backhands
/ˌbækˈhændz/
NOUN
1. Strokes made with the backhand in racket sports
Strokes performed by swinging a racket across the body, with the back of the hand facing the direction of the shot.
1.1. Tennis and racket-sport strokes
Refers to shots played using the backhand side of a racket, commonly in tennis and other racket sports.
Synonyms
- backhand strokes
- backhand shots
- backhand drives
Antonyms
- forehands
- forehand strokes
- forehand shots
Examples
- The tennis champion showcased powerful and accurate backhands throughout the match.
- The coach focused on improving the players' backhands during training.
- His precision with both forehands and backhands made him a formidable opponent.
Related Words
NOUN
2. Handwriting that leans to the left
A style of handwriting characterized by letters that incline toward the left.
2.1. Handwriting and penmanship
Refers to left-slanting handwriting or a particular style of written script.
Synonyms
- left-slanting handwriting
- left-leaning script
- cursive writing
- handwriting
- penmanship
- script
- running hand
Antonyms
- right-slanting handwriting
- upright handwriting
Examples
- The handwriting expert identified the distinctive backhands in the old manuscripts.
- The collection contained several examples of unusual backhands and cursive scripts.
Related Words
- calligraphy
- lettering
- manuscripts
- autographs
- signatures
- longhand
- shorthand
NOUN
3. Standard throws in Ultimate Frisbee
Throws in which a flying disc begins on the player's off-hand side, travels across the chest, and is released from the opposite side.
3.1. Ultimate Frisbee throwing technique
Refers to the standard backhand technique used to throw a flying disc toward a teammate.
Synonyms
- backhand throws
Antonyms
- forehand throws
- flicks
Examples
- The beginners practiced their backhands before learning more advanced Frisbee throws.
- Accurate backhands helped the players move the disc quickly across the field.
Related Words
- flying discs
- ultimate Frisbee
- wrist flicks
- releases
- throwing techniques
NOUN
4. The reverse side of the human hand
The outer surface of the hand opposite the palm, extending across the knuckles and the backs of the fingers.
4.1. Anatomy of the hand
Refers to the dorsal surfaces of the hands, opposite their palms.
Synonyms
- backs of the hands
- dorsums of the hands
Antonyms
- palms
- palm sides
Examples
- The backs of his hands were covered with small scratches.
- The gloves protected the backhands from cold weather.
Related Words
- knuckles
- fingers
- wrists
- metacarpals
- hand anatomy
NOUN
5. Hands positioned toward the back of a board
Hands located toward the rear portion of a board or similar object.
5.1. Position on a board
Refers to the hands positioned toward the back of a board in a particular arrangement or activity.
Synonyms
- rear hands
Antonyms
- front hands
Examples
- The instructions showed where to position the backhands on the board.
Related Words
- board
- position
- rear
- front
- placement
VERB
6. To perform backhand strokes or throws
To execute a backhand stroke with a racket or make a throw using a backhand technique.
6.1. Backhand movements in sports
Describes hitting a ball or throwing a flying disc using a backhand movement.
Synonyms
Examples
- The tennis player backhands the ball toward the opposite corner.
- She backhands the disc accurately to her teammate.
Related Words
VERB
7. To slap with the back of the hand
To strike someone using the back of one's hand rather than the palm.
7.1. Slapping and physical striking
Describes delivering a slap or blow with the back of the hand.
Synonyms
Examples
- He backhands his opponent during the fight.
- The character backhands the attacker and quickly moves away.
Related Words
- blow
- swat
- swing
- impact
- backhanded slap