# backhand

/ˈbækˌhænd/ (US) · /bˈækhænd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/backhand
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a way of hitting a ball or a person with the back of your hand. In sports like tennis, it is a common shot where you hit the ball with the side of your hand.

For teachers: a stroke in racket sports executed by hitting the ball with the side of the hand; also refers to a blow delivered with the back of the hand.

## Examples

- He hit a powerful backhand to win the point.
- The tennis player is famous for his aggressive backhand, which he uses to finish every rally.
- While the forehand is often the dominant stroke in professional tennis, a well-executed backhand can be just as effective when used to counter an opponent's aggressive serve.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.