how to get better depth on a one handed backhand?

ark_28

Legend
Hey guys

So here is my problem been playing this guy a lot and we are of a smiliar ability with a different style, he likes to soak up pressure then attack with a short ball, I love to be on the front foot attacking with a big forehand and come into net when I can.
He is a right hander with a two handed backhand
I am a left hander with a one hander.

Anyway in the past my weakness was consistency on the one hander but I have really worked on that and checked my grip and I am happy with it and my backhand drive is a solid shot now.

However the problem I am having is I am struggling to hit through the court or keep a great length with this shot, and I eventually drop short which presents him with a short ball.
Of course I try and run around and get to my forehand as much as I can but now he has seen this tendancy to drop short when i play my backhand he targets it.
What can I do to change up this pattern of play? and any tips for me to get some better depth on the one handed backhand?
 

Bobby Jr

G.O.A.T.
In addition to what Larry10s said I honestly have had great success practising backhands against a wall moreso than other shots. Hitting well against a wall gets you in a rhythm and you can work on the stroke low-to-high over and over until it's 2nd nature (I'm a 1HBH leftie also).

The objective is to develop a stroke that will keep true under pressure or fatigue and, in my opinion, hitting against the wall is a magic practice avenue for this and one which far too many players think is beneath them or too boring to bother.

If it is a matchplay issue maybe you can unsettle your opponent's rhythm by slicing it deep more often instead of trying to hit over the ball all the time.
 

fuzz nation

G.O.A.T.
If it's not happening with your stroke now, you could experiment with more of a full follow through. Watch a little video with the Fed man hitting some strokes for a great example.

On the front end of your stroke, make sure that you're showing the back of your shoulder to the ball before you swing through it. That will ensure that you're making enough of a windup happen before the forward swing. When I neglect that aspect of my stroke, my one-hander has much less life to it.
 

larry10s

Hall of Fame
In addition to what Larry10s said I honestly have had great success practising backhands against a wall moreso than other shots. Hitting well against a wall gets you in a rhythm and you can work on the stroke low-to-high over and over until it's 2nd nature (I'm a 1HBH leftie also).

The objective is to develop a stroke that will keep true under pressure or fatigue and, in my opinion, hitting against the wall is a magic practice avenue for this and one which far too many players think is beneath them or too boring to bother.

If it is a matchplay issue maybe you can unsettle your opponent's rhythm by slicing it deep more often instead of trying to hit over the ball all the time.

i agree with you hitting against the wall is terrific for grooving strokes.
it just does not give you the feed back on where the ball lands.
you have to learn how to get the ball deep and how to hit a cross court short angle dipper for example . both shots will have subtle difference that you can only learn by trying to hit a target getting feedback on your success or failure and then learning to reproduce the swing pattern for that desired result.
 

split-step

Professional
Got to agree with aiming higher over the net, but with spin. This will allow you to hit aggressive driving topspin backhands that will push your opponent back.

You want to hit it with spin as if you are sending the ball way past the baseline. Don't worry, it will go in (if you time it properly).

Also, keep the short backhand for angles. These can often be more effective than deep shots.
 
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In D Zone

Hall of Fame
- Relax as you turn and prep for the 1hbh shot. Yes, even when you are pressed on the run getting to the ball. This is one important factor allowing to stay loose so you can whip thru the ball with you shot and have a complete follow thru.
- Bend those knees - gives you a solid base so can hit the ball up front.
- Spread out that non dominant hand, to help you keep balance. The hitting arm is swinging outward, you need to keep your core balance with a good counter weight.
 

Mr_Shiver

Semi-Pro
In D Zone is dead on with the knee bend. The power source here is linear, drive with your legs. Make sure your core is strong and stable too, this will give you leverage to whip through the stroke. Look at pics of pro strokes at contact, their core and upper body is always straight. No hunching or slouching.
 

LeeD

Bionic Poster
YOU, on the backhand, need to hit DTL more than half the time, to his backhand.
When YOU, on either side, chooses to go to his forehand, which is his main approach side, you have to go for more depth and/or pace.
If he likes to approach on his backhand side, it's usually going DTL, so lob DTL in reply.
If he likes to approach on his forehand side, your one great option, if you cannot pass or dip low to him, is to go DEEP CC topspin lobs.
Allow his his approach, then beat him with a better shot.
Always, once every 9 or so, CC short angle hard and skidding.
Never hit the same backhand shot, to the same spot, unless he can't handle it.
 

GetBetterer

Hall of Fame
Another tip is to use your non-hitting hand hold your racket back as if it's attempting to launch, but being held back so that the racket begins by swinging fast from the start. With your body rotation in addition to that, it gives amazing depth.
 

thebuffman

Professional
and dont be afraid to drop the racquet head below the ball more. this is how i get great depth and spin on my 1hbh. i get that racquet head coming a nice depth below the ball. the spin you produce will pull that ball back down into the court guaranteed. if it flies long a lot, then tighten your strings some.
 

LeeD

Bionic Poster
And as I mentioned on another thread......
You aim for depth by height over the net, NOT distance you feel you have hit. Watch where the ball lands when you go higher over the net, watch how short it lands when you barely clear the net. BE AWARE OF NET HEIGHT to gauge your shot depth.
I assume you watch your own exiting shot.
 

ark_28

Legend
Thanks for the great tips guys! :)
We plat our first match tonight since I wrote this and will let you know how it goes, have praticsed a few times, and certainly I have found getting more clearance over the net is generally getting me better depth.
Also I sm remembering to bend that left knee as I I lean into the shot and get my body weight and momentum,forward, this I feel has been helping me too, as I don't think I had enough of a bend in that left knee till now!
Once again thanks to everyone for their helpful comments! :)
 
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