Backhanding: meaning, definitions and examples

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backhanding

 

[ bækˈhændɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

sports, gesture

Backhanding refers to a type of stroke used in various sports, particularly in tennis and table tennis. It denotes a hit made with the back of the hand facing the direction of the stroke, as opposed to a forehand stroke where the palm faces the direction of the hit. This technique is essential for players as it allows for a greater variety of shots and angles. In addition to its use in sports, backhanding can also refer to delivering a slap or hit in an insincere or subtle manner.

Synonyms

backhand, slap, tap

Examples of usage

  • He executed a perfect backhanding move to score a point.
  • The backhanding gesture can be seen in both tennis and table tennis.
  • In the dance, she included a dramatic backhanding motion.
  • The player improved their backhanding technique during practice.

Translations

Translations of the word "backhanding" in other languages:

🇵🇹 golpe de revés

🇮🇳 पीछे से मारना

🇩🇪 Rückhand

🇮🇩 pukulan belakang

🇺🇦 удар зворотньою стороною

🇵🇱 uderzenie z tyłu

🇯🇵 バックハンド

🇫🇷 coup de revers

🇪🇸 golpe de revés

🇹🇷 backhand

🇰🇷 백핸드

🇸🇦 ضرب خلفي

🇨🇿 zpětný úder

🇸🇰 úder z druhej strany

🇨🇳 反手击球

🇸🇮 udarec zadaj

🇮🇸 aftaná

🇰🇿 артпен соққы

🇬🇪 უკანა ხელით დარტყმა

🇦🇿 geriyə vuruş

🇲🇽 golpe de revés

Etymology

The term 'backhand' has its origins in the late 14th century, with the word 'hand' stemming from the Old English 'handa', which referred to the human hand. The prefix 'back' describes the part of the hand used to perform this action. Etymologically, 'backhand' combines 'back', meaning the rear or opposite side, with 'hand', suggesting a distinctive motion made by using the back of the hand. In sports like tennis, the differentiation of strokes into 'forehand' and 'backhand' became necessary as players developed techniques that allowed for greater versatility and control over the ball. By the early 20th century, the term was commonly used to describe a specific stroke in tennis and has since spread to other sports and contexts, denoting a range of movements characterized by the use of the back of the hand.