Drill 1: Unit Turn & Power Position Takeback

Before you start

• Stand in a ready position with the correct eastern backhand grip (index finger knuckle on top of the racket handle).
• Support the racket head high with the left hand while keeping the right arm and hand relaxed.

Movement sequence

1. Coach holds their hand out at the exact power position where the racket head should be set.
2. The player takes the racket back into the power position, touching the coach's hand to ensure correct spacing.
3. Coach drop-feeds the ball from this stationary power position.
4. The player drops under the ball and brushes up to generate heavy topspin.

Key points

• Racket head is positioned high above the wrist and hand on the takeback.
• A large gap is maintained between the body and the racket head to maximize leverage.
• Left arm and elbow are kept high and away from the body rather than tucked in.

Common mistakes

Being tucked up too close to the body, which shortens the lever and limits racket speed. Dropping the racket too low or starting with the racket down by the hip, causing muscle tension and restricting acceleration space.

Practice notes

Do not be scared to get the hitting arm extended far away from the body; the left hand supports the high racket head. Longer lever length increases the distance the racket head travels in the same amount of time, generating effortless power.