The one-handed backhand is increasingly rare on professional tours. Junior academies default to teaching two-handers. Yet Federer's backhand won 20 Grand Slams. Wawrinka's won three. Dimitrov and Tsitsipas have built careers around theirs.
Is the one-hander an anachronism or a secret weapon?
The Debate: One vs Two Hands
Arguments for the two-handed backhand:
Easier to learn: Two hands provide more stability and control, especially for younger players.
Return advantage: Compact preparation helps handle fast serves.
High ball handling: Two hands manage shoulder-height balls more easily.
Arguments for the one-handed backhand:
Greater reach: One hand extends further, especially on wide balls.
Natural slice: The one-hander naturally incorporates slice, adding variety.
Net play advantage: One-handed players typically transition more smoothly to volleys.
Tactical unpredictability: The disguise between topspin and slice creates uncertainty.
Technical Foundations
The one-handed backhand requires specific technique:
Grip: Eastern backhand or slightly more extreme. The grip position enables a vertical racket face at contact.
Shoulder turn: More pronounced than a two-hander. The hitting shoulder turns back fully, loading rotation.
Non-hitting arm: Extends back for balance and helps initiate rotation. Critical for timing and power.
Contact point: Further in front than a two-hander. Early preparation is essential.
Follow through: Over the shoulder for topspin, across the body for slice.
The Topspin One-Hander
Generating topspin with one hand:
Racket drop: The racket drops below the ball during preparation, creating an upward swing path.
Wrist action: The wrist rolls over through contact, brushing up the back of the ball.
Leg drive: Power comes from the legs driving upward. The arm alone produces weak shots.
Full finish: The follow-through goes up and over the opposite shoulder.
The Slice Backhand
Every one-hander needs a reliable slice:
Preparation: Racket high, roughly ear height. Different from topspin preparation.
Swing path: High to low, carving under the ball.
Contact: Slightly later than topspin, with an open racket face.
Uses: Approach shots, defensive retrievals, changing pace, staying in points.
Handling High Balls
The traditional weakness of one-handers:
Early recognition: Identify high balls early and take them on the rise when possible.
Position adjustment: Move further back to let high balls drop to comfortable height.
Slice option: A high backhand slice, while defensive, is safer than a struggling drive.
Run around: When possible, move to hit a forehand instead.
Development Pathway
Should you teach the one-hander?
Physical requirements: One-handers require more core strength and timing. Very young players often lack both.
Natural preference: Some players naturally gravitate to one hand. Forcing a two-hander on a natural one-hander can backfire.
Long-term view: One-handers take longer to develop but may have higher ceilings for certain player profiles.
Playing style: If a player naturally gravitates to net play and variety, the one-hander fits better than for a pure baseliner.
Practice Priorities
Timing drills: The one-hander is unforgiving of timing errors. Repetition builds the precise timing required.
Footwork emphasis: Good preparation position is even more critical for one-handers.
Slice development: The slice should be as reliable as the drive. Practice both equally.
High ball work: Specifically practice handling high bounces - the known vulnerability.
Key Coaching Points
- The one-handed backhand remains viable at all levels when well-executed
- Technical foundations - grip, shoulder turn, contact point - are critical
- A reliable slice backhand is essential, not optional
- High balls require specific strategies and practice
- Player profile and natural preference should guide the choice
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