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One-hand tennis men's revers

Preparing for the one-handed backhand: Techniques and tips for mastering this stroke

The one-handed backhand is an emblematic tennis stroke, appreciated for its fluidity and elegance. However, it requires solid technique and good preparation to be executed with precision and power. In this article, we’ll look at how to prepare for a one-handed backhand, offering practical advice and exercises to improve this stroke. Whether you’re an experienced player or a beginner, here you’ll find the keys to perfecting your preparation for the one-handed backhand. Improve your one-handed backhand with the tennis study programme at the Mouratoglou Academy.

1. Why preparation is essential for the one-handed backhand

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Anticipation and positioning

Preparation for the one-handed backhand begins well before the moment of impact with the ball. Here’s why anticipation and positioning are essential:

  • React quickly: The one-handed backhand requires more anticipation to get into position in time. As soon as you see the ball coming towards your backhand side, start to rotate your body.
  • Body position: Good preparation involves positioning your body correctly, with your shoulders turned and your outside leg firmly planted on the ground.
  • Space and timing: You need to be at the right distance from the ball to execute the backhand with fluidity. Neither too close nor too far to maintain balance and power.
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Importance of shoulder movement

The one-handed backhand requires a wide rotation of the shoulders to generate power and control:

  • Shoulder turn: As soon as you anticipate the shot, quickly turn your shoulders to the side of your shot, keeping your dominant arm ready to hit the ball.
  • Weight transfer: The transfer of weight from your back leg to your front leg is crucial for a powerful, fluid backhand.

2. The key stages in preparing for a one-handed backhand

  • One-handed backhand racket grip

    The racket grip plays a crucial role in the success of your backhand:

    • Continental grip : Most players opt for a continental grip, which allows them to maintain good control of the racket while making it easier to spin the ball.
    • Semi-open grip: Some players use a slightly more closed grip to generate more topspin. Test the different grips to find the one that best suits your style.

  • Preparation movement

    The quality of your backhand depends largely on your preparation:

    • Quick preparation: As soon as you recognise that the ball is coming onto your backhand, start preparing the racket. The dominant hand should bring the racket backwards with a rotation of the shoulders.
    • Foot position: Make sure your feet are well positioned, with the outside leg slightly bent, ready to transfer body weight.

  • Impact with the ball and follow-through

    The moment of impact is crucial in the one-handed backhand:

    • Strike the ball in front of you : To get a clean, powerful hit, contact with the ball should be made in front of your body, with your arm fully extended.
    • Follow through: After hitting the ball, allow your racket to continue its natural movement up over your shoulder. This follow-up adds control and power to your shot.

3. Exercises to improve preparation for the one-handed backhand

  • Exercise 1: Shoulder rotation

    For an effective one-handed backhand, shoulder rotation is crucial:

    • Exercise: Practise shoulder rotation by hitting balls repeatedly, emphasising good rotation at the start of the stroke and good follow-through afterwards.
    • Objective: To improve the fluidity of the movement and ensure optimum power transfer.
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    Exercise 2: Anticipation and foot placement

    Anticipation is a key skill for a successful backhand:

    • Exercise: Use unpredictably thrown balls and concentrate solely on your ability to anticipate and place your feet correctly before hitting the ball.
    • Objective: To increase speed of execution and efficiency of foot placement.
  • One-hand tennis men's revers

    Exercise 3: Hitting the ball with full follow-through

    The importance of follow-through cannot be overlooked:

    • Exercise: Work through a series of strokes, concentrating on complete follow-through after impact, with maximum extension of your dominant arm.
    • Objective: To reinforce the fluidity of the stroke and ensure a powerful, controlled hit.

4. Common mistakes to avoid when preparing for the one-handed backhand

Waiting too long to prepare

One of the most common mistakes is to delay preparation:

  • Mistake: Waiting until the ball is too close before starting to turn your shoulders and prepare the racket.
  • Solution: Be proactive. As soon as you recognise that the ball is coming onto your backhand, start preparing immediately.

Lacking fluidity of movement

Another common mistake is a lack of fluidity when hitting the ball:

  • Error: Jerky movements or a racket that stops just after impact reduce the power of the shot.
  • Solution: Concentrate on the follow-through and make sure your racket continues to move after impact.

Poor use of the lower body

The one-handed backhand isn’t just about the arm. The lower body is just as important:

  • Mistake: Hitting the ball without using your legs to transfer the weight.
  • Solution: Practice exercises that help you transfer your weight correctly from one leg to the other to generate more power.

Conclusion

Preparing for the one-handed backhand is an essential process in achieving success with this technical tennis shot. By concentrating on correct shoulder rotation, optimal foot positioning and fluid follow-through after impact, you can improve your one-handed backhand and make it more effective. Work regularly with specific exercises to reinforce these skills and avoid common preparation mistakes. By following these tips, you’ll be able to hit more powerful, accurate and consistent one-handed backhands on the court.

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