23rd.

Homework – skipping for 15 mins daily, plus the forearm turning exercise.

Basics of the backhand this week. We’re embarking upon 3-4 weeks on the backhand, interspersed with other stuff too.

Fundamentals are:

 - correct grip to allow rotation of the forearm,

 - elbow raised,

 - and then finally “hitting with the forearm”, rather than using just the wrist. 

This means, with the wrist cocked, the forearm supanates very quickly just before impact, giving sudden acceleration to the racket head, which transfers to the shuttle powering it away ! (eventually).  Don’t forget it’s hit with a rebound action, so there is no follow through – the racket stops immediately after impact.  Practise this gradually, since it relies on muscles that may not be very strong yet. Buid it up gradually.

Loads of skipping please – 10 mins daily.