ART-633: The Backhand Overhead β Handling Lobs to the Backhand Side
Executive Summary
The backhand overhead is the most difficult overhead in tennis β hit on the backhand side with a motion that is fundamentally unnatural for most players. It requires excellent positioning, a full throwing motion with the non-dominant arm, and the ability to generate power from an awkward angle. Despite its difficulty, the backhand overhead is a necessary skill because lobs to the backhand side are common in both singles and doubles.
Why the Backhand Overhead Is Difficult
The backhand overhead is difficult because: (1) the racket arm is on the "wrong" side of the body for a throwing motion, (2) the body's rotation is restricted by the arm's position, (3) the contact point is further behind the head than a forehand overhead, (4) power generation is reduced because the kinetic chain is less efficient, and (5) most players have far less practice on backhand overheads than forehand overheads. The result is a shot that many players dread and few execute well.
Technical Execution
The backhand overhead begins with a drop-step as you recognize the lob to the backhand side. The right foot (for right-handed players) drops back and the body rotates so the left shoulder points toward the net. The racket drops behind the head (the "trophy position" on the backhand side), with the non-dominant arm pointing up at the ball for tracking. The racket accelerates upward and forward through contact, with the body rotating from back to front. Contact occurs at full arm extension, slightly behind and above the head. The follow-through extends toward the target.
The Throwing Motion on the Backhand Side
The backhand overhead throwing motion is the reverse of the forehand overhead. Instead of the dominant arm leading the motion, the non-dominant arm initiates the throw β pointing at the ball, then pulling down to rotate the torso. The dominant arm follows, whipping the racket through contact. This "reverse throwing motion" feels unnatural but is the key to generating power on the backhand overhead.
Common Backhand Overhead Errors
Misjudging the ball's position β the most common error, resulting in contact too far forward or too far back. Failing to get under the ball β reaching up instead of getting below the ball's trajectory. Swinging with the arm only β no body rotation, resulting in weak contact. Closing the eyes at contact β loss of visual tracking. Giving up on the shot mentally β hitting a defensive lob instead of attempting the overhead.
Tactical Application
The backhand overhead is primarily a defensive shot β your goal is to keep the ball in play and avoid giving the opponent an easy point. Aim for depth (the baseline) rather than angle, because the backhand overhead lacks the power for sharp angles. If you cannot generate enough power for a proper overhead, play a defensive lob of your own. In doubles, the backhand overhead is slightly easier because your partner can cover the open court if your overhead is weak.
The Backhand Overhead from the Service Line
When the lob lands at the service line on the backhand side, you are close enough to hit a relatively compact overhead. The motion is the same as from the baseline but with a shorter follow-through. Aim for the open court β the opponent is likely leaning toward the cross-court side (anticipating a weak backhand), so the down-the-line target may be open.
Developing the Backhand Overhead
The backhand overhead requires extensive practice because the motion is so unnatural. Start by practicing the throwing motion without a racket β throw balls over your head on the backhand side. Then add the racket, practicing on gently tossed balls. Gradually increase the difficulty β higher lobs, deeper lobs, competitive situations. Even 10-15 minutes of backhand overhead practice per session will yield significant improvement over time.
The Fake Backhand Overhead
A useful variation is the fake backhand overhead β setting up for a smash but hitting a defensive lob instead. This is particularly effective when the opponent is committed to sprinting forward to retrieve a potential overhead. The preparation is identical to a regular backhand overhead, but at contact, the racket redirects the ball upward in a lob. The fake backhand overhead is a valuable survival tool.
Backhand Overhead Drills
The "backhand overhead toss" drill has a coach toss lobs to the backhand side that the player smashes. The "backhand overhead from service line" drills practice the compact version from mid-court. The "backhand overhead competition" game rewards successful backhand overheads. The "backhand overhead recovery" drill practices recovering after a defensive backhand overhead.
Summary
The backhand overhead is the most difficult overhead in tennis, but it is a necessary skill for any player who spends time at the net. Practice the reverse throwing motion, focus on getting under the ball, and aim for depth rather than power. With dedicated practice, the backhand overhead becomes a reliable defensive tool that keeps you in points you would otherwise lose.
Diagnostic & Training Matrix
| Observation | Failure | Result | Corrective Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backhand overhead goes into net | Contact too far forward, hitting down | Net violation, lost point | Move back, get under the ball |
| Backhand overhead lacks power | Arm-only swing, no body rotation | Weak overhead, easy return | Engage body rotation, use non-dominant arm to initiate |
| Cannot track the ball | No non-dominant arm point | Lost visual tracking, misses | Point non-dominant arm at ball, keep head still |
| Reaches instead of getting under | Poor positioning, lazy footwork | Off-balance contact, errors | Drop-step and move to get under the ball |
| Avoids backhand overhead | Mental resignation, hits defensive lob | Lost opportunity | Practice regularly, build confidence |
Practical Application: "Get Under, Throw Up"
On the backhand overhead, your job is to get under the ball and throw upward. The motion is the reverse of your forehand overhead β let your non-dominant arm initiate the rotation and your dominant arm follow. Practice the throwing motion until it feels natural.