A good tennis backhand stance gives you time to turn, balance through contact, and send the ball where you intend. The right position depends on the incoming ball, your movement, and whether you hit with one hand or two—not on one fixed pose you must use every time.
For most players, a neutral or slightly closed stance is a reliable starting point. An open stance can help when you are stretched or pressed for time, while a closed stance can make it easier to step into a short ball. Learning when to use each one makes your backhand steadier under pressure.
What Is the Best Stance for a Tennis Backhand?
For a typical groundstroke, turn your shoulders sideways to the net and set your feet so you can move your weight toward the ball. Many players use a neutral stance, with the front foot stepping toward the shot, or a slightly closed stance, with that foot angled across the body. Both help create a stable hitting position.
There is no single stance that works for every ball. If you have time, you can step in and transfer your weight forward. If the ball pulls you wide, an open stance may let you plant and swing without taking an extra step. The goal is to stay balanced enough to make clean contact and recover for the next shot.
The directions below assume a right-handed player. Left-handed players should mirror them.
Common Backhand Stances
| Stance | Foot position | Useful for |
|---|---|---|
| Neutral | Front foot steps toward the ball; feet are roughly across the court | Regular rally balls and controlled direction changes |
| Closed | Front foot steps farther across the body, turning the hips and shoulders more sideways | Short balls, approach shots, and balls you can reach early |
| Open | Feet stay more parallel to the baseline, with less forward stepping | Wide balls, rushed defense, and situations where recovery time is short |
Neutral stance: a dependable default
In a neutral stance, a right-hander generally steps forward with the left foot toward the ball. Your chest stays turned partly away from the net as you prepare. This position supports a smooth weight shift without forcing you to over-rotate or reach across your body.
It works especially well when the ball lands near you and arrives at a comfortable height. For example, if you are rallying from the baseline and have time to set up, use a small adjustment step, plant the front foot, and swing through the ball. You do not need a dramatic stride; a balanced step is usually more useful than lunging.
Closed stance: step in when you have time
A closed stance turns your body more sideways to the net. The front foot crosses farther toward the ball, helping you move forward and meet it early. This can be effective on a short ball when you want to take time away from your opponent or move forward behind your shot.
Be careful not to cross your feet so far that you get stuck. If your hips and shoulders are locked in an extreme position, recovering toward the middle can be difficult. Step across only as much as the shot requires, and finish balanced enough to move again.
Open stance: useful under pressure
An open stance keeps your feet more parallel to the baseline. It is often a practical choice when you are pushed wide, because you can plant the outside foot, turn your body, and hit without taking a big step across the court. It may also help you recover quickly after contact.
Open stance does not mean facing the net throughout the swing. You still need a shoulder turn during preparation. Think of it as a way to position your feet when there is little time—not a shortcut that replaces turning and spacing.
How One-Handed and Two-Handed Backhands Differ
The stance options are similar for both backhands, but the contact position and spacing can feel different. A two-handed backhand often allows players to handle higher balls with more support from the non-dominant arm. Many two-handers can use a neutral, semi-open, or open stance depending on the ball. Players such as Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal show how a two-handed backhand can adapt to different positions rather than relying on one foot pattern.
A one-handed backhand usually benefits from a clear shoulder turn and enough room between the body and the ball. Many players step forward with the left foot and use a neutral or closed stance when they have time. This gives them a stable base to extend the hitting arm through contact. Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka used different styles, but both show the importance of preparation, balance, and spacing—not just where the feet land.
With either style, avoid crowding the ball. If it is too close to your body, your arms cannot swing freely. Adjust with small steps before you plant.
How to Set Up Your Backhand
- Split-step as your opponent hits. Land lightly on both feet so you can react in either direction.
- Turn your shoulders early. Bring the racket around as you move toward the backhand side. Early preparation gives you more stance choices.
- Use adjustment steps. Small steps help you find the right distance. Avoid reaching for the ball with your last step.
- Plant in a stance that suits the ball. Step in for a manageable ball, or use a more open position when stretched.
- Keep your balance through contact. Your head should stay relatively steady, and your body should not fall away unless you are forced into a defensive shot.
- Recover after the swing. Push off the ground and move back toward a useful court position.
Common Backhand Stance Mistakes
- Waiting too long to turn: Late preparation often leads to rushed footwork and contact too close to the body.
- Using the same stance for every ball: A closed stance may feel powerful, but it is hard to use when a ball drags you wide. Adapt to the situation.
- Overstriding: A huge step can upset your balance and slow recovery. Use controlled steps to get in position.
- Facing the net too early: Turning your shoulders during preparation helps you create a more organized swing, even when your feet are open.
- Watching the feet instead of the ball: Stance should support contact. Keep your attention on the ball and let your footwork adjust naturally.
Simple Drills to Improve Backhand Footwork
Shadow-step drill: Without a ball, practice moving to your backhand side, turning your shoulders, and setting up in a neutral stance. Reset, then repeat with an open stance as if chasing a wide ball. Focus on balance rather than speed.
Alternating-feed drill: Ask a partner to feed one comfortable backhand and then one wider ball. Use a neutral stance on the first and an open stance when needed on the second. After each shot, recover toward the center. Start slowly so you can judge your spacing.
Short-ball approach: Have a partner feed a shorter backhand. Move forward with controlled steps, use a slightly closed stance if it feels comfortable, and finish ready to continue toward the net or recover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use an open stance for every backhand?
No. An open stance is helpful when you are short on time or pulled wide, but a neutral or slightly closed stance is often easier when you can move forward and set up comfortably.
Which foot goes forward on a right-handed backhand?
In a common neutral or closed setup, the left foot steps toward the ball. The exact position changes with the shot, and an open stance may involve little or no forward step.
Is stance different for a one-handed backhand?
The same stance types apply, but many one-handed players prefer a clear sideways shoulder turn and good space from the ball. A neutral or slightly closed stance is a useful choice when there is time to set up.
How do I know if my stance is too closed?
If you struggle to recover, feel locked up, or have to twist awkwardly to make contact, your front foot may be crossing too far. Try a smaller step and finish in a position that lets you move again.
Final Thoughts
For a reliable tennis backhand, start with a neutral stance and learn to adjust. Step into a comfortable ball, close your stance a little when moving forward, and use an open stance when pressure or court position calls for it. Early shoulder preparation, small adjustment steps, and balanced recovery matter more than forcing your feet into one perfect position.
