Attention: One-handed backhand

[Grafil Injection]

Although I agree that any stick should be good, and the ideal thing to do is just try lots until you find one that clicks for you, I think the OHBH must be one of the strokes where there is a big difference between spin and flat racket performance. If you are looking for easy depth and loopy spin shots, a light, big racket with open pattern should be superior. And if you are looking for flat and precise shots, a smaller, heavier and denser pattern will generally help. There are in-between options like the Speed and Gravity Pro, which are both big and also heavy or dense string-beds, so you get good depth and reasonable control. But, it's probably best to have an idea of which style of play you find easier and enjoy most first. Here's my recommendation for ultimate precision, but it's not so good for moon-balls:

 

[ShahofTennis]

The last great racquet I used for my 1y(wun•e) was the TFight 320 VO2. My current setups or Pure Storm Ltds and CX200 Tour 18x20s with gut/poly come through very smoothly with good feel, but the 320 VO2 is a rifle. I don't feel the ball with it since the feel is non-existant, but boy does it fly.

 

[johnmccabe]

For all of you who play with a one- hander…. What racquet and string setup do you use?
Thanks, John
I have tried a lot of racquets that got great reviews , but they just didn’t work for my backhand… So I decided to ask all of you

Did an extensive testing on this:
Vcore pro 97 310
Pro staff 97 (not RF)
vcore 95
pure aero vs

 

[gold325]

From Chris @ TW
Great Guy - Great Suggestions.

TW Staff ( Chris):One-Handed backhands

Hi Team, I think you added another one- hander to your staff.. There are so many good rackets out there… Can you suggest a few ( not Pro Staff- too heavy) rackets that are really good for the one-handed backhand… I’ve tried a lot of racquets that got great reviews but just didn’t feel right for...

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

 

[Voxshall]

Here's my recommendation for ultimate precision, but it's not so good for moon-balls:

That's funny I was going to say my favourite racket for OHBH I've ever tried was a Dunlop Max 200G.

 

[socallefty]

From Chris @ TW
Great Guy - Great Suggestions.

TW Staff ( Chris):One-Handed backhands

Hi Team, I think you added another one- hander to your staff.. There are so many good rackets out there… Can you suggest a few ( not Pro Staff- too heavy) rackets that are really good for the one-handed backhand… I’ve tried a lot of racquets that got great reviews but just didn’t feel right for...

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

You can see that the specs are all over the place. It is probably a very personal opinion on what feels good for him, but can it be extended to make the hypothesis that these racquets are very suitable for 1HBHs compared to others? In that thread, the OP specifically asked for the opinion of Chris, but this thread has more of a general question.

 

[Grafil Injection]

That's funny I was going to say my favourite racket for OHBH I've ever tried was a Dunlop Max 200G.

Yes, it probably is the best because you have the precision on the flat / topspin shot, rock-solid half-volleys, and the option to hit a legendary slice. I was just trying to do my best not to mention it on every thread!

 

[Rosstour]

I want to second all the advice for super heavy, super headlight sticks, but my 1HBH was at its best when using the TF40. I really benefited from having more weight in the hoop and a closed pattern, bc my 1HBH is more of a pray-and-spray shot; I whack straight through the ball low-to-high rather than brushing it

 

[mhkeuns]

Within current rackets - Prince Phantom 93P, Head Radical Pro

From the past - Wilson Pro Staff 97S (*2nd Gen)

 

[aaron_h27]

Topspin one handers are better with higher twistweight IMO...and headlight balance always helps for one handed shots as much as you can handle without it being too heavy.

 

[FootFault18]

For all of you who play with a one- hander…. What racquet and string setup do you use?
Thanks, John
I have tried a lot of racquets that got great reviews , but they just didn’t work for my backhand… So I decided to ask all of you

I use to use Head Radical MP (Ti / Liquidmetal / Microgel / Youtek / Youtek IG).
Currently, Head Microgel Radical MP. I'm trying Polystar Energy 1.20, 20kg string tension.
332 gr. racquet weight (Lead tape at 3 and 9, and silicones in handle).
TK82S pallets. Grip size L1, with Tourna Pro Thin (very tight) and Wilson Pro Overgrip.
My hands are so small, and I need a free wrist for my game.

