^{5 tips to improve your one-handed backhand}

Many consider the one-handed backhand one of the most beautiful shots in tennis. Unfortunately, it has become increasingly rare in recent years. Currently, there is only one player with a one-handed backhand in the ATP Tour top 10. That is a real shame. In this blog, I share 5 tips to take your one-handed backhand to the next level.

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^{1. Keep the swing as simple as possible}

I switched from a two-handed to a one-handed backhand about four years ago. I did this because the two-handed backhand felt quite unnatural to me, and because the one-handed backhand looks much more elegant and is simply more fun to hit.

To improve my stroke, I made all sorts of technical adjustments. Ultimately, however, I realized that you shouldn't overthink it. The simpler the stroke, the better. Keep it smooth and natural.

^{2. Use your non-dominant arm}

Just like with the serve and the forehand , your non-dominant arm is crucial for the one-handed backhand. You use your non-dominant arm to set the racket in the right position to hit a solid backhand.

Hold the racket by the throat (the triangular part of the racket) and prepare for the shot by bringing the racket alongside your body with the racket head above the grip. Then, use your non-dominant arm to guide the racket head down, releasing it when you reach about hip height. After hitting the ball, keep your non-dominant arm back for balance. It is very important that it does not cross in front of your body.

In the photo below, you can clearly see how Stan Wawrinka (who has one of the best one-handed backhands in the world) only releases the racket with his non-dominant arm just before making contact with the ball.

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^{3. Look over your shoulder during the turn}

Turning your upper body is essential and is often neglected. A handy check for this is to look over your shoulder while preparing for the shot. Do this in good time, before you hit the ball.

When you do this correctly, your upper body will automatically be in the right position. This means you don't have to exert as much effort to give the ball sufficient speed and depth.

The photo below clearly shows how far Dominic Thiem has rotated and is looking over his shoulder before striking the ball.

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^{4. Keep the racket head pointing slightly upward during your preparation}

This tip will make your swing feel much smoother. Beginners often point the racket head backward or even downward. This causes you to "push" the ball rather than actually hitting it—a bit like a pinball motion.

By keeping the racket head pointing slightly upward, you create a natural drop just before you strike the ball. This creates a "loop" in your swing. Thanks to this loop, you don't need to use as much force and can let the racket do the work for you.

The photo below clearly shows how Grigor Dimitrov keeps the tip of his racket pointing upward before he strikes the ball.

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^{5. Follow through completely with your one-handed backhand}

For our fifth and final tip, we look at the follow-through—arguably one of the most important parts of the one-handed backhand if you want to make progress.

Follow through completely. If you stop your swing right after hitting the ball, you end up with a "jab" motion, which often makes your shots inconsistent. By following through fully, you create clean contact points and make it easier to place the ball exactly where you want it.

The photo below clearly shows how Stan Wawrinka follows through completely with his racket.

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Enjoy your time on the court!

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