The usage of the non-dominant arm in tennis is an important component of the execution of quality strokes achieving balance, power, and control.
Beginners, weekend warriors, and even some advanced players are not always equipped with the know-how and the end result is compromised proper technique.
Flawed biomechanics will increase the number of unforced errors, rob your power, and may even result in injury. The sooner you learn the task of the non-dominant hand the faster your game will thrive. Your stroke will become more efficient, effortless, aesthetic, and enjoyable, keeping you injury-free.
Here is a short guide or “manual” if you wish, of the “non-dominant hand’s” role, hopefully, it will sharpen your awareness as well.
The Manual of the Non-Dominant Hand
Ready position
If you are a one-handed (backhand) player your non-dominant hand will support the racket on its throat, a two-handed backhand player should be holding the racket with both hands on the grip. The extra hand on the racket will help you to keep the racket out in front and ready for quick reaction.
Forehand
As you transition from a ready position to a forehand the non-dominant hand has multiple tasks.
While holding on to the racket, the body will turn sideways creating a “unit turn”. Once the body is sideways to the net the racket will continue its path back (backswing) and the non-dominant arm will turn into a “majoring tape”, if you will, and point forward tracking the ball.
As the racket is plowing through the ball the left arm (right-handed) is an integral part of the hip and the shoulder rotation. Once the racket has completed its follow through it will come to rest in the non-dominant hand over the left shoulder.
This will ensure an identical completion of the follow-through each time, in other words — developing structure. It is quite common at the recreational level to have the non-dominant arm dangling next to the body causing “arming the ball”, and restricting shoulder and hip rotation.
Backhand (one-handed)
The one-handed backhand is probably the most aesthetic shot in tennis.
Back in the day, there were two pics side by side in Sports Illustrated magazine. One photo was of Johnny Mac performing a backhand and next to him was a picture of Baryshnikov the dancer with a similar ballet move. Needless to say, they both looked flawless.
To make the backhand this beautiful and efficient as well the non-dominant arm has the “elegance element”. There are three components to the backhand, preparation, forward swing (plowing through the ball), and follow-through. Support the racket by the throat as you perform a unit turn, as you begin to plow through the ball pull your left arm back (right-handed) to ensure keeping the body sideways and preventing over-rotation. If you feel that your shoulder blades touch each other you are doing the right thing.
Backhand (two-handed)
The non-dominant hand for this backhand remains on the grip from the beginning to the end of the swing, it is actually performing a forehand and helping with the rotation of the hips and the shoulders.
Serve and overhead
The serve and the overhead have very similar roles for the non-dominant arm.
Pointing up at the ball is the common task, the only difference is the ball toss on the serve. The sequence is quite the same, the racket makes contact with the ball, the left arm (right-handed) comes to rest on your tummy, and the dominant hand will crisscross and finish on the opposite hip.
It is common even among some advanced players to “yank” the non-dominant arm backward while following through, it usually causes over-rotating and hitting wide serves or overheads.
Volleys
The non-dominant arm also plays a significant role in the execution of the volley.
On the forehand volley, turn sideways, separate your hands, and point your left hand sideways in a 45-degree (right-handed), make sure the racket is still out in front so you can see the back of the strings, and proceed with the volley.
Quite similar to the backhand volley, turn while the racket remains in front, and hold on with the left hand (right-handed). The left hand will act like a sling when letting go of the racket producing a short yet powerful jab.
Improving your tennis game
If you would like to learn more about how to improve your tennis game, check out the Paseo Club tennis program. We offer group drill classes, leagues, and private one-on-one training.
The Paseo Club is a social club in the Santa Clarita Valley that has been supporting members in health and fitness for almost twenty years. We offer tennis and pickleball programs, over 60 fitness classes each week, and a junior Olympic pool.
If you'd like to see our club in person, schedule a tour today. Meet members, staff, and instructors.
Read these three articles about tennis from the Paseo Club blog.
Jen Azevedo is a tennis professional, pickleball professional, personal trainer, group exercise instructor, and the general manager of the Paseo Club. She loves the community at the Paseo Club and that it is also a safe and fun place for her daughter. Jen’s favorite activities are joining her tribe for trail races or her partners for tennis matches. Occasionally Jen slows down to relax with a book — she reads over 100 a year!
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