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Tennis technique
one-handed backhand Stefanos Tsitsipas

One-handed backhand stroke: Technique and advice for mastering this tennis stroke

The one-handed backhand is an iconic tennis stroke, often considered one of the most elegant, but also one of the most technical. This movement requires excellent coordination, good body positioning and control of the racket and grip. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this article will give youpractical advice on how to perfect your one-handed backhand, covering essential points such as preparation, hitting, technique and power management. Join a tennis clinic at our tennis academy to perfect your two-handed backhand.

Why choose the one-handed backhand?

Grigor Dimitrov

The one-handed backhand is an alternative to the two-handed backhand that many players adopt. It is appreciated for the freedom of movement it provides, the power it generates and the ease with which it can be followed up with a volley or a move towards the net. Among the great players who have mastered this stroke are legends such as Roger Federer, Stan Wawrinka, Grigor Dimitrov and Stephanox Tsitsipas, who have made the one-handed backhand a formidable weapon on the court.

The one-handed backhand technique

Mastering the one-handed backhand stroke requires a good technique and specific work on the preparation and execution of the movement. Here are the key steps to achieving this stroke:

1. The plug

  • Prise eastern :

    The most common one-handed backhand stroke. It naturally aligns the forearm and hand, providing good preparation for impact.
    To adopt it, rotate your hand 90° to the left from a forehand grip. This generates more strength and stability when striking the ball.
    Experienced players can wrap their thumb around the racket for more control.

  • Hammer socket :

    Ideal for slices, volleys and serves. It requires a firmer wrist.
    It’s less suited to lifting shots and offers less power than the eastern grip.

  • Western socket :

    Used for topspin shots with ball contact well in front of the body.
    This grip requires a good wrist angle and correct support to maintain control of the racket throughout the stroke.

2. Preparation

The second essential element is preparation. As soon as your opponent hits the ball, you need to anticipate and prepare your racket to hit a backhand. Here are the important points to remember in this phase:

  • Racket grip :

    The hammer or half grip is recommended for a one-handed backhand. These grips allow you to control the ball while generating sufficient spin and speed. The racket head should be slightly tilted downwards for better contact with the ball.

  • Body position :

    Position yourself so that your right foot (for right-handers) is slightly forward, with your left foot firmly planted to support the movement. Your body should be positioned sideways to the net to allow your hips to rotate properly.

  • Shoulders and arms :

    The arm holding the racket should be relaxed but ready to move quickly. Your free hand (often the left hand) can stabilise the racket during preparation, before withdrawing to release the shot.

3. The moment of impact and the strike

The next phase is the actual strike, where the execution must be precise to generate both power and control.

  • Body weight :

    It’s important to transfer your weight forward when you strike the ball. This gives power to the backhand while maintaining good balance.

  • Striking the ball :

    The racket head should be slightly above the ball to ensure a lifted shot. Use hip and shoulder rotation to generate speed. The racket should cross the tennis ball smoothly, without forcing the wrist.

  • Relaxing the wrist :

    To achieve good control and avoid mistakes, take care not to contract your wrist unnecessarily. It should be relatively relaxed to allow a smooth, natural movement. This will also facilitate a rapid transition to the end of the gesture.

4. Follow-up and completion

Tracking is as crucial as the shot itself. Good follow-through ensures continuity of movement and optimises accuracy.

  • End of stroke: After impact, allow your tennis racket to follow its natural movement. The racket head should end at your shoulder and your arm should be fully extended.
  • Return to position: Once the ball has been returned, it’s essential to return quickly to the starting position so you’re ready to play the next shot. This is where your footwork comes into play. Use small steps to get back to the baseline or the net, depending on the situation.

Tips to improve your one-handed backhand

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  • Work on your footwork: Solid footing is essential for a good shot. If your feet aren’t well placed, you’ll lose balance and accuracy.
  • Stay relaxed: Don’t force your wrist or arm. Let the movement come naturally, with a good rotation of the shoulders and hips.
  • Use the right racket: Choosing the right tennis racket is important for a good backhand. Choose a racket with good strings and a slightly larger head if you’re just starting out, for greater forgiveness.
  • Practise regularly: Repetition is the key to improving your technique. Replay specific situations, such as backhands or volleys, to improve your fluidity.
     

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

  • To hit a one-handed backhand in tennis, follow these steps:

    • Preparation: As soon as you see your opponent playing your backhand, rotate your body and get into position. Use a half grip or hammer grip to prepare your shot.
    • Body position: Position your back foot to support your movement. Hip and shoulder rotation are crucial to generating power.
    • Strike: Make contact with the ball in front of you. Use a fluid movement, keeping your wrist supple to control the ball.
    • Follow through: Let the tennis racket follow its natural path, ending up over your shoulder. Make sure your shoulders and hips follow the movement for a powerful, accurate backhand.

  • Several great tennis players have made history with their atypical backhand. Among them are :

    • Roger Federer: Considered by many to have one of the most beautiful backhands of all time. His fluid style and ability to play lifts or slices are legendary.
    • Stan Wawrinka: Known for his powerful backhand that destabilises opponents. He hits the ball with impressive speed, often from the baseline.
    • Dominic Thiem: Another player who uses it to great effect, Thiem uses it offensively, particularly on clay.

  • The best backhand is often awarded to Roger Federer for his fluidity and efficiency, particularly when volleying or serving. However, Stan Wawrinka is renowned for having one of the most powerful backhands on the circuit. His backhand is capable of generating very heavy shots that put his opponents in difficulty, even on very fast balls.

  • When it comes to power in tennis, Stan Wawrinka is undoubtedly the man who dominates this category. His backhand is famous for its ability to return extremely fast balls with formidable precision. Dominic Thiem is also renowned for the strength of his backhand, particularly on surfaces like clay, where he uses his backhand lift to control rallies.
     

  • Currently, 11 players in the ATP Top 100 use the one-handed backhand. They include such well-known names as Grigor Dimitrov, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Lorenzo Musetti, Stan Wawrinka, Christopher Eubanks, Daniel Altmaier, Dusan Lajovic, Christopher O’Connell, Dominic Thiem, Aleksandar Kovacevic and Dan Evans.

    On the WTA side, this technique has become very rare. Today, only three players in the Top 100 use it: Diane Parry, Tatjana Maria and Viktorija Golubic.

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