Single-Handed Backhand - The Racquet takeback

[ihaveaquestion]

I am in the processing of reconstructing my single-handed backhand and have watched all Youtube videos I can find for instruction. One thing that strikes me odd, and i am not sure which way to follow, is during the racquet takeback phase, all modern players (Fed, Wawrinka, Haas) started with the racquet standing up (head level), then drop down to the side of the body, before swinging forward. Whereas, Lendl, Boris, and Edberg all have the pendulum takeback, meaning the racquet was never at the height of the head level, before swinging forward.

So which takeback do you recommend? My problem is that I have a hard time keeping the racquet facing sideway during takeback. My tendency is to lead the racquet facing the back fence even before the racquet drop. Am I turning the shoulder too much?

 

[boramiNYC]

high or low take backs can both work even tho there are differences. but a consistent and correct contact point is crucial for 1hbh and over turning shoulder during take back can pull the contact point too far back or to the side instead of more front toward the target. high take back is more suitable for high bouncing modern game. try to maintain good look at the ball the whole time with both eyes. this could help prevent over turning the shoulder. and use more legs and hip to generate power instead too much shoulder.

 

[mikeler]

I like the more modern approach. It gives you a nice non-stop loop through the shot. I just don't get the same rhythm by taking the racket head back low and then waiting for the ball.

 

[Ramon]

I wouldn't actually characterize a loop (or eliptical) backhand as being modern. Loop backhands were taught by several tennis camps and teaching instructors back in the days of wooden racquets, but it does seem more prevalent today. It really falls under the same argument as the loop vs straight back forehand. The loop gives you added momentum and disguise but requires earlier preparation. I prefer the loop.

 

[Limpinhitter]

I am in the processing of reconstructing my single-handed backhand and have watched all Youtube videos I can find for instruction. One thing that strikes me odd, and i am not sure which way to follow, is during the racquet takeback phase, all modern players (Fed, Wawrinka, Haas) started with the racquet standing up (head level), then drop down to the side of the body, before swinging forward. Whereas, Lendl, Boris, and Edberg all have the pendulum takeback, meaning the racquet was never at the height of the head level, before swinging forward.

So which takeback do you recommend? My problem is that I have a hard time keeping the racquet facing sideway during takeback. My tendency is to lead the racquet facing the back fence even before the racquet drop. Am I turning the shoulder too much?

I think the difference you observe has to do with the weight of the racquets, and the size of the racquet heads, the older vs. younger players were/are using. With a heavier racquet and a smaller racquet head, you need to have a more level swing in order to consistently hit the smaller sweet spot. With a lighter weight racquet and a larger head, it's easier to "wield" the racquet and manipulate it with your wrist creating a steeper upward swing for more topspin and still consistently hit the larger sweet spot. Note that Federer probabaly has the biggest wrist/forearm movement of all, and also has the biggest tendency to shank on his bh side.

 

[sureshs]

Yes it seems to have been driven by technology, as modern techniques are. If the racket is heavy with a small sweetspot, you don't want fancy extra motion but need to focus on solid contact in a short amount of time. With lighter frames and bigger sweetspots, you can do the loop and enjoy the extra opportunities for momentum and spin.

 

[boramiNYC]

I think c0cked wrist take back (not really loopy take back although in forward motion the head makes a small loop) has more to do with the type of balls they need to handle and to generate more spin. it's biomechanically more sound technique than straight take back so it's a good progression. it allows better wrist control but for people who don't use much or any wrist straight take back works fine too. oh and Fed probably possesses the best 1hbh ever in technique wise so I don't understand knocking his 1hbh for his shanks which he doesn't do that much and it's mostly mental when it happens.

 

[BevelDevil]

My theory on the shift to the high take back: Slower courts.

If you played on fast courts, especially grass, you'd want a pendulum takeback to deal with low and skidding balls and bad bounces. In addition, when the opponent is approaching the net and volleying a lot, a quick 1hbh takeback is ideal for passing.

all modern players (Fed, Wawrinka, Haas) started with the racquet standing up (head level), then drop down to the side of the body, before swinging forward.

James Blake has a pendulum take back. (So did Sampras, btw).

Also, look up Dominic Thiem. He's was a talented junior who recently turned pro (he's 18 now, and is 0-1 on the ATP). He uses a pendulum swing along with a continental-ish grip, held in the hammer position (heel pad further back, fingers bunched together). Hopefully, he'll make a dent in the top 50 in a few years.

Whereas, Lendl, Boris, and Edberg all have the pendulum takeback, meaning the racquet was never at the height of the head level, before swinging forward.

The height of the takeback doesn't define a pendulum swing. In fact, Edberg brought his rackethead up very high on the backswing, often above his head.

Check out his first bh in this vid:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoDFcHnWZR0


I think the key difference between the two strokes is the position of the rackethead during the unit turn.

So which takeback do you recommend? My problem is that I have a hard time keeping the racquet facing sideway during takeback. My tendency is to lead the racquet facing the back fence even before the racquet drop. Am I turning the shoulder too much?

I'm not sure what you're describing, but if you use the pendulum, take special care to drop the rackethead into the power position (racket horizontal) before the forward swing. One virtue of a high loop is that it more naturally drops the racket into power position.

In deciding between the two, another thing to take into account is how you like to hold the racket in ready position. If you use a pendulum, you should be comfortable with a low ready position.

I just don't get the same rhythm by taking the racket head back low and then waiting for the ball.

Ideally, there shouldn't be a waiting. You would time the backswing so that it naturally falls into the forward swing with the same rhythm of a pendulum. Of course, you won't always be able to achieve this.