18 x 20 racquets and 1HBH advice.

[pico]

Hi guys. Recently I have been struggling with the one hand backhand with my 18 x 20 racquets. I play either a Gravity Pro or Phantom 93P. I find that I am either just hitting the net cord or getting my balls long. I find that I struggle with directional control as well. Yesterday, I switched to the RF97 and my one-handers were fine. That topspin was there and directional control. I can just keep playing with my RF97 but I do want to make my one-hander work with my 18x20 racquets. Sorry, I am not able to post a video on here of my one-hander. Have any of you experienced this - what helped? are there other factors besides adjustment of technique that help e.g. usage of lead at 3 and 9? Thanks.

 

[Keendog]

Try lead at 3 and 9. Most obvious thing between those racquets assuming there isn't a glaring technical deficiency is probably stability and OHBH is sensitive as there is not a lot behind the racquet and only one hand holding it stable.

 

[USPTARF97]

18x20 has a lower launch angle so the ball comes off the string bed more linear. Relax your grip a bit and hit the bottom of the ball by dropping the racquet head as you accelerate through the swing. The lead at 3 and 9 mentioned above helps with this process. If you want to see the best there is a one handed backhand tutorial with Wawrinka, Haas, Federer and you will see how they drop the racquet head below the ball and brush up the back of the ball. Notice how Haas and Federer especially have the racquet face slightly open on the backswing. Cheers.

 

[Shroud]

Hi guys. Recently I have been struggling with the one hand backhand with my 18 x 20 racquets. I play either a Gravity Pro or Phantom 93P. I find that I am either just hitting the net cord or getting my balls long. I find that I struggle with directional control as well. Yesterday, I switched to the RF97 and my one-handers were fine. That topspin was there and directional control. I can just keep playing with my RF97 but I do want to make my one-hander work with my 18x20 racquets. Sorry, I am not able to post a video on here of my one-hander. Have any of you experienced this - what helped? are there other factors besides adjustment of technique that help e.g. usage of lead at 3 and 9? Thanks.

If you like the 18x20 racquets, try lowering the crosses a bit say 5 lbs. That will adjust the launch angle a bit. Also it could be something else. Directional control should be better with the 18x20 racquets. Its hard to narrow things down to the string pattern, because some 18x20s are more open than some 16x19 and it could just be the balance and weight of the RF97. Have you tried to match the RF97 with the other racquets in terms of weight and balance?

 

[pico]

If you like the 18x20 racquets, try lowering the crosses a bit say 5 lbs. That will adjust the launch angle a bit. Also it could be something else. Directional control should be better with the 18x20 racquets. Its hard to narrow things down to the string pattern, because some 18x20s are more open than some 16x19 and it could just be the balance and weight of the RF97. Have you tried to match the RF97 with the other racquets in terms of weight and balance?

I took off the leather grip on my rf97 and got it down to 350g. My 18 x 20 racquets are about the same weight. My RF97 might still be more head light.

 

[pico]

I also play with 18g strings. I string mains and crosses at 55lbs in my Gravity Pro right now and at 53lbs in my 93P. I will try lowering 5lbs on crosses nxt time I string. Right now I did add lead at 3 and 9.

 

[Shroud]

I took off the leather grip on my rf97 and got it down to 350g. My 18 x 20 racquets are about the same weight. My RF97 might still be more head light.

Cool. That could make a big difference. Its best to match thinks like weight and balance if possible when comparing racquets. IME alot of comparisons have more to do with a certain weight and balance preference than anything else. Said another way, it might be the HL balance of the RF97 that you prefer on the bh (which makes sense) vs the string pattern.

 

[Shroud]

I also play with 18g strings. I string mains and crosses at 55lbs in my Gravity Pro right now and at 53lbs in my 93P. I will try lowering 5lbs on crosses nxt time I string. Right now I did add lead at 3 and 9.

Lots of variables make it tough to get accurate conclusions. Try to limit to just one if possible.

 

[pico]

Cool. That could make a big difference. Its best to match thinks like weight and balance if possible when comparing racquets. IME alot of comparisons have more to do with a certain weight and balance preference than anything else. Said another way, it might be the HL balance of the RF97 that you prefer on the bh (which makes sense) vs the string pattern.

With the switch of grips on my rf97, i feel that the balance is similar to my Gravity Pro. Whats the easiest way to determine balance?

 

[Kevo]

If you can do it, I'd try taking some video from the backhand side of the court while you hit about 20 balls with each frame. Have someone feed or setup a ball machine. Then when you hit a good example of the type of shot you want/don't want, just make some sort of signal to the camera so you can tell which ones are good or bad. Then you can analyze the video and see if you notice any stroke changes between frames.

If you don't have a way to take video maybe you can get a friend to watch and offer a first hand opinion.

Personally I would encourage you to try and adjust to each particular frame. In a match you might have to make all sorts of adjustments to successfully return different shots and you really don't want a particular shot to be dependent on whether or not you have the right frame for that shot. You really need to be able to make adjustments when needed.

I've hit with all sorts of frames from super light to old and really heavy. The only frame that has ever posed any appreciable difficulty on ground strokes is the old school 65" wood frame. It's very challenging to hit a topspin 1HBH with that small thick beamed frame. You can do it, but just not on every type of incoming ball. With any other frame it's usually not that difficult to make adjustments.

 

[phl92]

try the new blade 98 18x20. very short handle grip

 

[Shroud]

With the switch of grips on my rf97, i feel that the balance is similar to my Gravity Pro. Whats the easiest way to determine balance?

Tw sells a fancy board:

Dunlop ACC Balance Board | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

but you can google or search hear for a diy option. Its also easy to get a square table and slowly move the racquet till it starts to fall off and record that distance.