 

[Holic]

Topspin one handers are better with higher twistweight IMO...and headlight balance always helps for one handed shots as much as you can handle without it being too heavy.

The new Pure Aero 300 is ideal for my ohb mainly because of the high twistweight and higher launch angle. Its very difficult to go from low to high with the legs under pressure and high twistweight racquets with higher launch angle help alot!

 

[topspn]

For me as a general observation, the frames I like on my 1hbh aren’t super light on SW and have thinner beams. The more of a thicker beam power frames with lower SW don’t seem to work for me on that side.

 

[Jonack]

For me as a general observation, the frames I like on my 1hbh aren’t super light on SW and have thinner beams. The more of a thicker beam power frames with lower SW don’t seem to work for me on that side.

Does a Blade work? Other examples?

 

[topspn]

Does a Blade work? Other examples?

Yes a blade pro, Head radical, a ZUS custom, Angell TCs, Head prestige, PK KI Q+5.

 

[Steve Williams]

Racquet setup I use = Pro Kennex Ki Q+ Tour Pro 98 (315) with Hyper G Soft (1.25) in the mains @ 51 and Ashaway Monogut ZX Pro (1.22) in the crosses @ 53.

Pro Kennex has been my main go-to brand for over 30 years and (fingers crossed) I've never suffered from tennis elbow. I'm now 69.
Click here for quick clip

 

[Jonack]

Racquet setup I use = Pro Kennex Ki Q+ Tour Pro 98 (315) with Hyper G Soft (1.25) in the mains @ 51 and Ashaway Monogut ZX Pro (1.22) in the crosses @ 53.

Pro Kennex has been my main go-to brand for over 30 years and (fingers crossed) I've never suffered from tennis elbow. I'm now 69.
Click here for quick clip

Good to know… might want to try

 

[aaron_h27]

The new Pure Aero 300 is ideal for my ohb mainly because of the high twistweight and higher launch angle. Its very difficult to go from low to high with the legs under pressure and high twistweight racquets with higher launch angle help alot!

Yes high twistweight is good for topspin backhands the problem is that it can come with a loss of maneuverability on the forehand.

Forehand dominant players (spanish clay courters for instance) generally prefer lower twistweight frames and prefer to run around backhands.

Players like me who play on hard courts 99% of the time and don't have the energy or time to run around their backhand will benefit from higher twistweight.

 

[Fairhit]

I like frames with headlight balance of at least 4 points, thin beamed control frames are the best.

 

[Jonack]

I like frames with headlight balance of at least 4 points, thin beamed control frames are the best.

like the Blade 18x20

 

[Fairhit]

like the Blade 18x20

Yup, exactly.

 

[jxs653]

Racquet with boardy feel is good for one-handed backhand.

 

[Boredsurfer]

I have used over 30 racquets or more in my lifetime for my 1hbh - the only ones I shy away from now are Head Heavy Powerful, thick beamed spin racquets - Aero Pro type frames. Too hard to control the ball under pressure. When I have time to set up no probs. If I am hurries they tens to launch. That makes sense as they are designed for windshield wiper strokes

 

[Jonack]

I have used over 30 racquets or more in my lifetime for my 1hbh - the only ones I shy away from now are Head Heavy Powerful, thick beamed spin racquets - Aero Pro type frames. Too hard to control the ball under pressure. When I have time to set up no probs. If I am hurries they tens to launch. That makes sense as they are designed for windshield wiper strokes

That seems to be the trend. What about head size?

