Secrets of a True Master:
Two-Handed Backhand Balance Checkpoints

Welby Van Horn
What Balance Means to Welby.
Click Photo

In the last article we outlined the balance checkpoints for the forehand. (Click Here.) Now we'll go through the exact same process for the two-handed backhand.


The checkpoints form the base for developing the stroke, helping you the jigsaw puzzle we call the game of tennis. As with the forehand, if you really want to develop sound fundamentals on your two-hander, it is critical to study and memorize the checkpoints.


Just reading about them in this article and then heading out to the court will not be sufficient. Really mastering the checkpoints means two things. First, being able to describe them accurately in words. Second being able to demonstrate them with physical precision.





Develop good balance on the two-hander by mastering the checkpoints.

If you cannot verbalize the checkpoints and replicate them accurately when you swing without the ball, then you have not really learned them. It will be impossible to execute them in play. You will not have the proper foundation, and will be very unlikely to develop good balance.

Players are impatient and often don't want to spend the time and effort required. Instead they want to immediately hit balls. They equate this with "improvement." To my way of thinking that is a waste of time and energy. The real work is in teaching your body and your brain the fundamentals of the motion. Hitting all the balls in the world won't help you without that.

To master the checkpoints physically, it is very important to practice them in front of a mirror and to use slow motion practice. In fact this may be the most powerful way to teach yourself to really remember the checkpoints.






  

Use the Balance Checkpoints

To Build Your Swing

Without the Ball
Learn to master the checkpoints by swinging without the ball.
    

 

1. Ready Position

Checkpoints:


The player faces the net.

The knees are slightly bent and the back slightly crouched in an athletic stance.

The feet are spread comfortably apart in a posture of readiness.

The racket hand is at waist level.

The hands are centered in the middle of the body.
The Ready Position
    

 

From:

The Ready Position

To:

The Start of theTurn Sideways
The sideways turning motion.
    

 

2. Start of Turn Sideways


Checkpoints:


The body and feet start to turn sideways.

The racket has moved back as part of the body turn.

Most of the weight is the left, rear foot.

The shoulders are at about a 45 degree angle to the net.
The Turn Sideways
    


 

From:

The Start of the Turn Sideways

To:

The Completion of the Turn

Sideways
Completing the Turn.
    

 

3. Completion of the Turn Sideways

Checkpoints:


The feet are now sideways and the shoulders and hips have continued to turn back.

A line drawn through the players two feet would be perpendicular to the net.

The hips have completed their rotation back: they have turned 90 degrees from the ready position.

The feet are slightly less than shoulder-width apart.
Completion of Sideways Turn
    

 

From:

The Completion of the Turn Sideways

To:

The Step Forward and the Beginning of Forward Rotation
The step forward and the start of the body rotation.
    

 

4. Step Forward and Beginning of Forward Rotation

Checkpoints:

The front anchor foot steps towards the net in a square or neutral stance, after the ball bounces but before the racket starts swinging forwards

The front feet literally anchors the body, keeping it on balance.

The hips and shoulders start to rotate forward simultaneously with the start of the forward swing.
The Forward Step and the beginning of the forward rotation
    

 

From:

The Step Forward and the Beginning of Forward Rotation

To:

The Contact Point
The movement to contact.
    

 

5. The Contact Point

Checkpoints:

The hips have rotated forward 45 degrees from the sideways position. The weight is fully on front foot.

The back foot starts to pivot with and the heel starts to rise.

The significant other arm and hand continue to rotate to the left and is held out for balance.

The head is steady, eyes focused on the ball.
The contact point on the Two-Hander
    

 

From:

The Contact Point

To:

The Continuation of the Forward Rotation
From the Contact, the Forward Rotation continues.
    

 

6. Continuation of Rotation After Contact

Checkpoints:

TThe hips and shoulders continue to rotate forward.

The pivoting of the adjustment foot continues with the sole of the foot continuing to turn and rise.

Both arms are bent as the racket moves toward the finish.
The continuation of the forward rotation on the forehand.
    

 

From:

The Continuation of the Forward Rotation

To:

The Completion of the Forward Rotation
The hips and shoulders finish their rotation.
    

 

7. Completion of Forward Rotation

Checkpoints:

The hips and shoulders have finished their rotation. The hips are facing the net and have turned a full 90 degrees from the completion of the turn.

The sole of the back foot points straight back to the back fence. The left side of the body is slightly higher than left reflecting weight shift forward.

The weight is on the outside of the front leg.

The body is fairly erect at the finish but with knees slightly bent.

Completion of Forward Rotation
    


That completes the checkpoints for the two-hander. Learn to describe them verbally and to swing the racket according to them. This will make your understanding thorough and automatic. You will develop an outstanding foundation for balance on your two-hander.

Next we'll add the checkpoints for the one-hander.

The legendary Welby Van Horn is one of the few top players in tennis history who also went on to become a great coach. In 1939, Van Horn became the youngest player ever to reach the finals of a Grand Slam at Forrest Hills, at the age of 19. Turning pro, he competed successfully against the likes of Jack Kramer, Pancho Gonzalez, Don Budge, and Bobby Riggs. In 1951, he moved to Puerto Rico for his health and began an amazing career in which he developed over 100 nationally ranked American junior players, including Charlie Pasarell who became the top American player. Now 82, Welby lives in the Palm Springs area, where he is Tennis Pro Emeritus at Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Over the years, Welby's students were easily recognized by the fluid classical style and all court play that were hallmark's of his teaching. He is shown here with Katarina and Marina Raiscevic, two successful Southern California junior players he developed who prove that his distinctive style is alive and well in the new millennium.

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