Parris Todd, a top-five PPA pro, shares her expertise on the two-handed backhand counter, a shot that can make or break a game at the kitchen line. By mastering this shot, players can turn a defensive flinch into a controlled, offensive reply, and Todd breaks it down into three key moves: prepare, contact, and follow through.
Breaking Down the Two-Handed Backhand Counter
A two-handed backhand counter is a compact, two-hand backhand shot hit at the net to answer an opponent's speed-up. It's a shot that redirects the opponent's pace back at them with a short, firm push, and the second hand adds stability and control. To execute this shot, Todd emphasizes the importance of the following three moves:
- Prepare: Recognize the ball early and load your body by turning your shoulders and core to prepare to swing. This early read is crucial, as it allows you to coil your upper body and power the shot with rotation, not a panicked arm swing.
- Contact: Find your contact point out in front, roughly in line with your shoulders, and make contact slightly in front of your belly button. Keep the swing small, pushing the ball forward and borrowing your opponent's pace rather than adding your own. This contact point is everything, as it allows you to control the paddle face and direct the ball where you want it.
- Follow through: Follow through across your body, then reset by bringing the paddle back to the middle for your ready position. This follow through keeps the ball on a flat, driving line, and the reset is crucial, as it allows you to recover quickly and be set for the next ball.
By mastering these three moves, players can develop a reliable two-handed backhand counter that can help them win more hands battles. Todd's expertise and breakdown of the shot provide valuable insights for players looking to improve their game. Additionally, understanding the importance of the contact point and the follow through can help players troubleshoot common issues, such as the counter popping up or flying long.
Todd's signature shot is a testament to the effectiveness of the two-handed backhand counter, and players can learn from her technique to improve their own game. By practicing these three moves and incorporating them into their gameplay, players can develop a strong and reliable two-handed backhand counter that can help them succeed at the kitchen line.