 

[Fairhit]

I have used over 30 racquets or more in my lifetime for my 1hbh - the only ones I shy away from now are Head Heavy Powerful, thick beamed spin racquets - Aero Pro type frames. Too hard to control the ball under pressure. When I have time to set up no probs. If I am hurries they tens to launch. That makes sense as they are designed for windshield wiper strokes

I second this, better if it has 18x20 string pattern.

That seems to be the trend. What about head size?

100 square inches and below.

I like 97-98, my best results come from that head size.

 

[PaulC]

DEFINE your OHBH first -- As it determines head size, string pattern, and stiffness needs

Do you slice more than hitting topspin like Graf?

Or, do you drive flat shots more than hitting loopy topspins?

-- both may lead to denser pattern or smaller head size choices)

Who do you mostly hit with?

(Same or lower level than yourself where you don't need any power help from the frame? -- Then you don't need those stiffer, more powerful frames, you just need more control to execute your shots precisely.

Vice Versa, if you keep playing up with 6.0s+ who hits 80+ mph, but you are a 5.0 or below -- Then you need some serious power help more than "feel" and comfort -- to just merely stay in points or keeping up with their pace)

 

[Jonack]

I second this, better if it has 18x20 string pattern.

100 square inches and below.

I like 97-98, my best results come from that head size.

I wonder if anyone here hits with a 95… Apparently, The new VCore 95 is getting a lot of love.

 

[PRS]

I wonder if anyone here hits with a 95… Apparently, The new VCore 95 is getting a lot of love.

Never used the VCore 95, but I used to use the six one 95 and, more recently, the Dunlop CX 200 Tour 18x20 which is also a 95. I still love it, but moved to the VCore Pro 97HD for a little more flex and forgiveness since I'm not playing as seriously or often anymore. If I was still playing with higher level players on a regular basis I'd probably still be using it.

 

[Jonack]

Never used the VCore 95, but I used to use the six one 95 and, more recently, the Dunlop CX 200 Tour 18x20 which is also a 95. I still love it, but moved to the VCore Pro 97HD for a little more flex and forgiveness since I'm not playing as seriously or often anymore. If I was still playing with higher level players on a regular basis I'd probably still be using it.

Would a 4.0 level play thrive with a 95, or is it too demanding?

 

[PRS]

Would a 4.0 level play thrive with a 95, or is it too demanding?

I'd say it depends on your style. If you're a little more old school in your play, there's no reason a 4.0 couldn't work with a 95 and play very solid. I think at that level though, it's going to be difficult to play a more modern, heavy spin baseline game with a 95. Not impossible, but definitely difficult.

 

[Jonack]

I'd say it depends on your style. If you're a little more old school in your play, there's no reason a 4.0 couldn't work with a 95 and play very solid. I think at that level though, it's going to be difficult to play a more modern, heavy spin baseline game with a 95. Not impossible, but definitely difficult.

Thanks, I’m a senior .... very old style…In fact, I’ve been caught up in the sticks that have been really made for the modern day baseline, heavy topspin game… finally realizing that I don’t belong to that club…

 

[Fairhit]

Thanks, I’m a senior .... very old style…In fact, I’ve been caught up in the sticks that have been really made for the modern day baseline, heavy topspin game… finally realizing that I don’t belong to that club…

I think you should go with a 18x20 pattern and 100 square inches head, a 95 is demanding and you need to put a great deal of effort into generating pace, sure, you'll get an awesome feeling when hitting your bh and fh in the sweet spot but depending on your level, you may have some trouble dealing with incoming pace.

 

[Rally]

Yes high twistweight is good for topspin backhands the problem is that it can come with a loss of maneuverability on the forehand.

Forehand dominant players (spanish clay courters for instance) generally prefer lower twistweight frames and prefer to run around backhands.

Players like me who play on hard courts 99% of the time and don't have the energy or time to run around their backhand will benefit from higher twistweight.

