Topspin one-handed backhand?

[CyberShot]

To me, the concept of hitting a one-handed topspin seems difficult to grasp, because it seems like such an odd, very-hard-to-develop shot. Does Federer usually hit with a lot of topspin (as much as on his forehand) on his backhand? Does he ever hit his backhand flat?

I don't have much trouble hitting powerful, flat one-handed backhands that go in. To me, the trouble comes when I change my grip to eastern and try to hit from low to high and impart topspin, just as I do on my forehand. Is this simply a case where practice makes perfect? If so, can anyone recommend any drills or exercises to help me accurately and powerfully hit a one-handed backhand WITH quite a bit of topspin? I would like to learn this so if i'm forced to rush the net, when I'm sufficiently close enough to the net where I have to hit topspin on my backhand, I can clear the net and make the ball land deep and kick up, making it hard for my opponent to return.

Thanks

 

[Rickson]

Federer has a very good topspin backhand and it's not inconceivable nor is it a difficult shot to master. Gasquet and Gaudio both hit more topspin backhands than slices so obviously the shot is not uncommon among great one handers. Just hit from low to high and you'll get the hang of it.

 

[Dupree]

Federer has a very good topspin backhand and it's not inconceivable nor is it a difficult shot to master. Gasquet and Gaudio both hit more topspin backhands than slices so obviously the shot is not uncommon among great one handers. Just hit from low to high and you'll get the hang of it.

Hey, can you also like use your wrist to brush the racket upwards more? oh and does hitting with a semi-western grip with the backhand (don't know what that grip is called for the bh,so I'll use that) create more topspin?

 

[Rickson]

Hey, can you also like use your wrist to brush the racket upwards more? oh and does hitting with a semi-western grip with the backhand (don't know what that grip is called for the bh,so I'll use that) create more topspin?

Henin uses the sw bh grip and she hits the ball with a good deal of topspin although they're line drives. That spin is coming from her grip because it's certainly not the trajectory of the ball.

 

[Dupree]

Henin uses the sw bh grip and she hits the ball with a good deal of topspin although they're line drives. That spin is coming from her grip because it's certainly not the trajectory of the ball.

I actually thought she used like a continental grip for her backhand si I was like "wow how does she hit those shots with that grip!" so just now I just discovered that I actually feel better or more comfortable using a semi-w. for the backhand,because I used an eastern too I think

 

[Rickson]

I actually thought she used like a continental grip for her backhand si I was like "wow how does she hit those shots with that grip!" so just now I just discovered that I actually feel better or more comfortable using a semi-w. for the backhand,because I used an eastern too I think

She uses a hammer grip on her slices, but her grip for her bh drives is definitely closer to western backhand than continental.

 

[CyberShot]

Getting back to the subject on hand, I use a continental grip for my backhand. Is it possible to generate enough topspin to clear the net when you're near the service box with this grip?

Thanks

 

[Pro Staff Pete]

Keep brushing!

 

[2nd_Serve]

GO watch Federer play. Look at how he swings, and how he moves the racket. THen, you just choose what grip you want. You could go with the extreme backhand grip, or just a normal eastern backhand.

 

[el sergento]

To me, the concept of hitting a one-handed topspin seems difficult to grasp, because it seems like such an odd, very-hard-to-develop shot. Does Federer usually hit with a lot of topspin (as much as on his forehand) on his backhand? Does he ever hit his backhand flat?

I don't have much trouble hitting powerful, flat one-handed backhands that go in. To me, the trouble comes when I change my grip to eastern and try to hit from low to high and impart topspin, just as I do on my forehand. Is this simply a case where practice makes perfect? If so, can anyone recommend any drills or exercises to help me accurately and powerfully hit a one-handed backhand WITH quite a bit of topspin? I would like to learn this so if i'm forced to rush the net, when I'm sufficiently close enough to the net where I have to hit topspin on my backhand, I can clear the net and make the ball land deep and kick up, making it hard for my opponent to return.

Thanks

Low to high isn't necessarily the key. You actually want to prepare for the shot by taking the racquet up high first behind your back with the racquet head at around the height of your left ear. Once in position you swing through and make contact well in front of the body. If you only go low to high, starting the stroke at or around the height of your knees you'll find it difficult to generate the racquet head speed necessary to producing the top spin you're looking for.

 

[paulorenzo]

with what you said on wanting to develop topspin on your one-handed while approaching the net.
bear in mind that the closer you are at net, the more finese you'd want to have with that one hander. i wouldnt recommend it on baseline, but use more wrist when approaching for topspin. or better yet, an nice, low-sitting bh slice.

but for topspin, imo incorporate a more low to high motion on your forwardswing and follow through. **** your wrist back, your elbow will naturally straighten up at contact. you would really see the difference once you gradually up the speed. That ball will dip in last second

Also, try NOTto rely on your torso rotating to add racquet head speed, like you would have it on the forehand. this may cause you to miss-time your contact.
it's all in the shoulder turn baby.haha.

