Two-handed Backhand in the Trunk!

​In recent years, a two-handed backhand has become a popular tennis shot. Most of the top contemporary players use a two-handed backhand as an attacking shot. Popularized by legends such as Connors and Borg, it has undergone a considerable tune-up. Most players use powerful trunk muscles play this shot. This generates a lot more power, and the stroke transforms from defensive to an attacking shot.

​As the trunk plays a significant role in generating the power, it is important to understand how it works. A proper understanding of the trunk involvement is essential while training for this stroke. The following section outlines the role of the trunk in hitting a powerful two--handed backhand.

Three Distinct Phases

The two-handed backhand involves three distinct phases—preparation, acceleration, and impact/follow through. During the acceleration phase, the trunk rotates beyond the hips. The forward, upward and leftward rotation of the trunk generates high energy and force. This movement is vital to get the required power behind the shot. A smoother transition between these movements will ensure a greater accuracy and control. The role of lower extremities is also important in the trunk rotation while playing this stroke.

​Development of trunk rotation is vital to execute an explosive two-handed backhand. Optimal trunk rotation is also necessary to generate the maximum force through the shoulder. The rotation of the trunk also allows the stretching of the shoulder muscles. This stretching helps to generate more power in the swing.
The core muscles activate during the preparatory phase of the shot. During the acceleration, concentric and eccentric contractions of oblique’s and back extensors generate power. ​

The role the trunk has in a two-handed backhand

The trunk plays a vital role in the success of this shot. Trunk muscles play a dual role in generating power and stabilizing the body. These muscles are active in all the three phases of the shot. Hence, it is important to train the muscles of the trunk and midsection for successful execution of this shot. It is also critical to strengthen the external and internal obliques of the trunk as well.

Balance is also necessary to execute the two-handed backhand. Keeping the trunk upright and centering the center of gravity during rotation are one of the factors hitting smooth, powerful two-handed backhand. Thus, the trunk is also involved in maintaining the balance of the player during execution of this shot. 

a more efficient two-handed backhand? 

The backhand can generate more power if the trunk is rotated as far as possible. This will allow the shoulder to rotate further generating more power. Another important thing to remember is the follow through. An extended follow through allows a better contact and more control. A greater degree of hip rotation will allow more power as well.
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Keeping a closed stance helps to generate more linear with the rotation of the trunk adds angular momentum. A player should use a closed stance whenever possible for a two-handed backhand groundstrokes. 

Conclusion

​The trunk is the center of power generation for any groundstroke. When it comes to the two-handed backhand, the trunk movement becomes even more crucial. Training to improve and facilitate an optimal trunk rotation helps in controlling the swing. If you want to add an explosive two-handed backhand in your arsenal, practice trunk rotation movements and focus on strengthening the core muscles.