Video:Quick Tip: Perfect the Backswing of a One-Handed Backhand
with Jeff CooperThe backswing of a one-handed backhand in tennis is typically simpler than that for a forehand, but it's no less important. Watch this video from About.com to find a backswing that gets your backhand off to an easy start.See Transcript
Transcript:Quick Tip: Perfect the Backswing of a One-Handed Backhand
Hi, I'm Jeff Cooper for About.com, here to help you learn how to perfect the backswing on a one-handed backhand.
Basics of a Backswing of a One-Handed Backhand
For the one-handed backhand have your left hand on the throat of the racquet. As you see the ball coming, step forward with your right foot, bring the racquet back with your left hand still on the throat, and drop the racquet down to around knee high. The racquet should point at the back fence, and the long axis should be parallel to the ground, with the strings somewhat closed.
Tips for a Backswing Part of a One-Handed Backhand
The way to find how much the strings should be closed is to start at the point of contact and then pull the racquet back without turning your wrist, and you'll see that it naturally turns down as the racquet points at the back fence. If you were to start with the racquet vertical back here, by the time you got to this point, it would be tilted up too much, and you'd hit the ball too high.
Here's a basic one-handed backhand.
For more on backhands and everything else in tennis, visit About.com.