 

[h7hugo]

I change to 1HBH, from the 2HBH because it is easier to play S&V with the 1HBH...As I play every time on clay I have to get topspin from my BH, and I think that's more difficult to get spin with 2HBH.....

keep the head staight when you see the ball, and then brush the ball and end the follow thourgh above your shoulder...

 

[Dupree]

with what you said on wanting to develop topspin on your one-handed while approaching the net.
bear in mind that the closer you are at net, the more finese you'd want to have with that one hander. i wouldnt recommend it on baseline, but use more wrist when approaching for topspin. or better yet, an nice, low-sitting bh slice.

but for topspin, imo incorporate a more low to high motion on your forwardswing and follow through. **** your wrist back, your elbow will naturally straighten up at contact. you would really see the difference once you gradually up the speed. That ball will dip in last second

Also, try NOTto rely on your torso rotating to add racquet head speed, like you would have it on the forehand. this may cause you to miss-time your contact.
it's all in the shoulder turn baby.haha.

Some coach told me some months ago that for the backhand you have to like,when you make your forward swing,open up your arms like simultaneosly,like when two doors open at the same time he said,not just use your arm then he told me,I don't really know how to explain that,but Federer does that,and sometimes I feel like I only use my arm on the backhand

 

[el sergento]

Some coach told me some months ago that for the backhand you have to like,when you make your forward swing,open up your arms like simultaneosly,like when two doors open at the same time he said,not just use your arm then he told me,I don't really know how to explain that,but Federer does that,and sometimes I feel like I only use my arm on the backhand

Arming the ball is very common for beginners learning the 1hbh. Everyone does this while they are learning the shot because it seems like the logical thing to do; to just swing with the arm and muscle the ball into the court starting the swing at the hips. However, arming the ball is not only incorrect technique, it's also a major cause of tennis elbow since, mechanically speaking, the elbow absorbs all the shock when one is purely swinging with the arm.

Before the arm even comes into play, the shot requires a combination of feet positioning, knee bend, hip rotation, shoulder and torso rotation. The arm then completes the equation. The wrist is also a key element as you want to keep it locked during contact.

The key to the shot is to produce a a U shaped swing path (which cannot be achieved by arming the shot). That is: up, down, up, to maximize power and spin. Hitting in a straight line, as is the case when you arm the ball, does not allow for the same amount of power or racquet head speed.

 

[autumn_leaf]

i tend to do more slices with my 1hb now. i used to be able to put a lot of topspin on the shot, the key was really bending your knees for me. i had to get under the ball and really swipe up at it (duh, like all topspin shots x_X ).

 

[harr]

Some coach told me some months ago that for the backhand you have to like,when you make your forward swing,open up your arms like simultaneosly,like when two doors open at the same time he said,not just use your arm then he told me,I don't really know how to explain that,but Federer does that,and sometimes I feel like I only use my arm on the backhand

This link gives a pretty good explanation.

 

[orangettecoleman]

it's pretty easy to hit when you understand the concept and try it a few times. at least it was for me. i just don't practice it enough because i hit mostly slice so it's kind of inconsistent. still better and with more spin than my 2hbh though, which is always totally flat and goes long. anyway the important thing is to keep a closed stance, open your arms up, and keep your hitting arm straight and wrist firm. remember to hit low to high and not across the ball, you want topspin not sidespin.

 

[Djokovicfan4life]

Getting back to the subject on hand, I use a continental grip for my backhand. Is it possible to generate enough topspin to clear the net when you're near the service box with this grip?

Thanks

Give the eastern grip a try. The continental grip will probably limit your spin potential quite a bit and may hurt your wrist in the long run.

 

[ZandyMan]

I'd say there are 3 important aspects of hitting a solid top-spin 1hbh:

1. "Brush up the ball." Visualize "brushing" the ball from 6-12 (like on a clock);

2. Always keep your weight forward. Never lean back;

3. Racket head speed. Commit to the shot.

 

[Dupree]

This link gives a pretty good explanation.

Yep,this is the exact thing I was talking about,but I didn't know how to explain it. But I feel more like I will lose control over the shot if I conciously do this or spread out my arms like that then,I have a good backhand,but I don't muscle it,I think I kind of spread my off arm out more discretely like Rosewall but more,because that guy didn't even move his off arm.

