Backhands Are Better Than Forehands

I saw a Facebook Reels video today, posted by ALW, simply stating that backhands are better than forehands. She claimed that this was an unpopular opinion but did not provide any context for this bold statement. So let's take a closer look.

Just about every student that comes to me will tell me that their backhand sucks and their forehand is awesome. So how does that make any sense?

There is pretty much only one way to take a backhand and that is with a closed stance. Even if you can't get your feet into the closed position you will twist your torso to hit a backhand. That's because the ball is on your left side and your arm has to reach across from the right side. With a wide open stance it is very difficult to hit a backhand. So the closed stance is very natural. And we do all of this without thought or coaching.

So the existing backhand mechanics are pretty much correct, but with a negative attitude and minimal practice, people rarely develop a strong backhand on their own. Fortunately this is easily corrected and my students are surprised with how quickly they can have very effective backhand drops and drives.

The usual forehand mechanics, however, are a much more random and freestyle thing. Most people have anywhere from five to ten different sets of forehand mechanics, ranging from the occasional closed stance to the very popular wide open stance. And every once in a while there is a perfect storm, the stars align, and they execute an awesome forehand winner. And this is what they remember. Not the 99% of their forehands that are a waste of time.

When I try to teach a well structured, closed stance forehand (essentially the exact same mechanics as the backhand) I am usually met with frustration, reluctance, confusion, and amazing results.

So for people who give them a chance, backhands are more consistent, more effective, easier to execute, and much more natural. If that's what you had in mind ALW, I agree 100%.

See you on the courts.

Michael Gauthier
Rally Academy
​Pickleball Strokes