Master your one-handed backhand
In our latest "tennis tips" segment join Roger Federer and Francesca Schiavone and learn a single-handed backhand with Developmental Tennis Manager Scott Draper.
Melbourne, Australia, 4 April 2013 | tennis.com.au
Although it’s an increasingly rare stroke in the professional ranks, a one-handed backhand is among the most aesthetically-pleasing and versatile shots in the game.
Today in our “tennis tips” series, we take a look at how you can execute a quality one-hander, with Tennis Australia’s developmental tennis manager Scott Draper taking you through the most important steps, including:
1. Using an eastern grip
2. Turning your shoulders fully so they are facing down the court
3. Slightly flexing the hitting arm on take-back, with the other arm/hand supporting the racquet
4. Using a circular swing, bringing the racquet head and hand under the ball to generate topspin
5. Separating the arms/hands into impact, focusing your eyes and head on the ball
6. Through impact, continuing to extend the hitting arm as the opposite arm forms a counterbalance
And for further reference, you can take a look at how 17-time major winner Roger Federer and 2010 French Open champion Francesca Schiavone hit their classy single-handed backhands, to see how the pros do it.