EDIT: I know in this case the word is "here" but I typed "hear". Please please please TW boffins overlook this

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

I change rackets often because it's a sick habit and I have a 1 hander, right now I play with a Vcore Pro 97 330 and a Vcore Pro HD, either one doesn' t have much effect on my backhand. This is just an example, I would focus more on what you are doing with your body than sampling rackets to fix problems, there shouldn't be a change in your results based on string pattern that isn't instantly changeable by making small adjustments. If the change is larger than small adjustments, you're somehow changing your technique or trying to hit a moving target, ie your technique is changing as often as your racket setup.

 

[Injured Again]

Hi guys. Recently I have been struggling with the one hand backhand with my 18 x 20 racquets. I play either a Gravity Pro or Phantom 93P. I find that I am either just hitting the net cord or getting my balls long. I find that I struggle with directional control as well. Yesterday, I switched to the RF97 and my one-handers were fine. That topspin was there and directional control. I can just keep playing with my RF97 but I do want to make my one-hander work with my 18x20 racquets. Sorry, I am not able to post a video on here of my one-hander. Have any of you experienced this - what helped? are there other factors besides adjustment of technique that help e.g. usage of lead at 3 and 9? Thanks.

Launch angle of an 18X20 is going to be lower, which is why you may be hitting the tape. Also, 18X20 racquets don't generate quite as much spin as a 16X19 so balls may also go long as well. What you should get back is better directional control and a more linear response between your softer and harder swings so your shot speed accuracy and where your shot ultimate lands should both be better. If you're struggling with that, I'd first look at how you are swinging the RF97 differently than your Gravity Pro or Phantom, and that can best be done by having a pro look at you or posting some video.

When I switch between racquets of different string density, I have the most problem with underspin shots. It's the lower launch angle working in reverse, so that my underspin shots float high and don't have as much speed coming off the stringbed. My flatter and moderate topspin shots are affected but to a much lesser degree.

I don't think adding lead should be where you go first. There's got to be some obvious difference in your swing between the racquets that needs to be corrected before you do anything else.

 

[Wheelz]

I play with two hand bh and 18x20. Also have a 16x19. It's easier for me the BH with the 16x19. I guess I have a flatter stroke(not enough agressive grip as well) on the BH because I have no problems at all with top spin on the forehand. Same problem, I guess like mentioned, you should adjust your technique or accuente the top spin if you want to make it work.

 

[ONgame]

on day/off day
different racquet and not used to timing
etc.

 

[Booger]

RF97 is a rocket launcher that lets you get away with less prep and a short backswing (by design). Most 18x20's are more control oriented and require a technique adjustment.

 

[pastashop42]

Although Gravity is 18x20, it’s launch angle in my experience is noticeably higher than DG97/330, which is a 16x20. The GP was strung with Hawk Touch at 48, the DG97 was with NatGut at 50.

FWIW, I really enjoyed the GP and there’s a chance I’ll switch.

Good luck finding your Holy Grail!

 

[anirut]

You know the rubber band piece that's on top of the grip? Move that down to about 1"- 1.5" from the top of the grip. Adjust around a little bit and things will work out for your OHBH on a 18x20.

 

[stephenclown]

I just string the 18x20 lower to compensate and enhance pocketing with a low power string like YPTP 1.25. My favourite combo in the 93P between 35 and 40lbs

 

[pico]

You know the rubber band piece that's on top of the grip? Move that down to about 1"- 1.5" from the top of the grip. Adjust around a little bit and things will work out for your OHBH on a 18x20.

I'm assuming that is to make the racquet more headlight?

 

[anirut]

I'm assuming that is to make the racquet more headlight?

A tad, yes, but negligible.

However, that spot is what I call the "magic spot". It's like you're changing the mass distribution and will make your swing more fluid.

I'm an OHBH player and I just love 18x20. You can see that in my picture -- Redondo 93.

 

[pico]

Just checked

A tad, yes, but negligible.

However, that spot is what I call the "magic spot". It's like you're changing the mass distribution and will make your swing more fluid.

I'm an OHBH player and I just love 18x20. You can see that in my picture -- Redondo 93.

Just checked my racquet - I don't have that rubber thing

 

[anirut]

Just checked


Just checked my racquet - I don't have that rubber thing

LOL .... beg, borrow, or steal!

It's about 2 grams. You can use anything with that weight to try it out.

 

[phanamous]

Between the GPro & RF97, which one feels more headlight to you? As in easier to swing. QC between Head and Wilson are rather notorious so it can go either way.
I found the GPro more head heavy and challenging to get RHS going compared to the RF97. Lower RHS means less spin for me.
More plow and less spin (lower RHS) with the GPro will result in the ball either into the net or long.

 

[Sweets3450]

It's most likely a technique issue, can you post a video? If you're convinced it's the racket, try a more open string pattern. The Prince 93P comes in two patterns so try each and see how they feel. I struggled with the denser patterns when I was younger running into the same issues as you. If you're holding the racket eastern on both sides, a more open string bed may be the answer if you tend to be a flat hitter. There's a bit of misinformation in the conversation above, I suggest following FuzzyYellowBall's advice. Technique first, equipment last.

 

[pico]

I tried my TF40 today which is an 18 x 20 pattern. I did a lot better with it on my backhands. It is a slightly smaller headsize than the Gravity Pro. It is also lighter by 7g.

 

[itsstephenyo]

I feel like you're putting too much stock into the specs of the racquet instead of just hitting the ball with good technique. Switching racquets doesn't make a solid 1hbh go from great to terrible.

 

[USPTARF97]

Go back and forth a good bit with the RF97 and the 6.1 95 18x20. The only adjustment made with the 18x20 is to get under the ball a bit more on the ground strokes until finding my range and then don’t have to think about it anymore.
Serve, volleys and slice backhand are laser like.