Backhand Overhead (Backhand Smash)
Also known as: backhand overhead, backhand smash, high backhand overhead, backhand overhead smash, lob over my backhand shoulder
To hit a backhand overhead, turn your back almost fully to the net and take the ball above your hitting shoulder. Use a continental grip and lead with the elbow. Snap the racquet up and out through contact, then aim for placement over power.
A backhand overhead is a smash hit on the backhand side, above the head. You use it when a lob goes over your non-hitting shoulder and there is no time to run around it. It is one of the hardest shots in tennis. Even strong players treat it as a placement shot rather than a putaway.
Turn early so your back faces the net, or nearly so. Shuffle or cross over back toward the ball. Keep a continental grip. Point the elbow of your hitting arm up at the ball, with the racquet head hanging down behind you. Swing up and out, extending the arm fully. Snap the wrist and forearm through contact so the strings face the target. Keep your head up until the ball has gone.
Contact is above and slightly in front of your hitting shoulder. Aim crosscourt or down the middle with margin. A deep, angled reply is usually enough to keep you in the point. If the lob is high and deep, letting it bounce and hitting a normal backhand can be the safer choice.
Tips by skill level
Start close to the net with a partner feeding soft lobs over your backhand side. Focus on the turn and the elbow lift before adding speed.
When you can, run around the lob and hit a forehand overhead instead. Save the backhand overhead for balls you cannot run around, and aim it deep to buy time.
Example
A lob floats over her left shoulder as she covers the net. She turns her back to the net, points her elbow at the ball and snaps a backhand overhead deep crosscourt. Her opponent can only float the next ball back.
Why it matters
Opponents lob over the backhand shoulder because most players cannot hit there. A solid backhand overhead closes that gap at the net.
Common mistakes
- Facing the net instead of turning your back to it
- Swinging for a winner when placement would do
- Letting the elbow drop, which pulls the ball into the net
- Backpedalling instead of turning and moving back
Frequently asked questions
How do I hit a backhand smash in tennis?
Turn your back to the net, point your elbow up at the ball and swing up and out with a continental grip. Snap through contact above your hitting shoulder and aim for placement, not power.
Should I run around a backhand overhead?
Yes, if you have time. A forehand overhead is much stronger for most players. Use the backhand overhead when the lob is too quick to run around.
Related terms
- Overhead / SmashThe overhead (or smash) is a serve-like stroke struck above the head to put away a lob, demanding quick shoulder turn, a trophy-position racquet path, and aggressive pronation through contact.
- Overhead Smash FootworkOverhead smash footwork is the adjustment steps and final scissor or step-in move that get a player under a lob. It lets them hit with power and balance.
- High Backhand VolleyOn a high backhand volley, turn your shoulders early, lead with the elbow and meet the ball in front with a continental grip. Punch slightly down through the ball and stop the racquet soon after contact. Let your free arm move back for balance as the racquet moves forward.
- LobA lob is a high, arcing shot meant to clear a net player's reach. On defense it buys time; on offense, a topspin lob near the baseline can win the point.
- Continental GripThe continental grip positions the base knuckle of the index finger on bevel 2 of the handle, the universal grip for volleys, serves, overheads, slices, and drop shots.
Related guides & benchmarks
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