Changing backhand form

 Hello Alois & Jeff,

I have taken my game back to the basics in efforts to improve my fundamentals.  Most of my work has been on my forehand which is feeling stronger now.  My question to you is about my backhand stroke.  Compared to the rest of my game, I currently have a fairly strong backhand counter-hit as well as backhand top-spin.  However I leave my elbow lower than a good coach would suggest – maybe 6” from my stomach.  When I raise my elbow to “text-book” position, my back-hand feels really awkward.  I am in great health but in my late 50’s and as you know it takes a bit longer for a man my age to “re-learn” muscle memory than it does a younger person.  So my question is “How important do you feel it is that I take the time to re-learn my back-hand stroke to get the elbow position “correct?”

Hi Geoff,

It is good to hear that you have taken your game back a step.

If it is something minor like the position of your elbow being 6" lower, you will probably be able to still develop or maintain a strong backhand stroke.

I think you will have to feel for yourself as the rest of your game develops if that is something that you think you can and want to change.

For now, keep working on your forehand and see how much improvement you can get out of it.