The one handed backhand is a beautiful shot that when executed properly leaves opponents staring in awe. While considered a classical shot, it's still a powerful and effective stroke. In this guide we will go over the grip's history, how to properly position your hand, advantages, disadvantages and professional players using the one handed backhand.
Brief History
The one handed backhand used to be the predominant way of hitting the backhand until it started losing popularity around the 1930s when more players started making the switch to the two handed backhand following the successes of Vivian McGrath and John Bromwich (source). While some have argued that the one handed backhand will become a shot of the past, several players on tour, including some up and coming ones, have proved that it is still a force to be reckon with and is here to stay for the foreseeable future.
How to Position your Hand
There are three main grips used for the one handed backhand.
These are:
These are:
1. Continental Grip Position
Gripping the one handed backhand this way offers the least amount of topspin but has the benefit of using a single grip for serve, backhand slice and volleying.
This position is achieved by placing the base knuckle of your index finger in bevel 2 (b2), if you're right handed, and bevel 8 (b8) if you are left handed.
2. Eastern Backhand Grip Position
By shifting your dominant hand to an Eastern Backhand grip you close the racket's head some. This in turn, aids in adding greater topspin to your shot.
This position is achieved by placing the base knuckle of your index finger in bevel 1 (b1), if you're right and left handed. The non dominant hand then sits on top of the dominant hand with the base knuckle of its index finger placed on bevel 7 (b7) if you are right handed and bevel 3 (b3) if you are left handed.
3. Full Eastern Backhand Grip Position
Positioning your hand in a Full Eastern Backhand position offers the most topspin generation since it closes the racket head even more than its Eastern counterpart.
This position is achieved by placing the base knuckle of your index finger on bevel 3 (b3), if you're right handed or placing it on bevel 7 (b7) if you are left handed. The non dominant hand then sits on top of the dominant hand with the base knuckle of its index finger placed on bevel 7 (b7) if you are right handed and bevel 3 (b3) if you are left handed.
Which grip should I use for my one handed backhand?
A good starting point for your one handed backhand is the eastern backhand grip. Of the variations mentioned up top, this grip offers decent topspin possibilities while still allowing you to drive through the shot for more power. It is the most common used grip for the one handed backhand.
From that point, you can experiment to find the one that works the best and feels the most comfortable for you. For example, if you are having difficulty generating topspin with the eastern backhand you may try shifting the grip towards the full eastern backhand position.
We generally recommend against the use of the continental grip for the one handed backhand since it tends to be quite difficult to generate topspin with it. But don't let that discourage you from trying it out. It can also be effective when used properly and it can aid in hitting those low balls effectively.
From that point, you can experiment to find the one that works the best and feels the most comfortable for you. For example, if you are having difficulty generating topspin with the eastern backhand you may try shifting the grip towards the full eastern backhand position.
We generally recommend against the use of the continental grip for the one handed backhand since it tends to be quite difficult to generate topspin with it. But don't let that discourage you from trying it out. It can also be effective when used properly and it can aid in hitting those low balls effectively.
Advantages of the One Handed Backhand
1. Greater Reach
The one handed backhand offers greater reach than it's two handed counterpart. The ability to reach out further allows you to recover quicker by having to cover less court space.
2. Backhand Slice
The backhand slice tends to be stronger if you have a one handed backhand. This is most likely due to greater practice with one handed hitting.
3. Better net game
In general, if you decide to adopt a one handed backhand, you will tend to have a better net game overall. This may in part be due to your mastery and practice of the one handed body dynamic. You will also have an easier transition to the net since the shot naturally "pushes" you forward.
4. More angles for cross court shots
Having a greater reach, also comes with the benefit of giving you better cross court angles since you are able to hit the ball further out in front.
5. Easier hitting lower balls
It tends to be easier for you to hit lower balls using a one handed backhand. You can hit it early straight from the bounce and in front of you for a deep penetrating shot.
The one handed backhand offers greater reach than it's two handed counterpart. The ability to reach out further allows you to recover quicker by having to cover less court space.
2. Backhand Slice
The backhand slice tends to be stronger if you have a one handed backhand. This is most likely due to greater practice with one handed hitting.
3. Better net game
In general, if you decide to adopt a one handed backhand, you will tend to have a better net game overall. This may in part be due to your mastery and practice of the one handed body dynamic. You will also have an easier transition to the net since the shot naturally "pushes" you forward.
4. More angles for cross court shots
Having a greater reach, also comes with the benefit of giving you better cross court angles since you are able to hit the ball further out in front.
5. Easier hitting lower balls
It tends to be easier for you to hit lower balls using a one handed backhand. You can hit it early straight from the bounce and in front of you for a deep penetrating shot.
Disadvantages of the One Handed Backhand
1. Less power
While still able to generate tremendous power, one handed backhands tend to be weaker than two handed backhands. Driving power with your forearm is an advantage of the two handed backhand when it comes to generating power.
2. Harder to return
The one handed backhand requires a longer stroke and greater preparation. This requires you to be that much more quick on your feet in order to properly return from a position of strength.
3. Harder to learn
The one handed backhand tends to be less popular when starting out since it requires greater strength in order to power through the shot. It also requires greater preparation and timing to hit effectively.
4. Difficult to hit in open stance
While you will see it happening from time to time, it's far from ideal. Your weight is not distributed properly through the shot and most end up leaving you in a defensive position.
While still able to generate tremendous power, one handed backhands tend to be weaker than two handed backhands. Driving power with your forearm is an advantage of the two handed backhand when it comes to generating power.
2. Harder to return
The one handed backhand requires a longer stroke and greater preparation. This requires you to be that much more quick on your feet in order to properly return from a position of strength.
3. Harder to learn
The one handed backhand tends to be less popular when starting out since it requires greater strength in order to power through the shot. It also requires greater preparation and timing to hit effectively.
4. Difficult to hit in open stance
While you will see it happening from time to time, it's far from ideal. Your weight is not distributed properly through the shot and most end up leaving you in a defensive position.
Professional Tennis Players Who Have One Handed Backhands
There are still players using the one handed backhand to great efficiency in both the men's and, although more limited, the women's tour. Here are some of our favorite players that have some of the best one handed backhands - Richard Gasquet, Carla Suarez, Richard Gasquet.