Well said. My daily driver is my RF97, and I have a rock solid one hander with it. Slice, topspin, and flat alike, the RF97 lets me hit my best backhands across the board because of that high twist weight. Consequently, my flat forehand suffers a lot due to the sluggishness. I end up having to hit more topspin forehands than I want to because timing the flat forehand is just too difficult on a rally ball for me. The racquet that I stopped using as my daily, though it will always remain in my bag, is my PS90. I don't think I've hit better forehands with any other racquet than the PS90, primarily because it just swings so smoothly and whips so quickly through contact. I can finish high over the shoulder as easily as I can on my side or at my hip, and that variety when I'm moving and reacting well gives my opponents fits. However on the backhand wing I'm very exploitable if I don't catch the ball on the rise because it is very unstable off-center (and even more unfortunately I don't play my best all the time). If only there were a way to magically transform my racquet into a Pro Staff 90 on the forehand wing and into an RF97 on the backhand wing. Unfortunately that holy grail doesn't exist.

 

[PRS]

I think you should go with a 18x20 pattern and 100 square inches head, a 95 is demanding and you need to put a great deal of effort into generating pace, sure, you'll get an awesome feeling when hitting your bh and fh in the sweet spot but depending on your level, you may have some trouble dealing with incoming pace.

@Jonack I agree. The 95 might work fine, but it might be a better idea to look at sometime like a prince Phantom in an 18x20 pattern, maybe a Volkl V8 Pro, or something similar. But definitely give a 95 a try if you're interested in it. If you think a racquet is cool/fun to play with, you'll probably play better with it even if it isn't necessarily ideal for you.

 

[Jonack]

@Jonack I agree. The 95 might work fine, but it might be a better idea to look at sometime like a prince Phantom in an 18x20 pattern, maybe a Volkl V8 Pro, or something similar. But definitely give a 95 a try if you're interested in it. If you think a racquet is cool/fun to play with, you'll probably play better with it even if it isn't necessarily ideal for you.

How does a 16x20 play?

 

[One hander]

READ CAREFULLY!!

You are asking the wrong question. The real question is what grip should you be using. THE ANSWER is "a little more western than whatever you are using"

Not to be immodest but many people have said I have one of the best one handed backhands for an amateur. I CAN HIT IT WELL WITH ANY RACQUET. The good thing about my backhand is the harder I hit it, the more consistent it is because I get more spin, but can also drive it. The biggest mistake I see people make is using a grip that is too Eastern/continental which forces them to really contort the wrist or closing their shoulders to keep it from sailing. Using a slightly more western grip will fix all that. You just need to give it a bit of time

A GREAT TIP I saw on youtube said to hold the racquet by the throat with just your left hand and your shoulders closed as if u were taking your racquet back for a one-handed backhand. Then grip it with your right hand and that is your grip and I am sure that will be more western than how u hold it

 

[PRS]

How does a 16x20 play?

I have never used one personally but I'm sure it's fine and worth trying as well. I'm just a fan of the solid 18x20 personally, and it generally complements an older style of play (even though my play itself isn't too old school).

 

[Jonack]

READ CAREFULLY!!

You are asking the wrong question. The real question is what grip should you be using. THE ANSWER is "a little more western than whatever you are using"

Not to be immodest but many people have said I have one of the best one handed backhands for an amateur. I CAN HIT IT WELL WITH ANY RACQUET. The good thing about my backhand is the harder I hit it, the more consistent it is because I get more spin, but can also drive it. The biggest mistake I see people make is using a grip that is too Eastern/continental which forces them to really contort the wrist or closing their shoulders to keep it from sailing. Using a slightly more western grip will fix all that. You just need to give it a bit of time

A GREAT TIP I saw on youtube said to hold the racquet by the throat with just your left hand and your shoulders closed as if u were taking your racquet back for a one-handed backhand. Then grip it with your right hand and that is your grip and I am sure that will be more western than how u hold it

Do you place your index knuckle on bevel 2? And is your stroke the same?

 

[HitMoreBHs]

READ CAREFULLY!!

