Wimbledon Semi-Finalists Had Common Denominator on Backhand Groundstroke
Dave Kensler - Peter Burwash International (PBI)
As I watched the Wimbledon men's semifinals, there was one key element which became apparent with each of their backhands. True, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Tomas Berdych, and Novak Djokovic and all play with two hands, but that was not the thing that stood out for me.
Click photo: Here, Andy Murray does not have to move to hit this one-handed backhand, still he commits very early in the
preparation by keeping his top hand in the throat area. There is no attempt at disguise.
Did you notice?
They all hit one-handed underspin backhands – sometimes by design and sometimes out of necessity, but never-the-less, they all used it. (Note: I always use the words “underspin” or “backspin” when referring to groundstrokes. “Slice” applies to the serve i.e. Think of a slicing motion in terms of cutting an orange as an example, It resembles the serve more than a groundstroke.)
Before examining a few specifics of their backhands via videos, their use of one-handed backhands unto themselves illustrates three key points:
During my lessons I always emphasize the need for players with two-handed backhands to learn and practice a one-handed backhand also. Why? Because sometimes your top hand is forced to come off the racquet, like when playing low balls, hitting on the run, when you're forced out wide on a return of serve, or facing low or high volleys. On the other hand, players who have one-handed backhands are never “forced” into two-handed hitting situations.
To be a solid player you have to work on your least comfortable / confident stroke(s). None of those four players are going to set the world on fire with their one-handed backhands. It is not their strength. But they work on it. Yes, as noted above, it is due in part to necessity but it is also obvious in watching them, they can and want to do more than just get the ball back in play. All four actually try to do something with their one-handed shot.
Underspin is a great neutralizing “dimension” to have in your arsenal. It can be used for both offensive and defensive purposes. Certainly the grass courts, with its less predictable bounces, play a key role in why we see it used so much at Wimbledon. What are the situations where these players often resorted to their one-handed backhand underspin shot?
To hit a drop shot (Can also be more offensive than simply “neutralizing.”)
To keep the ball low to the opponent, which Federer does so well
When they are on the run and in trouble
When they want to approach the net
Those points and others also confirm one of the biggest advantages of a one-handed backhand over a two-handed stroke – more versatility and variety. Quite simply, more options are available for players with one-handed backhands. Two-handed backhand players, as these four demonstrated, can also utilize those same options with their one-handed backhand, but usually not at the same level as a true one-handed backhand player.
Furthermore, if you look through the history of tennis, the best net game competitors all had one-handed backhand groundstrokes; so once they got to the net they were already comfortable maneuvering the racquet with one hand.
Each of these players have technical flaws on their one-handed strokes, as most teaching professionals will acknowledge. However, this is their “back-up” backhand, so to expect a Roger Federer type stroke is unrealistic.
The primary message here if you have a two-handed backhand is to work on your one-handed shot. If you want to refine your technique, study those players with great one-handed backhands.
Click photo: Roger Federer has a very similar early preparation for both his topspin and underspin backhands and simply makes adjustments in the racquet angle depending on which one he decides to hit.
In my opinion the two most significant differences when comparing backhands between two-handed and one-handed players are:
The Disguise Factor – Roger Federer can hit a topspin or backspin backhand using virtually an identical motion. There is no such disguise with the two-handed players.
In fact, the two-handed players give away the fact they are going to hit a one-handed shot almost immediately. The top hand stays near the throat area rather than sliding down next to the other hand on the grip.
One-handed backhand players generally have less of a high to low motion and more forward drive with their hitting hand / racquet.
Click photo: Notice the difference in racquet head drive and finish with Novak Djokovic's topspin versus underspin backhands.
When working on your one-handed backspin backhand regardless of whether you use a one-handed or two-handed shot, here are three common “problem – reason – solution” thoughts to be aware of.
Ball is floating or “popping up” when you hit it.
Reason: Racquet face is too open at the point of contact.
Solution: Practice hitting a flat backhand and then open racquet face after contact. This will eliminate opening the racquet face too early and gradually you will develop underspin without this floating element.
Click photo: Even those he has to hit while moving, Tommy Haas keeps a fairly level swing on this underspin backhand and finishes with both the hitting hand and racquet head in front of his body versus towards the ground or across his body.
Your shot lacks depth and allows you're opponent to move forward and attack. It may not necessarily “pop up” as per above but, nevertheless, it is too short.
Reason: Most often this is due to more of a “chopping” or excessive high to low motion with your racquet and arm. Everything is moving downwards at the point of contact.
Solution: Lower the height of the racquet preparation and “drive” your hitting hand / racquet in the direction of your opponent rather than the ground. Think hitting hand knuckles towards your opponent.
The ball has an excessive amount of sidespin.
Reason: Due to pulling the hitting hand / arm and racquet head across your body at the time of contact.
Use the solutions for the two previous problems!. In addition a good first drill is to practice “freezing” the racquet at the point of contact. So essentially you will be blocking the ball. This will start to eliminate the excessive across the body motion of arm and racquet.
The overall message we can take from the one-handed backhands of the Wimbledon semifinalists is to be sure and have a “Plan B” for certain strokes in your game. Meaning, if you cannot hit your preferred shot, have a good second option. Begin by making it defensive in nature as this keeps you in the point. As your confidence grows, start to experiment by adding more offense to it.
Your comments are welcome. Let us know what you think about Dave Kensler's article by emailing us here at TennisOne.
Dave Kensler has 28-years of teaching experience with Peter Burwash International (PBI), the highly successful international tennis management company. PBI directs tennis programs at exclusive hotels, resorts, and clubs in North America, Europe, Caribbean, Asia, Middle East, Pacific, Central America, Mexico, and the Indian Ocean. Over 3 million people have received instruction from PBI Professionals during the 35-year history of the company. All PBI Tennis Professionals play with PRINCE racquets and wear PRINCE shoes. For information on PBI tennis destinations and employment opportunities please go to www.pbitennis.com.
