one-handed backhand questions

[raiden031]

I have some questions about one-handed backhands since I'm trying to improve mine.

First question, I noticed some pro players' take back almost looks like they are going to slice it but then they end up hitting a topspin backhand. So the face of the racquet that eventually hits the ball is still sorta facing the net during the takeback. Other players (myself included), have a take back where the face that hits the ball is facing more the back fence during the take back. Is this due to the grip (ie. continental vs. eastern backhand) or is there more to this? I hit with an eastern backhand grip.

Second, I notice that pro players often get their dominant arm almost completely straight as early as the takeback. I notice that my dominant arm is bent and straightens as I am swinging forward just prior to contact. Is this too late or bad? I notice that I often hit my backhands late, and I am suspecting maybe this is why.

 

[YonexDude]

You're right, the look of the takeback has almost everything to do with grip. some pro players also have that type of takeback to disguise the shot so the other player can't tell immediately whether it's going to be slice or topspin. It's probably more of a strategic move than a functional one.

Some pro players have bent arm takebacks and some pro players have straight arm takebacks. federer bends his hittin arm on the takeback, and gaudio keeps his arm almost completely straights. blake bends his arm only a tiny bit. This is pretty much preference. the key is that all of their followthroughs are the same, with both arms unfolding simultaneously and the hitting arm extending into the ball.

You should begin straightening your hitting your arm in order to snap the racquet out of your other hand, and extend it into the ball. you're probably hitting late because you're taking the racquet back too late, not because you're bending your hitting arm. i have the same problem. think "over the net, ready yet?" and try to prepare for the shot as early as possible. remember, there's nothing wrong with holding your racquet back for an extra second to wait for the ball to come to you. if anying, you should never be hurrying a 1hbh topspin shot.

 

[fuzz nation]

My evolving 1hbh works better when I start with a bent arm and straighten it as I swing through the ball, even if I'm on time with my swing. I get a better release through the hitting zone and I also like to take a nice full follow-thru so that the stroke doesn't "stall" at the contact point. Honestly, I'm a little mystified by the players who hit the one-hander with their dominant arm straight out the whole time.

 

[NickOlsen]

its to do with movement and preparation. its easier (and more disguised) to have the head of the racquet pointing up as you run, rather than run, then do the full preparation just before you hit the ball.