Backhand
noun
A type of stroke in tennis or other racquet games, hit with the back of the hand facing the ball.
Her backhand is really strong, it's hard to beat her in tennis.
Often appears as...
- play a backhand
- strong backhand
adverb
In a direction from right to left, or from left to right.
He swung the bat backhand, surprising his opponent.
Often appears as...
- swing backhand
- shoot backhand
adjective
Referring to a stroke in tennis or other racquet games, hit with the back of the hand facing the ball.
A backhand shot is tricky to master, but it can be a powerful tool in tennis.
Often appears as...
- backhand shot
- backhand stroke
verb
To hit (a ball or shot) with a backhand.
She backhanded the tennis ball across the court.
Often appears as...
- backhand a ball
- backhand a shot
noun
A type of stroke in tennis or other racquet games, hit with the back of the hand facing the ball.
Her backhand is really strong, it's hard to beat her in tennis.
Often appears as...
- play a backhand
- strong backhand
adverb
In a direction from right to left, or from left to right.
He swung the bat backhand, surprising his opponent.
Often appears as...
- swing backhand
- shoot backhand
adjective
Referring to a stroke in tennis or other racquet games, hit with the back of the hand facing the ball.
A backhand shot is tricky to master, but it can be a powerful tool in tennis.
Often appears as...
- backhand shot
- backhand stroke
verb
To hit (a ball or shot) with a backhand.
She backhanded the tennis ball across the court.
Often appears as...
- backhand a ball
- backhand a shot
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/3Sport Specific
Used often in sports, 'backhand' indicates skill level in tennis, squash, etc.
She practiced her backhand to win the championship.
Pro Tip 2/3Hand Position
Focuses on the hand's position relative to the direction the player faces.
He turned his wrist for the perfect backhand.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Weak
In tennis, a backhand isn't necessarily weaker than a forehand.
Her powerful backhand stunned her opponent.
Pro Tip 1/3Sport Specific
Used often in sports, 'backhand' indicates skill level in tennis, squash, etc.
She practiced her backhand to win the championship.
Pro Tip 2/3Hand Position
Focuses on the hand's position relative to the direction the player faces.
He turned his wrist for the perfect backhand.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Weak
In tennis, a backhand isn't necessarily weaker than a forehand.
Her powerful backhand stunned her opponent.
Pro Tip 1/3Sport Specific
Used often in sports, 'backhand' indicates skill level in tennis, squash, etc.
She practiced her backhand to win the championship.
Pro Tip 2/3Hand Position
Focuses on the hand's position relative to the direction the player faces.
He turned his wrist for the perfect backhand.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Weak
In tennis, a backhand isn't necessarily weaker than a forehand.
Her powerful backhand stunned her opponent.
Never forget "Backhand"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
Video examples
Michael Nichols:...
this is night that they killed this Eiland which is well over a thousand pounds and see boy immediately appropriated it came out of nowhere he opened it up he ate the backhand out opened up the
Video examples
Let's use video to...
And once you get over the backhanded nature of that, there was actually something very profound there. They were saying that they preferred the automated version of their cousin
Video examples
Let's use video to...
get over the backhanded nature of that there was actually something very profound there they were saying that
Video examples
Michael Nichols:...
this is night that they killed this Eiland which is well over a thousand pounds and see boy immediately appropriated it came out of nowhere he opened it up he ate the backhand out opened up the
Video examples
Let's use video to...
And once you get over the backhanded nature of that, there was actually something very profound there. They were saying that they preferred the automated version of their cousin
Video examples
Let's use video to...
get over the backhanded nature of that there was actually something very profound there they were saying that
Example 1 of 3
Quote examples
Mel Gibson
Actor
I'll tell you what I did need to learn was tolerance, and I think I've been actually given a daily opportunity to practice that, and it's - it's - and I know that that sounds almost like a backhanded slap, and it is in a way because I haven't been successful at it every day.
Quote examples
Jeff Ross
American Comedian
Could you imagine me and the roasters taking on the GOP field? It would be the greatest show ever. Prove that you can take a joke. Prove that you're a man or woman of the people. Prove that you're not above criticism even in the form of a backhanded compliment.
Quote examples
Grigor Dimitrov
Bulgarian Athlete
My father loved the single-handed backhand, so to him, that was the main goal; we were always fascinated by that shot. He taught me all the technique and how to structure my game. I was really privileged to have a father like that.
Quote examples
Julius Randle
American Basketball Player
As far as most improved, I don't take it as a backhanded compliment at all. That's what you're supposed to do as a professional.
Quote examples
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
French Athlete
I have been working on my backhand since I was the age of five. And it's a disaster, my backhand, so I'm working on it.
Quote examples
Dominic Thiem
Austrian Athlete
The one-handed backhand helps you to be more aggressive in the points.
Quote examples
Philip Yancey
American Author
In some ways, evil is backhanded proof of Gods existence.
Quote examples
Tori Spelling
American Actress
My whole life story is kind of a backhanded compliment.
Quote examples
Juan Martin del Potro
Argentinian Tennis Player
I just want to keep improving my backhand.
Quote examples
Idina Menzel
American Actress
I'm a decent tennis player. Good backhand.
Quote examples
Mel Gibson
Actor
I'll tell you what I did need to learn was tolerance, and I think I've been actually given a daily opportunity to practice that, and it's - it's - and I know that that sounds almost like a backhanded slap, and it is in a way because I haven't been successful at it every day.
Quote examples
Jeff Ross
American Comedian
Could you imagine me and the roasters taking on the GOP field? It would be the greatest show ever. Prove that you can take a joke. Prove that you're a man or woman of the people. Prove that you're not above criticism even in the form of a backhanded compliment.
Quote examples
Grigor Dimitrov
Bulgarian Athlete
My father loved the single-handed backhand, so to him, that was the main goal; we were always fascinated by that shot. He taught me all the technique and how to structure my game. I was really privileged to have a father like that.
Quote examples
Julius Randle
American Basketball Player
As far as most improved, I don't take it as a backhanded compliment at all. That's what you're supposed to do as a professional.
Quote examples
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
French Athlete
I have been working on my backhand since I was the age of five. And it's a disaster, my backhand, so I'm working on it.
Quote examples
Dominic Thiem
Austrian Athlete
The one-handed backhand helps you to be more aggressive in the points.
Quote examples
Philip Yancey
American Author
In some ways, evil is backhanded proof of Gods existence.
Quote examples
Tori Spelling
American Actress
My whole life story is kind of a backhanded compliment.
Quote examples
Juan Martin del Potro
Argentinian Tennis Player
I just want to keep improving my backhand.
Quote examples
Idina Menzel
American Actress
I'm a decent tennis player. Good backhand.
Example 1 of 10
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension