The word "backhands" is spelled with a combination of letters that represents its sounds. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /ˈbækˌhændz/. The first syllable "back" is pronounced with a short "a" sound, while the second syllable "hand" has a long "a" sound. The "s" at the end is pronounced as a "z" sound due to the preceding voiced consonant "d". This word refers to a tennis shot where the player hits the ball with the back of their hand facing the target.
Backhands, in the context of sports such as tennis, hockey, or cricket, refer to a specific type of stroke or shot executed with the hand or racket on the non-dominant side of the body. It is commonly employed in situations where the player needs to hit or direct the ball away from their body, either defensively or offensively.
In tennis, the backhand typically involves striking the ball with the arm across the body, using the non-dominant hand, thereby generating reverse spin and a varied trajectory. This stroke can be achieved with either a one-handed or two-handed grip, depending on the player's preference and skill set. The backhand is often utilized in scenarios where the ball comes toward the player's backhand side or as a more versatile and defensive shot.
Similarly, in hockey, the backhand shot is executed by striking the puck with the blade of the stick on the non-dominant side. It allows players to quickly change direction or surprise the goalie due to its less predictable nature. This type of shot is often used in close encounters around the net or in situations where the player has limited time to shoot with their forehand.
In cricket, the backhand shot or flick involves the use of the wrist to whip the bat at the ball, usually played behind the body and often between the legs. This stroke is employed when the ball is delivered wide on the leg side, and it requires exceptional hand-eye coordination and agility to execute accurately.
Overall, backhands are an integral part of various sports, enabling players to exhibit skill and finesse while adapting to unpredictable scenarios or opponents' strategies.
The word "backhands" is derived from the combination of two separate words: "back" and "hands".
1. Back: The term "back" dates back to Old English as "bæc", and it refers to the rear or posterior part of something. It can also denote the side opposite to the front or the outermost area.
2. Hands: "Hands" is the plural form of the noun "hand" which has Indo-European roots. It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "handuz". "Hand" typically signifies the body part with fingers and a thumb, used for grasping, holding, or manipulating objects.
When combined, "backhands" refers to a sporting technique, predominantly associated with racquet sports like tennis or badminton, where a player hits the ball using the back of their hand or wrist while maintaining the palm-facing direction opposite to the front.