Backhand Drive in Table Tennis: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

The backhand drive is the twin of the forehand drive — and for many players, it becomes the faster and safer wing. In this lesson, Captain Yasser Yehia — professional table tennis coach in Riyadh with more than 21 years as a player and 13 years as a coach — teaches the backhand drive in table tennis step by step.

(This is Lesson 5 of the basics series. It starts from the ready position.)

What Is the Backhand Drive?

The backhand drive is a basic attack stroke played from the backhand side — the side of the back of your hand. Like the forehand drive, it sends the ball fast, stable, and forward. But it is played closer to the table, with a shorter and more compact swing. (Want the full comparison? See the 5 key differences.)

Body Shape Before the Shot

• Your body is relatively close to the table.
• Your stance almost faces the table directly — more square than the forehand.
• Knees bent.
• Upper body leans forward.
• Elbow in front of the body — not glued to it.
• Racket in front of you, on the backhand side.
• Wrist tilted back a little; racket face a little closed.

Phase 1: The Backswing — Short and Controlled

1. From the ready position, pull the racket back a little, toward your waist / left hip (left-handed players: right hip).
2. Keep the movement short and controlled.
3. Bend the wrist back a little.
4. Keep the elbow close to its place — the elbow is the axis of the movement.

Phase 2: The Contact — Forearm + Wrist

1. Push the forearm forward and a little up.
2. Release the wrist at the moment of the hit — this adds speed and control.
3. Meet the ball in front of your body, usually at the top of the bounce.
4. Keep the racket face a little closed, matching the ball.

Phase 3: The Follow Through — Keep It Short

1. The racket continues forward, in the direction of the ball.
2. Do not make the follow through too long — a long finish makes you late for the next ball.
3. Return directly to the ready position.

Golden Tips

• The elbow stays; the forearm moves. For the fine details, read the elbow and wrist secrets.
• Small swing = fast recovery.
• Wrist timing: back in the backswing, release at the contact.
• Stay close to the table.

Train with Captain Yasser Yehia in Riyadh

Many players build a strong forehand and a shy backhand. It does not have to be this way. Captain Yasser Yehia builds both wings together in his private and group training programs in Riyadh, for all levels.

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FAQ

Where is the contact point for the backhand drive?

In front of your body, usually at the top of the bounce.

What does the wrist do in the backhand drive?

It tilts back a little in the backswing, then releases at the moment of contact — this adds speed and control.

Why am I always late after my backhand?

Your follow through is probably too long. Keep it short, and return directly to the ready position.