So in closing I feel like I lose control of the ball if I do this spreading out thing,control of my racket that is and thus hit the ball wrong,but I'd have to tape myself to prove this.

 

[bluestreak711]

Low to high isn't necessarily the key. You actually want to prepare for the shot by taking the racquet up high first behind your back with the racquet head at around the height of your left ear. Once in position you swing through and make contact well in front of the body. If you only go low to high, starting the stroke at or around the height of your knees you'll find it difficult to generate the racquet head speed necessary to producing the top spin you're looking for.

cybershot mimic exactly what Fedderer does except dont start your racquet up like he does since your still trying to learn it but instread start at the position like in the third picture and then go through like Fed does it after a while starting up like Fed does it should come natural

but for right now just simplify the stroke

 

[kuhdlie]

what muscles are used to generate a fast powerful backhand? any gym exercises to do to strengthen those muscles?

 

[Dupree]

Can you still hit a very hard backhand with the semi-western grip then? One-handed of course

 

[Djokovicfan4life]

Can you still hit a very hard backhand with the semi-western grip then? One-handed of course

Gasquet hits it pretty hard, so my guess would be yes.

But for most players the eastern grip is easier to learn. Give both of them a try and see which one you prefer.

 

[Sentinel]

I am being able to put in more pace on my 1h's, often i do get low and brush up from below so i can keep the ball in.

I am trying to go by the pics given below but i land up getting late so i hit outside the court. Thus, keeping it simple.

I find if i can get the ball early before it rises too high i can get a hard hit (usually over low part of net).

 

[el sergento]

I am being able to put in more pace on my 1h's, often i do get low and brush up from below so i can keep the ball in.

I am trying to go by the pics given below but i land up getting late so i hit outside the court. Thus, keeping it simple.

I find if i can get the ball early before it rises too high i can get a hard hit (usually over low part of net).

Good to hear about the progress. Still, footwork is the most important element of the shot. If you're late on the ball it doesn't really matter how you hit it, it'll be a low percentage shot every time.

It sounds like you're still predominantly relying on your arms muscle strength to hit the ball, which is normal since you say you're late on the ball often. If you can improve your footwork some you'll notice that with increased shoulder rotation (which comes from the second step in the Federer pictures) you'll gain much more height on the ball form increased spin and power.

The take back is crucial to getting your shoulders and body turned. Early preparation is essential, as soon as you start moving towards the backhand side immediately take the racquet up holding the throat of the racquet with your non dominant hand. Then keep you head absolutely still through contact holding your knee bend through your swing.

 

[LES]

I use a 1H BH and I think the stroke is pretty good but recently I keep hitting the ball into the net. What should I adjust? Grip?

Also, I find that if I turn my back towards the net on the back stroke it gives me a much bigger swing & follow thru. When I hit it right my BH is as strong as my forehand. Just not as consistent or variety. Meaning I can only hit it in a small zone if the ball bounces from knee to lower chest height. Anything outside that zone I can't return.

 

[Sentinel]

Thanks a lot el sergento.
Today I did 2 things.

One, as you said and as per the pics, I tried introducing more of a swing into the stroke. After some errors, i began to get it. I found that I am able to generate more rack speed with the take back you showed and get more topspin that way too.

The second was that on lower balls (which i tend to hit into the net, or hit way out), I was getting lower and hitting up (brushnig up from below). That helps me clear the net and keep the ball in, while being able to put more pace into the ball.

Strangely enough, with that motion I am able to handle higher balls too.

Thanks a lot for the tips and pic, sergento.

 

[Sentinel]

I use a 1H BH and I think the stroke is pretty good but recently I keep hitting the ball into the net. What should I adjust? Grip?

Les, are these low balls you are netting. I bend my knees and try to get "below the ball". That really helps. Just see my prev post.

 

[Dupree]

Hey, I don't really know much about 2 handed backhands, but I've read in many places that high balls to the 1 handed backhand are a bad thing, and they say it like as if it would be better then to have a 2hbh; I don't get this, does this mean a 2hbh is better for high balls? I've always understood and I know that 1 handeds have more reach than 2 of course, so why do they say this?

 

[mercuryguy]

what muscles are used to generate a fast powerful backhand? any gym exercises to do to strengthen those muscles?

Even I would like to know what muscles are predominately used to generate a good One handed BH, any gym exercises to strengthen those muscles.
Thanks!

 

[drakulie]

^^Shoulder, firm wrist, and also legs. You have to be able to 'sitdown", by bending with the legs (not at the waist), and then drive forward. Look at the photo of Fed posted by el sergento.

Here is a clip hitting the one handed bh with lots of topspin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYN8oGBlfPA