Backhand check list-
For reference: https://buff.ly/ecnbWQc
Talking 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? 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.”
Oh, and one more thing, each grip has strengths and weaknesses. No one grip is perfect.
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 re-kill control in the front court and fewer errors in the back court. But, not everyone should use that grip because of their hand shape and contact point. Every grip has weaknesses so I do not look at grips any more but I do look at the racquet plane as an athlete swings the racquet.
1. My rule–Flat through a big zone-I leave them alone. If there is twisty wristing, the grip needs fixing!!
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 sided athletes (with all their weight on the front side of their body) on the backhand side.
3. With a normal eastern grip, the contact point within the stance, not in front of the stance.
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. I do carry a frisbee in coaching bag for backhand motion.
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.
Many more things to add on backhand but that is enough for a starter!