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Start for freePerfecting the One-Handed Backhand in Six Steps
The one-handed backhand is a classic and elegant stroke in tennis, offering precision and power when executed correctly. In this article, we’ll dissect the one-handed backhand technique into six digestible steps to help you not only understand but also improve your game.
Step 1: Finding the Right Grip
The grip is the foundation of any tennis stroke, and for the one-handed backhand, it's crucial to get it right. A simple way to find your backhand grip is to imagine holding a sword. Lay the racket flat and place your hand on top of the handle, ensuring that your fingers are horizontal when the racket is perpendicular. Slight adjustments can be made for personal comfort and to add more topspin to your shots. Remember, the grip should feel natural and not forced.
Step 2: The Unit Turn
Initiating a proper unit turn is the first step once you recognize the direction of the ball. As you turn your body, it's important to maintain eye level forward to judge the depth of the incoming ball effectively. The ideal position for your hand is around chest height, and your arm should be turned just a bit more than 90 degrees. Keep your left arm active, pulling the racket back to create the necessary stretch for a powerful backhand.
Step 3: Backswing Continuation
As you step towards the ball, your backswing will naturally continue due to momentum and increased body rotation. Your foot orientation is vital here; it should point towards the ball, indicating the contact point a few inches in front of your foot. This sets you up for the subsequent uncoiling phase.
Step 4: Uncoiling and Reaching the 'Double 45' Position
The racket should reach a point approximately 45 degrees behind you and 45 degrees downward—this is what we call the 'double 45' position. From here, you'll start to uncoil your body and prepare to make contact with the ball. The wrist should remain stable while the forearm rotates back into the contact position.
Step 5: Contact and Applying Topspin
When making contact, focus on letting the natural swing path create topspin rather than actively engaging the wrist. Imagine 'spinning' the ball with your arm from the shoulder, keeping the wrist firm and guiding the racket through the ball.
Step 6: Follow Through and Body Rotation Control
After hitting the ball, it's essential to control your body rotation. Use your off hand to counter the momentum of the swing. This will help you maintain a straight path through the ball and provide direction to your shot. A good checkpoint for the follow-through is a vertical racket face, which occurs naturally as you relax after the stroke.
Remember, these steps are part of a technique module from a comprehensive one-handed backhand course that also includes biomechanics, drills, footwork tips, and corrections. For further insight and to improve the consistency of your one-handed backhand, consider signing up for a free course through the provided links (Thomas from Feel Tennis).
In summary, mastering the one-handed backhand requires a blend of proper grip, body mechanics, and the right mindset. By breaking down the stroke into these key components, you can build a more consistent and powerful backhand that can become a significant asset in your tennis arsenal. Practice each step diligently, and remember that understanding the biomechanics behind the stroke is just as important as the physical execution.
Discover the full potential of your one-handed backhand technique and start dominating the court with grace and power. And for a more detailed explanation and visual learning, watch the full video on YouTube.
