Photo Lesson: The Two-Handed Backhand on the Rise

Hitting on the rise means taking the ball farther forward and earlier, as it's coming up off the bounce. This requires precise positioning and timing, but it offers a few major advantages:

• You give your opponent less time to react to your shot.
• You meet the ball before it gets above your comfort and power zone.
• You cut off your opponent's angles earlier so you don't have as far to run.

The grip used here is the most common two-handed combination, with the left hand in an Eastern forehand position and the right Continental. Note the current court position roughly six feet behind the baseline.