Frequently Asked Technical Questions:

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THE BACK FOOT HOP

Question:  How is a back foot pivot different to a back foot hop?  Which one is better? How is a back foot pivot different to a back foot hop?  Which one is better?

Answer: 
You hit both a back foot hop and back foot pivot off a back foot stance but with the hop you become elevated (come off the ground) after contact with the ball, whereas the back foot pivot the back foot stays in contact with the ground.

When hitting a back foot hop the weight is travelling backwards whereas the back foot pivot the head rotates around the pivoting foot.

I believe a 1 foot pivot is better as you keep your position on the baseline thus taking the ball on the rise. This is in contrast to the more defensive back foot hop where weight is travelling backwards.

 Question:   What are some common errors made when hitting a back foot hop?

  Answer:
1. Straightening the non hitting leg instead of lifting the knee up towards the chest.

2. Hopping before making contact with the ball.

3. Jumping up too much, thus hitting the ball short by putting TOO much spin on the ball.

4. Using the back foot hop too much instead of either a.) Taking the ball on the rise or b.) Stepping forward towards the ball even though initially you move back from the baseline.

Question:   What are some good teaching points? 

Answer: 

   1. Keep the angles in the legs when hitting as this will help the swing line of the racket extend out towards your target
   2. Make sure you don’t rotate the hitting foot too far. Start with the foot pointing to the side fence (turn the hips) and finish with the toe still pointing towards the side fence. After the swing look over the elbow of the hitting arm as this will also keep you balanced.
   3. Lift the front leg after you hit otherwise you will miss time the shot.
   4. Hop after you hit...I joke that it is called the hit hop instead of the hip hop
   5. The back foot hop leads its self very well to understanding the concept of imparting topspin because it is a natural low to high movement.

Question:    When should you hit a reverse spin and when should you hit a back foot hop?

Answer:
Both look really different and feel really different. I prefer the reverse spin when pushed straight back from the baseline as you have more chance of getting the feet set in semi-open stance and the shot itself is more aggressive. The back foot hop suits the ball that pushes you back quickly, and doesn’t allow you to set up your hitting stance. I like to teach it when you a pushed backwards and deep at about 45 degrees.

Question:  What contact move is a better option (if possible) than a backhand back foot hop?

Answer:
My experience is that players struggle much more with the backhand side so always teach the forehand first so they understand the timing and balance move of the knee lift. If they really struggle get them to try and hit the backhand of the front foot instead. i.e. a high step down with a kick back balance move.

In general you will hit a variety of contact move off the forehand than the backhand. I like to keep the contact move selection on the backhand as simple as possible. You have to experiment and use what feel goods and works for you.

Question:   What balance move do I use for down the line and cross-court?

Answer:
The balance move doesn’t change though I believe the back foot hop is a defensive shot, so I do like the shot to be high and heavy and back down the middle as against cross court or down the line. This down the middle reply shot will take away the opponents ability to create angles. However be aware that most good players will try and take the high reply out of the air and hit a drive volley.