Any conclusion on the onehandedbackhand?

[Mattle]

I remember I had some help from you guys, especially Bungalo Bill. It was all about the forehand, and about that loose wrist. At that moment, he wasn't sure if a loose and relaxed wrist / arm would do it in a onehanded backhand..I know it's only to some extension, because you need an almost locked arm in a ohbh, compared to the bend elbow in the forehand.. i'm very interrested in this subject, because when i do my forehand, i'm in heaven, my backhand, got nice strokes, but I can feel the tension.

So,Bill, others? A loose ohbh? :)

[ask1ed]

Arm bar the back hand, two feet in front of hitting shoulder, with a 90 degree angle cocked wrist at impact for topspin. (Henin, Fed, etc.)

[TennisAsAlways]

Arm bar the back hand, two feet in front of hitting shoulder, with a 90 degree angle cocked wrist at impact for topspin. (Henin, Fed, etc.)FYI: I don't think your wording helps people seeking advice. "Arm bar" the back hand?

I'm pretty sure that Mattle (the person asking for advice) would agree with me on this.

Good day now. 8)

[Bungalo Bill]

I remember I had some help from you guys, especially Bungalo Bill. It was all about the forehand, and about that loose wrist. At that moment, he wasn't sure if a loose and relaxed wrist / arm would do it in a onehanded backhand..I know it's only to some extension, because you need an almost locked arm in a ohbh, compared to the bend elbow in the forehand.. i'm very interrested in this subject, because when i do my forehand, i'm in heaven, my backhand, got nice strokes, but I can feel the tension.

So,Bill, others? A loose ohbh? :)

The onehander is different than the forehand. I never like the term "locked" because it sounds so rigid. But I will say the arm straightens from it being flexed into the position just before contact or some players just maintain the straightened position longer.

I would not keep a loose wrist on the onehanded backhand because your wrist is in a weak position to begin with. Your timing will be severely hampered as well especially on a stroke that usually has timing issues to begin with. It is going to be very hard for the brain to keep track of a "wondering" racquet head and the ball.

Since I now am going to the onehander (UGGGGGGG!), my wrist position is not super tight but it isn't loose either. I maintain a bend in the wrist forming an L which allows me to add support in this weak link much better.

One key to the onehander and hitting more consistently is controlling the wrist.

For example, someone hits a big serve to you , and you barely have time to think. If you do not practice maintaining a "fixed" wrist position you will:

1. Panic: roll the wrist up or down and send the ball long or in the net. Usually you spray somewhere.

2. Or: You will not get into the right grip quick enough and add strength to the wrist position and your racquet gets knocked back to where your girlfriend sits in the stands.

I have been studying Rodger Federers wrist action on the backhand and based on his level of skill, he maintains a pretty consistent wrist position on the backhand. Tommy Haas tends to hit with a straighter wrist, Blake with a natural bend in the wrist, Henin with a pulled up bend in the wrist.

All I am saying is you can do whatever you want. but if you want a consistent onehander, keep the wrist fixed in whatever position you choose and ENGRAIN the sucker. Don't go moving it around and doing all kinds of weird things or you will improve slowly. Save the experiementation for the practice session you have before you play in the US Open. If that day doesn't come - be satisfied with just becoming an expert in the fundamentals.

[Mattle]

The onehander is different than the forehand. I never like the term "locked" because it sounds so rigid. But I will say the arm straightens from it being flexed into the position just before contact or some players just maintain the straightened position longer.

I would not keep a loose wrist on the onehanded backhand because your wrist is in a weak position to begin with. Your timing will be severely hampered as well especially on a stroke that usually has timing issues to begin with. It is going to be very hard for the brain to keep track of a "wondering" racquet head and the ball.

Since I now am going to the onehander (UGGGGGGG!), my wrist position is not super tight but it isn't loose either. I maintain a bend in the wrist forming an L which allows me to add support in this weak link much better.

One key to the onehander and hitting more consistently is controlling the wrist.

For example, someone hits a big serve to you , and you barely have time to think. If you do not practice maintaining a "fixed" wrist position you will:

1. Panic: roll the wrist up or down and send the ball long or in the net. Usually you spray somewhere.

2. Or: You will not get into the right grip quick enough and add strength to the wrist position and your racquet gets knocked back to where your girlfriend sits in the stands.

I have been studying Rodger Federers wrist action on the backhand and based on his level of skill, he maintains a pretty consistent wrist position on the backhand. Tommy Haas tends to hit with a straighter wrist, Blake with a natural bend in the wrist, Henin with a pulled up bend in the wrist.

All I am saying is you can do whatever you want. but if you want a consistent onehander, keep the wrist fixed in whatever position you choose and ENGRAIN the sucker. Don't go moving it around and doing all kinds of weird things or you will improve slowly. Save the experiementation for the practice session you have before you play in the US Open. If that day doesn't come - be satisfied with just becoming an expert in the fundamentals.

Good words, you're right... thanks!