You are asking the wrong question. The real question is what grip should you be using. THE ANSWER is "a little more western than whatever you are using"

Not to be immodest but many people have said I have one of the best one handed backhands for an amateur. I CAN HIT IT WELL WITH ANY RACQUET. The good thing about my backhand is the harder I hit it, the more consistent it is because I get more spin, but can also drive it. The biggest mistake I see people make is using a grip that is too Eastern/continental which forces them to really contort the wrist or closing their shoulders to keep it from sailing. Using a slightly more western grip will fix all that. You just need to give it a bit of time

A GREAT TIP I saw on youtube said to hold the racquet by the throat with just your left hand and your shoulders closed as if u were taking your racquet back for a one-handed backhand. Then grip it with your right hand and that is your grip and I am sure that will be more western than how u hold it

Agree greatly with this. Anatomically, it is easier to strike a OHBH with the wrist slightly extended (cupped/dorsi-flexion; position like revving a bike) than with the wrist flexed (bowed/palmar-flexion). This is because the wrist has far greater stability in extension than in flexion.

As such, being a little more "Western" and having to extend the wrist a little, to open the racquet face on lower balls is far preferable. Being a little more "Eastern/Continental" means having to flex the wrist on higher balls to control the racquet face from being too open - not only uncomfortable but increases likelihood of injury.

 

[Rally]

As such, being a little more "Western" and having to extend the wrist a little, to open the racquet face on lower balls is far preferable. Being a little more "Eastern/Continental" means having to flex the wrist on higher balls to control the racquet face from being too open - not only uncomfortable but increases likelihood of injury.

I'm confused. Are you saying that an eastern backhand grip is uncomfortable and increases the likelihood of injury? The eastern backhand grip is the most common one handed backhand grip as far as I know.

 

[optic yellow]

I want to second all the advice for super heavy, super headlight sticks, but my 1HBH was at its best when using the TF40. I really benefited from having more weight in the hoop and a closed pattern, bc my 1HBH is more of a pray-and-spray shot; I whack straight through the ball low-to-high rather than brushing it

This is how the default 1HBH should be hit imo.

 

[optic yellow]

READ CAREFULLY!!

You are asking the wrong question. The real question is what grip should you be using. THE ANSWER is "a little more western than whatever you are using"

Not to be immodest but many people have said I have one of the best one handed backhands for an amateur. I CAN HIT IT WELL WITH ANY RACQUET. The good thing about my backhand is the harder I hit it, the more consistent it is because I get more spin, but can also drive it. The biggest mistake I see people make is using a grip that is too Eastern/continental which forces them to really contort the wrist or closing their shoulders to keep it from sailing. Using a slightly more western grip will fix all that. You just need to give it a bit of time

A GREAT TIP I saw on youtube said to hold the racquet by the throat with just your left hand and your shoulders closed as if u were taking your racquet back for a one-handed backhand. Then grip it with your right hand and that is your grip and I am sure that will be more western than how u hold it

@Shroud this is what you told me too

 

[tele]

I'm confused. Are you saying that an eastern backhand grip is uncomfortable and increases the likelihood of injury? The eastern backhand grip is the most common one handed backhand grip as far as I know.

me too. if someone is hitting a topspin ohbh
with a continental, the advice makes sense. maybe i missed it, but do we know what grip op is using? eastern works just fine for some of the best backhands in the world without any weird contortions.

 

[Fairhit]

I use eastern and it is pretty comfortable, besides, I can hit flat and ts, very versatile.

