Learn from Novak Djokovic's Backhand — Step-by-Step Checkpoint Tutorial

Malhar here from Before & After Tennis, and today, we’re diving into the essentials of the two-handed backhand. I’ll walk you through this stroke, paying attention to "checkpoints" along the way, so grab your racket, and let's shape up your two-hander.

Importance of Fundamentals

Efficient strokes aren’t about flashy shots and brute force; it's about the simple, repeatable basics that hold up under intense game pressure. The Djokovic backhand is simplicity and efficiency in one smooth package, delivering reliability when it matters most. You'll want these quality techniques in your repertoire.

Checkpoint 1: Efficient Grips

Grips are the cornerstone of your stroke, guiding your swing path and influencing where the ball will land. Djokovic's formula? His dominant knuckle is parked on an eastern forehand grip with the left hand. For the right hand, you want to set your hand on a continental grip

Checkpoint 2: The Set-Up and Preparation

Once the ball touches base on your side of the court, the back edge of your racket should be pointing to the back fence. Djokovic is a great example of this preparation. Having trouble getting your racket to this spot? It may feel alien at first, but with practice, this position will become second nature. Technical changes take practice and patience… that’s because they are motor patterns!

Checkpoint 3: The Racket's Descent

Look at Djokovic as his racket starts to fall; the strings are "hooded," angling downwards. The goal is a racket facing perpendicular to the ground at the moment of truth–contact with the ball. Avoid setting the racket face vertical too early in the swing, because if you set it vertical at the back, you’ll really struggle to get it vertical at the contact.

Checkpoint 4: Body Alignment

Imagine your belly button with a laser beam pointing out of it. At the moment of contact, it should be pointing 45 degrees leftward at contact. It's a general rule of thumb, though we concede this: tennis is an unpredictable sport, requiring constant improvisation and adjustments. Can we find Djokovic hitting his backhand without his belly facing 45 degrees to the left? Absolutely. But we’re talking simply about the skeleton of the stroke.

Checkpoint 5: Air the Armpits

Vic Braden's words: "Air the armpits." At the end of your stroke, there should be lots of space between the armpits–a testament to a proper, elongated follow-through. When you check your swing on camera, seek this sensation in the finish – extension and lift is crucial for control and power. Make sure you stay relaxed and extend outwards and upwards.

Putting It All Together

Djokovic's backhand isn’t a stroke of luck; it's founded on impeccable basics, honed over countless hours. Take up the challenge: film your backhand from various angles, align it with these checkpoints, and change your own game. Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication–especially on the tennis court.