Tagasihaarde

Tagasihaarde is the Estonian term for the backhand grip used in racket sports and related disciplines. The word combines tagasi, meaning "back," with haare (grip or hold), reflecting its function of facilitating backhand strokes. In practice, a backhand grip describes how the racket is held so that the back of the hand faces the direction of the ball’s flight at impact.

Usage and variation: The concept is common across sports such as tennis, badminton, squash, table tennis, and padel. While the core idea remains the same, the specific grip and its practical execution vary by sport and player style. For a one-handed backhand in tennis, players may adjust the racket face and wrist position to influence spin and control. In a two-handed backhand, the dominant hand and its grip work together with the supporting hand to provide power, stability, and precision. In fast-paced games, the backhand grip is adapted to enable quick exchanges and reliable contact.

Technique considerations: A proper backhand grip supports consistent contact, appropriate racket angle at impact, and a controlled follow-through. Coaches emphasize correct alignment of the wrist and forearm, smooth rotation, relaxed shoulders, and effective weight transfer.

Training and coaching: Drills typically focus on timing, racket-face control, and smooth transitions from preparation to contact. Common issues include excessive grip tension, opening the racket face too early, and insufficient body rotation.

Etymology and usage: The term is standard in Estonian coaching literature and sports education, used to refer to the grip configuration for backhand strokes within a given sport.