How To Master The Basic One-Handed Backhand

Step 1: Prepare

From the ready position, watch the tennis ball carefully. When you see it coming to your backhand side, swivel the racket into your preferred backhand grip.

The most common one-handed grip is the eastern backhand. Simply rotate your wrist anti-clockwise around the handle until the V of your thumb and forefinger is slightly to the left of the top of the grip. If you're left handed, reverse these instructions.

There is an easy way to find the eastern backhand grip. Just place your racket under your arm and grip the handle naturally. Keep your arm straight and don't let your wrist bend.

Step 2: Approach the ball

As you move towards the tennis ball, simply pivot your feet to the left. This will place your front shoulder square-on to the ball, ready for the backswing.

TIP: As you turn, make sure the racket head stays up.

Step 3: Your backswing

With your arm slightly bent, take your racket back slowly across your chest. Turn your shoulders while making your backswing.

TIP: Don't take your eyes off the ball.

Step 4: Your swing

Release the racket from your non-hitting hand and smoothly swing it towards the ball. At the same time bring your weight onto your front foot.

Keep side-on to the ball as you make contact in front of your body.

Step 5: Follow through

Follow through with your tennis racket, keeping your elbow straight with your racket facing skywards.

Remain balanced for a second or two after the ball has gone and then allow your momentum to take you into the ready position.

And that's all there is to it! A single-handed backhand that's not only a useful defensive tool, but a powerful weapon for attack.