May 10, 20213 min read

The One-Handed Backhand - All You Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask

Updated: Jul 18, 2022

In the 1960s, virtually everyone – from pros to weekend warriors – used one-handers. Today, you will find a mix of one- and two-handers playing on the ATP Tour or at your local tennis club; however the majority of players now utilize a two-handed backhand.

Hitting with one-hand allows a player to have better reach as well as swifter transition and recovery. It also allows for greater versatility, with the ability to disguise your shot – whether it be a slice, drop shot, chip or volley. Moreover, one-handed backhands are simply mesmerizing, artful and a thing of beauty to watch.

As a result of radical racquet technological developments, the defining features of the modern tennis game have become power and spin. These new dynamics have exposed the one-handed backhand’s reduced effectiveness against fast and high-bouncing shots. As such, this game has encouraged many players to place a second hand on the racquet to better manage the pace and rotation of incoming balls.

Despite this trend, some of the best players in the world, including Federer, Wawrinka, Thiem, Gasquet, Shapovalov and Tsitsipas, continue to employ a one-hander, and due to its effectiveness and style, is admired as their signature shot.

Whatever your desire for learning a one-handed backhand, this article will help you better understand the steps and dynamics for you to take your backhand shot to the next level.

The Grip

Utilize the Eastern Grip by placing your forefinger base knuckle and heel pad on the top bevel (#1) of the racquet, shown in the image below. (This image is numbered in the clockwise direction for Right Handed players starting at the top bevel. For Left Handed Players, number the bevels in the counter-clockwise direction, again starting at the top bevel).

Note: this guide is predicated on holding your racquet with an Eastern Grip. If you would like to use a different grip – such as a Semi-Western – then the overall motions will generally be the same, but specifics regarding racquet directions will not apply.

The Swing

There are 5 checkpoints in the one-handed backhand.

1. Ready Position

· Hold your racquet vertically in front of you

· Support the throat of the racquet with the other hand

· Keep your elbows up and out in front. You should be able to smell your armpits!

· Split step as your opponent contacts the ball

2. Unit Turn

· As you see the opponent hit the ball to your backhand, turn the body and racquet together while you switch to the Eastern Grip (as described above)

· Continuing to supporting the throat of the racquet with your other hand, bring your racquet back 180 degrees while turning your body 90 degrees to the side

· Extend your arm without locking it and move your shoulder back, pushing the palm holding the racquet towards the fence

· Racquet should be pointing upwards and positioned slightly above or at head level

· Keep your back elbow level with your hand while the upper arm of your racquet hand pushes against your chest

3. The Drop

· Synchronize your body and your racquet as you bend your knees and sink down as if you were about to sit, as the ball bounces in front of you

· Tilt the racquet face about 30- 45 degrees down to the ground (closed face) keeping both hands on the racquet

· As you drop the body and racquet together, step forward toward the ball, pressing up with your back leg and swing up and out lifting your body and the racquet

4. Contact with the Ball

· Swing inside out – away from your body, not across – while brushing the ball from low to high

· Release the throat and move the supporting non-hitting arm backwards (towards the fence) after contact with the ball to maintain balance

· Do not snap the racquet or break your wrists and roll the racquet!

5. The Finish

· Keep your body facing sideways and extend the hitting arm up while extending the non-hitting arm further back

· For a right hander the tip of the racquet should be pointing left and vice versa

Good luck and have fun!

Written by