There’s a moment in almost every match when an opponent’s backhand tells on them. Maybe the reply floats short. Maybe they keep running around it, even when the ball is sitting up. Or maybe one deep shot to that side makes their next three swings look rushed. Spot that pattern, and you’ve found a route to control the rally—not by blindly hammering one corner, but by making their weaker shot answer the hardest questions.
The trick is to separate a backhand that simply looks awkward from one you can reliably pressure. A player might have a compact, dependable backhand that rarely wins outright, while their forehand is the real weapon. Another player’s backhand may hold up in neutral exchanges but break down when it’s high, low, or pulled wide. Your job is to discover which kind you’re facing, then build a pattern that creates a shorter ball or a rushed reply.
First, find out what “weak” actually means
Don’t decide after one miss. Everyone shanks a return now and then, and a backhand winner doesn’t mean the shot is suddenly bulletproof. Watch the first few games and look for repeatable signs: late contact, a cramped finish, a retreating stance, a short reply, or a sudden switch to a slice when the rally gets uncomfortable. Pay attention to what happens after the shot, too. Do they recover to the middle, or stay stranded wide?
Look for the conditions that cause trouble. A two-handed backhand may be solid at waist height but uncomfortable with a high, heavy bounce. A one-hander may drive beautifully from a balanced position yet struggle with a fast, low ball at the feet. These are tendencies, not rules. Stan Wawrinka, for example, built one of the tour’s most feared one-handed backhands; “one-handed” is not another word for “weak.” The useful question is always: what ball makes this opponent’s backhand less effective?
| What you notice | What it may mean | What to test |
|---|---|---|
| Backhand lands short under pressure | They struggle to create depth while moving or rushed | Repeat a deep, controlled ball, then attack the shorter reply |
| They slice when the ball rises | They may prefer to avoid a topspin exchange at that height | Mix in a high, heavy ball and see whether the slice sits up |
| They run around the backhand | They may trust the forehand more—or be looking for an aggressive pattern | Serve or rally wide to the backhand, then test the space they leave |
| They handle crosscourt pace but miss down the line | The change of direction may be the risky shot | Keep them crosscourt until the opening is genuine |
In a match, you don’t need a spreadsheet to do this. After each rally, ask yourself one quick question: what ball made their backhand uncomfortable? That simple habit is more useful than labeling the whole side “bad.”
Build pressure with a pattern, not a barrage
The safest starting point is usually a deep crosscourt ball to the backhand. The diagonal gives you more court to work with than a sharp down-the-line attack, and it lets you use net height and spin to create a reliable margin. Aim deep through the middle third of the backhand side—not for the sideline every time. Depth pushes your opponent back; repeated direction makes them hit another backhand before they can reset.
Once you’ve earned a shorter reply, change the picture. If they leave the ball short, step in and send it behind them or redirect into the open court. If they’re leaning hard toward the backhand corner, a measured change down the line can make them cover more ground. The key word is earned. Trying the spectacular direction change from a stretched, off-balance position often hands away the point. Make them defend first, then take the opening.
Vary the ball’s shape as well as its direction. A high, heavy topspin ball can push an opponent back and make clean contact difficult; a lower, faster ball can jam the hands or feet. A slice may change the bounce and disrupt their rhythm, especially if they’ve settled into a topspin exchange. But don’t assume the same variation works twice. If your slice lands short and gives them an easy attack, stop feeding it.
Use the serve to start the right rally
Your serve can target the backhand without being a predictable serving machine. From the deuce side, a wide serve often pulls a right-hander toward their backhand corner; from the ad side, a body serve can cramp their usual swing space. The exact effect depends on the opponent’s handedness, return stance, and whether their backhand is stronger on the stretch or in front of them.
Pair the serve with a planned next ball. A wide serve followed by a deep shot to the opposite corner can open the court, but only if your first ball lands with enough quality to keep them defensive. If they return aggressively, don’t stubbornly run your pre-planned play—recover and defend. Strategy is a pattern with an escape hatch, not a promise that the opponent will hit where you hope.
On second serves, be especially alert. If the returner is waiting to run around the backhand, a serve into the body can jam their footwork and take away that forehand swing. If they’re protecting the backhand return, use the other direction occasionally to keep them honest. A target works best when the opponent can’t camp on it comfortably.
Know when the backhand target is a trap
Players often run around a weaker backhand because their forehand is their preferred attack. If you feed that pattern carelessly, you may be giving them exactly the ball they want. Watch their positioning before the bounce and their first step after it. If they’re already drifting around the backhand, test the space behind them with a deep ball to that side, or use a serve that jams the forehand. Don’t leave a predictable, short ball for them to crush.
And beware of the “weak” backhand that’s actually a reliable counterpunch. Rafael Nadal’s heavy forehand to Roger Federer’s backhand became a famous tactical pattern, especially on clay. That doesn’t mean Federer had no backhand; the high, spinning ball could make the shot uncomfortable and limit his ability to attack. The lesson is about conditions and matchups: a strong stroke can be pressured when it’s forced to make a difficult contact repeatedly.
Also, don’t keep targeting the backhand if your own position is falling apart. If you’re late, off balance, or leaving the center open, a safer ball to the opponent’s forehand may be the smarter choice. A tactical target only helps if you can execute it with enough depth and recover for the next shot.
Turn your observations into a simple match plan
Try this three-step plan during your next match:
- Probe: Hit a few solid, deep balls to the backhand with different heights or spins. Notice which one produces a shorter or less controlled reply.
- Repeat: Use the most effective ball again, with safe margin. Make them prove they can handle it under pressure.
- Exploit: When the reply sits short, move forward and attack the open court or redirect behind them. Don’t force a winner from too far back.
Keep track of the score and the situation. At 30–30, a reliable deep crosscourt ball may be smarter than a low-percentage line shot. On a short ball, be decisive. If your opponent starts anticipating the backhand pattern, mix in the forehand side or the body serve. Good tactics apply pressure; great tactics keep the opponent guessing about where the pressure will come from next.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if an opponent’s backhand is genuinely weak?
Look for the same problem appearing more than once: short replies, late contact, defensive slices, or trouble with a particular height or direction. Test the pattern with several well-placed balls rather than judging from a single error.
Should I hit every shot to the weaker backhand?
No. Repeatedly targeting it can help you control the rally, but predictability may let your opponent run around it or anticipate your next shot. Mix directions, and take the open court when their movement creates a clear opportunity.
Is it better to hit high topspin or low, fast balls?
Use the ball that challenges that opponent. High, heavy topspin can trouble someone who dislikes contact above shoulder height; a low, fast ball may bother someone who struggles to bend or handle pace. Test both when the score allows.
What if their backhand seems weak, but they keep winning points with it?
They may be comfortable defending with it or using it to set up a stronger forehand. Notice the outcome of the shot, not just how it looks. If it’s holding up, adjust your target, vary the pace, and avoid feeding them predictable attacks.
Final Thoughts
Finding a weak backhand isn’t about pounding one side until something breaks. It’s about spotting the ball, height, pace, or movement that makes the shot less reliable—and then repeating that test with enough control to stay in the point. Probe, watch the reply, and make your move when the opening appears. The best target is not simply their backhand. It’s the backhand they have to hit while uncomfortable.