 

[aaron_h27]

Well said. My daily driver is my RF97, and I have a rock solid one hander with it. Slice, topspin, and flat alike, the RF97 lets me hit my best backhands across the board because of that high twist weight. Consequently, my flat forehand suffers a lot due to the sluggishness. I end up having to hit more topspin forehands than I want to because timing the flat forehand is just too difficult on a rally ball for me. The racquet that I stopped using as my daily, though it will always remain in my bag, is my PS90. I don't think I've hit better forehands with any other racquet than the PS90, primarily because it just swings so smoothly and whips so quickly through contact. I can finish high over the shoulder as easily as I can on my side or at my hip, and that variety when I'm moving and reacting well gives my opponents fits. However on the backhand wing I'm very exploitable if I don't catch the ball on the rise because it is very unstable off-center (and even more unfortunately I don't play my best all the time). If only there were a way to magically transform my racquet into a Pro Staff 90 on the forehand wing and into an RF97 on the backhand wing. Unfortunately that holy grail doesn't exist.

You can try adding a few grams of lead at 3&9 on your pro staff 90. Start with 1g and work your way up until it feels solid on the backhand. Alternatively you could also choose a head size between 90-97 something like 93 or 95 might be your goldilocks.

 

[Rally]

You can try adding a few grams of lead at 3&9 on your pro staff 90. Start with 1g and work your way up until it feels solid on the backhand. Alternatively you could also choose a head size between 90-97 something like 93 or 95 might be your goldilocks.

I already have 6 grams (four 6 inch strips) of lead at 3 and 9 on my PS90, so I'm going to stop there. I've demoed a few racquets in the 90 to 97 sq in range, but they're all missing that sweet Pro Staff feel. Right now my new project is tinkering with a matched pair of highly underspecced (thanks for nothing, Wilson) Pro Staff 85 reissues. They came in at 12 points HL, 287 SW, and 12.0 ounces unstrung. I have 2 grams (two 4 inch strips) at 12, and it still feels quite underspec. My estimate is that the strung SW is roughly 320, and I'm going to add 6 grams at 3 and 9 in the hopes that it closer to my PS90 on the backhand wing without sacrificing much on the forehand wing. If I can dial in to the frame before I get past 340 SW, I'll be happy. Any more than that and it might be too much racquet for me.

 

[jxs653]

I whack straight through the ball low-to-high rather than brushing it

But you're foced to brush when the ball is high. Just it is not brushing from 6 to 12 but like from 8 to 2. (right-handed)

 

[lulo]

Ezone 98

 

[HitMoreBHs]

I'm confused. Are you saying that an eastern backhand grip is uncomfortable and increases the likelihood of injury? The eastern backhand grip is the most common one handed backhand grip as far as I know.

Just agreeing with One Hander that a backhand grip slightly tending towards the Western side is preferable to tending to the Continental side, particularly in the modern game. Mid Eastern BH (index knuckle centred on bevel 1 is entirely fine.

However, my own observation of most recreational players trying and struggling to master a OH topspin BH is that their grip tends to have the index knuckle on the ridge between bevel 1 and 2. If they’re older, it’s a legacy of their younger continental grip days. If they’re younger and coming from a 2-hander, the dominant hand isn’t used to being so far onto bevel 1.

(And just so I don’t stray too far off original topic, I hit my topspin OHBH just fine with any size racquet head. It’s more about technique than the racquet. However, I do find it easier to make subtle adjustments in racquet face angle with smaller heads due to the typically lower twistweight).

 

[Jonack]

Just agreeing with One Hander that a backhand grip slightly tending towards the Western side is preferable to tending to the Continental side, particularly in the modern game. Mid Eastern BH (index knuckle centred on bevel 1) is entirely fine.

However, my own observation of most recreational players trying and struggling to master a OH topspin BH is that their grip tends to have the index knuckle on the ridge between bevel 1 and 2. If they’re older, it’s a legacy of their younger continental grip days. If they’re younger and coming from a 2-hander, the dominant hand isn’t used to being so far onto bevel 1.

(And just so I don’t stray too far off original topic, I hit my topspin OHBH just fine with any size racquet head. It’s more about technique than the racquet. However, I do find it easier to make subtle adjustments in racquet face angle with smaller heads due to the typically lower twistweight).

you are right about how old guys tend to have knuckle on ridge between 1 and 2..