Open-Stance Backhand
Also known as: open stance backhand, open-stance backhand, open stance two-handed backhand, open stance one-handed backhand, backhand open stance
Yes, you can hit your backhand from an open stance, especially a two-hander on wide or fast balls. Load on the outside leg, turn your shoulders fully and rotate through. One-handers can do it too, but they usually need a closed or neutral stance for full power.
In an open stance, your feet sit roughly parallel to the baseline. On the backhand side, that means loading the leg nearest the ball instead of stepping across. The upper body still turns fully, so the shoulders face the side fence on the backswing.
Two-handed players use it a lot. The second hand helps them rotate the trunk without a forward step. It saves time on wide balls and fast returns, and it makes recovery quicker. You push off the loaded leg and are already moving back to the middle.
One-handers find it harder. The one-handed swing relies on stepping in and keeping the shoulders sideways through contact. Many one-handers still use an open stance on very wide balls or on returns when there is no time. On a ball you can step into, a neutral or closed stance usually gives a better one-hander.
Tips by skill level
Start with two-handed open-stance backhands from a feed. Focus on a full shoulder turn while the feet stay parallel.
Use the open stance on returns and wide balls, and step in on short balls. The incoming ball should decide the stance.
Example
Pulled wide on a hard crosscourt ball, he has no time to step in. He loads his left leg in an open stance, turns his shoulders and hits a solid two-handed backhand. He pushes off and recovers fast.
Why it matters
Open-stance backhands buy time on fast and wide balls. Knowing when to use them saves you from late, cramped contact.
Common mistakes
- Skipping the shoulder turn because the feet are open
- Leaning back instead of loading the outside leg
- Using open stance on short balls you could step into
- Forcing it on a one-hander when there is time to step
Frequently asked questions
Can I hit a one-handed backhand open stance?
You can on very wide or fast balls. Most one-handers hit better from a neutral or closed stance when there is time to step in.
Is open stance good for a two-handed backhand?
Yes. Many two-handers use it on wide balls and returns. It saves time and helps recovery, as long as the shoulders still turn fully.
Related terms
- Open StanceAn open stance positions both feet roughly parallel to the baseline at contact. This allows the hips to rotate powerfully through the ball without requiring a weight transfer step.
- Semi-Open StanceIn a semi-open stance your feet sit at about 45 degrees to the baseline, between a neutral and an open stance. It blends a forward step with hip and shoulder rotation. Many coaches use it as the default for neutral forehands. Switch to open stance on wide or fast balls and to neutral on short, low ones.
- Closed-Stance BackhandA closed-stance backhand steps the front foot across toward the net before contact. That allows a full weight transfer but slightly slows recovery.
- Two-Handed BackhandA two-handed backhand places both hands on the grip, with the non-dominant hand providing additional stability, power, and disguise through contact.
- One-Handed BackhandA one-handed backhand uses only the dominant hand. It gives more reach and disguise than a two-hander, but less stability against high-bouncing pace.
Related guides & benchmarks
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