Spectrums

As with everything in life, it's probably good to know where you are.

For sports, what are the extremes and what is your target range?

Let's take tennis, which I know best:

highest <=> lowest people play?

slowest <=> fastest?

flat <=> max top-, back-spin?

deepest <=> shortest balls?

easiest <=> most difficult shots, in what situation?

Serve percentages?

Number of shots per rally?

Errors / total shots?

Heaviest <=> lightest racquet?

Softest <=> tightest string?

...

For teaching, especially beginners, I like them to try and experience the full spectrum of grips. From super open to super closed. In the extreme(s), that's probably hitting fore- and backhands without changing. (That's if you're still hitting backhands :P)

As a result, experience how that generally feels like, and what happens up the chain, the stance, and to the ball. 

For most, to help find a middle ground that works for them.

Some may 1) stick with extreme grips. And/or 2) use them strategically later. And/or 3) consciously switch to accelerate learning and practice flexibility. 

Personally I've done all 3. In my pursuit of becoming a (more) complete athlete, I've especially went after #3 - i.e. trying to cover the whole spectrum with the weak side to accelerate learning towards a "full spectrum athlete". 

I'm still far away from that. But in any case, it's good to know - roughly - where you are :)

What makes a complete athlete?

The bigger idea and pursuit behind "Backhands Optional" is finding ways to become a (more) "complete athlete". What does that mean?

When it comes to tennis for example, that's probably the ability to express all imaginable shots across the whole spectrum. 

For example: 

slow <=> fast

high <=> low

short <=> deep

flat <=> super-spin

straight <=> angles

... and so on.

Add to that the non-shot elements, i.e. 

physical (power, strength, stamina), 

tactical (think and apply that whole spectrum), and 

mental (not only staying strong at any time but also ability to use other states of mind to our advantage). 

Now, in the spirit of "Backhands Optional": add the (from a future perspective maybe obvious?) missing dimension: do everything well and equally well on both sides. When it comes to shots, that's all of them, including all variations, with both hands. Have fun and good luck :P

When it comes to physical, that's probably evening out one-sided weaknesses and building up both sides.

For tactical, that should open up a whole new range of options. When we're there, playing with both hands and all, that may even confuse us at the beginning. But hey, here's another "good" challenge to grow into :)

Mentally, it could put us at ease to have many tools and options to choose from - and worked hard to get there. We'd already have gone far beyond worrying about losing a match (though a win here and there can of course serve as a validation).  After all, we're really competing with ourselves.

For the strokes, maybe the most obvious and "hooking" elements, I put a few samples (still in beta-quality) here.