Mastering the Right Hand Backhand Pusher in Doubles: Strategies and Techniques for Club Players

Introduction

In doubles tennis, neutralizing a right-handed backhand pusher can be particularly challenging. This player's tactics often involve pushing balls deep to your partner’s side or hitting weak shots just inside the baseline, forcing you and your partner into defensive positions. To counter this strategy effectively, it is crucial for club players to understand specific techniques and positioning on the court.

Positioning and Court Coverage

The first step in neutralizing a backhand pusher is effective court coverage. Typically, when facing such an opponent, one player should position themselves 3 feet inside the baseline near the center service line (21 feet from the net), while the partner stays slightly behind at the T, about halfway between the service line and the net. This positioning allows you to cover both sides of the court efficiently.

Effective Communication

Communication is key in doubles. Use clear signals like “mine” or pointing towards a shot that needs attention when your partner hits a weak backhand or pushes the ball deep. Ensure that these calls are made at least 0.2 seconds before contact to avoid confusion and ensure both players react promptly.

Serve Strategy

Employing an aggressive serve strategy can disrupt the rhythm of a right-handed backhand pusher. Focus on serving wide to their body, aiming for angles around 45 degrees cross-court, forcing them off balance and into weaker shots. Aim for about 70% first serves into this area to increase pressure.

Serve Placement Variations

Vary your serve placement by occasionally serving short to the body or down the T. This variation keeps the opponent guessing, making it harder for them to establish a consistent backhand push strategy.

Return Tactics

When returning serves, focus on hitting balls with depth and pace towards the weaker side of your opponents’ court. Aim for shots that land just inside the baseline (around 9 feet high), forcing them into defensive positions and limiting their ability to push returns.

Use of Angles

Utilize sharp angles in your return game, hitting balls at least 45 degrees cross-court. This forces your opponents to move laterally and often results in weaker shots that can be exploited.

Backhand Technique Optimization

To neutralize a backhand pusher effectively, optimizing your own backhand technique is crucial. One key aspect is relaxation of the arm during the swing, aiming for a 'dead fish' feel as you follow through. This helps in achieving a more fluid and powerful stroke.

Practice Drills

Conduct practice drills where one player hits weak backhand pushes to simulate match situations. The receiving player should focus on hitting controlled shots that land deep but not too close to the baseline, aiming for around 2 to 3 recovery steps after each shot.

Partner Coordination

Effective coordination between partners is essential in doubles. Practice moving as a unit; when one partner hits a weak backhand return, the other should quickly cover the open space near the baseline and be prepared to take over if necessary. This coordination reduces the chance for your opponents to exploit any gaps.

Quick Recovery Steps

Ensure that both players can recover in 2 to 3 steps after each shot, maintaining readiness for the next ball. This quick recovery is critical when facing a backhand pusher who often forces players into defensive positions.

Conclusion

Neutralizing a right-handed backhand pusher requires strategic positioning, effective serve and return tactics, optimized backhand technique, and seamless coordination between partners. By focusing on these areas and incorporating practice drills that simulate match scenarios, club players can significantly improve their ability to handle this challenging doubles tactic.

Key Takeaways:

1. Positioning: 3 feet inside the baseline near the center service line. 2. Serve placement: Wide serves (45-degree angle) and short serves down the T for variation. 3. Return tactics: Deep, angled returns landing just inside the baseline. 4. Backhand technique: Emphasize relaxation of arm during swing ('dead fish' feel). 5. Partner coordination: Quick recovery steps within 2-3 counts after each shot.

Sources

Ethos coaching transcript (clip @0s): Ethos coaching transcript (clip @0s)

Ethos coaching transcript (clip @0s): Ethos coaching transcript (clip @0s)

Want this fixed on court, not just on paper?Book a lesson with coach Jibranor browse the rest of thearticle library.