Private Lessons:
One-Handed Backhand Preparation

by Scott Murphy

Page 2

No matter what backhand you’re using, simplifying the positions of the hand, arm, and racket is always the best way to go. Ultimately, a one-hander strikes the ball with a straight arm so it makes sense to take the racket back with a minimum of elbow bend. 

If the elbow is overly bent the time needed to straighten the arm is greater, and if that’s not achieved the elbow will lead the forward swing resulting in late contact and loss of control, not to mention eventual tennis elbow. Believe or not, the knock on Pete Sampras’ backhand when it is off is that he’s late getting his arm extended.

Patrick Rafter demonstrates the compact loop. Note how the hitting arm takes the racket straight back before the loop. Note also how the arm regains the straight hitting arm position before moving forward to the ball.

The fact is, most of the one handed pros DO bend their elbows on the backswing because they use a loop. With the elbow bent the racket head sits in an upright position much like it does on a forehand prior to the drop and completion of a loop. This is fine if you have the timing of a pro but it might be wise to start simply and modify later as desired. Even at the pro level, the best one-handers keep this loop very compact.

At the completion of the backswing whether looping or not, the upper arm should be close to the chest to help create a more linear movement of the arm when the forward swing is made.

So now from your ready position you have split-stepped, made a complete turn, moved into position, and lined up the incoming ball. You’re coiled to the point your opponent can see about half of your back and your chin is resting on your shoulder. Your racket is set and ready to fire… In the next article, I’ll take you through the completion of the one handed backhand.

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Scott Murphy is one of America's top teaching pros. He is the director of the Nike Tahoe Tennis Camp. He has taught privately in Marin County, California for twenty years. A high level senior player, Scott has been ranked numerous times in both singles and doubles in Northern California. Scott is already well known to TennisONE readers for his great "Ask the Pro" answers. 

Last Updated 1/1/01. To contact us, please email to: webmaster@tennisone.com

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