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One-Handed Backhand

Tennis / Popular

Learn the technique and timing of the one-handed backhand.

What coaches agree on

  • Use an Eastern backhand grip, with the base knuckle of your index finger and your heel pad on the top bevel of the handle.
  • Swing the racket on a vertical, low-to-high path through the ball, brushing up the back of it, rather than swinging around your body.
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Common mistakes

  • Leaving the racket face open (strings tilted up) on the backswing and drop instead of closing it before swinging up, which sends the ball long or flat.
  • Turning the shoulders only to about square with the net and stopping there, instead of continuing the turn well past sideways before swinging forward.
  • Letting the body keep rotating through and after contact instead of holding the hitting position, which throws off direction and consistency.
One Handed Backhand EXPLAINED!!
Beginner

One Handed Backhand EXPLAINED!!

Coach's take: This is the one I'd hand a student who's never hit a one-hander before -- grip through finish, in order.

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