Coaching the backhand topspin

Hi Pingskills,

I am looking for some info on how to teach young children the basic backhand topspin. We are currently using a robot with the young children at our club's junior evening, and could do with knowing the best way to communicate the main parts of the shot across to a young child (ages 8-10).

I'm not sure where abouts on your website I saw it, but at our most recent club evening we taught them the basic forehand using the touch your head with the bat after each shot technique. It was great, and their progress on that shot was rapid! Any similar teaching techniques for the basic backhand shots?

Hi Simon,

I am glad that the touch the head worked for the kids.  I have found it a really useful tool.

As for the backhand, I use as few things for the finish point.  One is to pretend there is someone standing at the net (about kid high) and at the end of your shot you are going to put the bat on their head.  Another one is at the end pretend the forehand side of your bat is a mirror and you are looking into it.  The mirror will be slightly to the side of your face.  If you put the bat in the position you will see what I mean and be able to show the kids.

As a start position I get them to put the bat flat on their belly.

Hope this helps.