How to Use Your Core on a Two Handed Backhand

By Paul Pisani

You use your Core when you hit every single tennis shot. I’d like to show you how you use your core when hitting a two handed backhand, and how to strengthen it in the gym.

I chose pictures of Ashley Harkleroad training in the gym. Ash is using the cable machine to mimic the actual stroke. Training with the cable
machines is one of the best things you can do to strengthen your game. This along with Medicine Ball training will help you control the ball more and add zip to your groundies.

This type of training should be done 2 to 3 times per week. When you start, start off with a light weight to ensure proper form and to prevent injury. If you are too loaded up with weight, you can strain your lower back and injure yourself.



I chose Maria’s backhand to demonstrate this. As you can see from these two pictures, the starting positions are similar.

To get more “underneath” the full follow through, lower the cable machine handle and sweep through the hitting zone in a low to high fashion. This exercise continues to be one of the favorites of many of my clients. It’s different than your traditional weight lifting exercises and can be a lot of fun. Don’t be surprised if you see your heart rate spike up here!



Here is the second part of the exercises…..



And the finish…





love how the edge of the racket is parallel here….