Backhand check list–
1. Backhand grip-V formation of the thumb and forefinger for right-handers should rotate to 11 to 9 o’clock. That roughly translates to Eastern to modified western grips. Why do I not teach one grip? Some of my competitors believe the way they played is the only way. I am of a different belief.
As someone told me last summer, “Coach you teach the wrong backhand grip.” My response? “I’ll tell my national and world champions (which includes the greatest player who ever played racquetball) they have the wrong grip.”
I did not arrive at this yesterday. For the record, every summer I tried to change my backhand grip to modified Western for the next season. Why? That grip gives you better rekill control in the front court and fewer errors in the back court. But, not everyone can use that grip. I do not look at grips any more but I do look at the racquet plane as an athlete swings the racquet. Flat through the zone-I leave them alone. Twisty wristy makes the swing iffy!!
2. Feet parallel as much as possible. The key phrase is as much as possible. Actually it is not so much parallel as balanced. Most racquetball players become one legged athletes on the backhand side.
3. Contact point within the stance, not in front of the stance. (unless you have the modified western bh grip)
4. Turn away and turn in–there has to be a counter-movement to be an effective movement. If not, you are hitting cross court all the time!
5. Famous frisbee motion drills help.
6. Stationary drop and hit to get better. When you add a step to drop and hit, you end with weight on the front too much. After becoming proficient at the stationary drill, you are ready for a step.