October 2019: Coco Gauff Backhand

[jeffreycounts]

Coco Gauff Backhand

Last month we looked at Coco's forehand (click here). This month, let's take a look at what is arguably her signature shot, her two handed backhand. She uses this powerful stroke to knock off winners and push her opponents around the court. What is it about this shot that makes it so deadly? A quick glance shows that there is some serious drive through the ball here. Her extension through the shot is undeniable. What else do you see?

[seano]

Funny how she has the BG take back (right arm straight, left arm 30 degree bend) but has her left arm so bent at contact. Instead of immediately straightening her left elbow after pulling forward with the right hand. Trunk dominated swing.

[jeffreycounts]

Funny how she has the BG take back (right arm straight, left arm 30 degree bend) but has her left arm so bent at contact. Instead of immediately straightening her left elbow after pulling forward with the right hand. Trunk dominated swing.

Similar dynamic on the forehand. Straight arm in the takeback, but huge bend at contact.

[klacr]

Starts straight, finishes bent. Uses the shoulders to drive through the ball as well.

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

[tommyhorton]

I think it is interesting on both her backhand and forehand strokes, her preparation looks like an atp player and forward swing more wta. On her backhand it looks like her grip is continental in the preparation and transforms into an eastern forehand on the forward swing. On the footage, all of her footwork is neutral footwork with kickbacks, not any spin moves or pivots or lateral hops.
she is obviously super fast, strong, has great hands, competes well and is only 15. I am blown away with her ability to adapt and figure things out. Her technique is probably a level below the rest of her game. I hope we get to check out her serve next month!

[tennishans 50]

Funny how she has the BG take back (right arm straight, left arm 30 degree bend) but has her left arm so bent at contact. Instead of immediately straightening her left elbow after pulling forward with the right hand. Trunk dominated swing.

I agree with the straight left arm

[tennishans 50]

If you watch the ATP, most of them has a slightly bend left from the the start with the arms away from the body and the tip pointing towards the net, then in the powerposition they flip and the left gets straight and that gives more power, still away from the body. the hands never away from the sternum, which keeps the racquet close to the ball, and gives the flip possibility

[johnyandell]

Tommy,
Not next month on the serve, but eventually!