With Coach Adri – Insights, Technique & Training Tips
The one-handed backhand remains one of the most aesthetically pleasing shots in tennis. However, it’s also one of the most technically demanding, which is why it’s become increasingly rare at the highest levels of the game. In this session, Coach Adri shares his experience with the one-handed backhand—from growing pains to mastery—and provides actionable tips for players looking to improve or adopt this classic stroke.
Why Fewer Players Use the One-Hander Today
The one-handed backhand has declined in popularity, especially among juniors and pros. The reason is simple: it requires greater strength, impeccable timing, and highly refined footwork.
Two-handed backhands offer more support, especially against high and fast-paced balls. They also allow players to handle the increasingly aggressive baseline rallies in modern tennis. Still, there’s a place for the one-hander—if built and maintained correctly.
Coach Adri’s Journey with the One-Hander
Adri began with a two-handed backhand, like most kids, but transitioned to the one-hander after being inspired by Roger Federer. Early on, it was a struggle due to the lack of physical strength and the technical difficulty of the stroke. High balls to the backhand side were a nightmare, and opponents quickly exploited that.
But over time, being constantly tested made the shot one of his most stable weapons. Now, he feels comfortable placing the ball anywhere from the backhand side—whether slicing, lifting, or flattening it out.
Teaching the One-Handed Backhand: When and How
Adri typically starts children with a two-handed backhand due to its practicality at younger ages. However, if a student already has a well-developed one-hander, like one of his 11-year-old pupils, he won’t force a change.
The strength required to execute a good one-hander typically comes later, around age 12–14. If a young player already demonstrates proper technique and timing, Adri sees no reason to revert to a two-hander.
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Common Challenges for Recreational Player
1. Tight Timing Window:
The one-hander has a much narrower margin of error compared to the two-hander. You must strike the ball within a small zone well in front of the body. A mistimed shot often results in a weak return or an error.
2. Demanding Footwork:
Precise footwork is critical. Even small missteps can throw off your contact point. On clay courts, for example, unpredictable bounces make this even more difficult.
3. Struggling With High Balls:
It’s hard to handle shoulder-height or higher balls. Two-handers can use the off-hand to control such balls, but one-handers must either retreat, slice, or find a creative way to drop the ball back in play.
Key Technical Elements
Preparation and Grip
Start with the non-hitting hand high on the racket throat to aid in grip change and preparation. Use that hand to turn your shoulders and begin your unit turn. The hitting hand remains passive until the racket drop.
Takeback and Backswing
Adri’s own backswing features an open racket face, but when teaching, he recommends keeping the racket parallel to the ground with a shorter, more compact swing. This approach simplifies timing and makes it easier to adjust to incoming pace.
Racket Drop and Swing Path
Use the wrist, not the arm, to drop the racket. This helps set up the brushing action necessary for topspin. At contact, the wrist moves in a windshield wiper motion to generate spin.
Contact Point
Aim to make contact between your waist and shoulder height and well in front of your body. This is your ideal strike zone for power and consistency.
Finish and Follow-Through
A full, high finish ensures a consistent brushing motion and proper topspin. The chest should remain stable and facing sideways through the shot to preserve balance and direction. The tip of the racket should ideally finish across and pointing back, indicating a full follow-through.
Generating More Topspin
Many club players struggle to generate enough topspin, especially on the backhand side. Adri’s method to train spin involves:
- Practicing a brush-up motion from below the waist, starting with the butt cap toward the net and finishing with the racket tip up and across.
- Using tools like the Topspin Pro to reinforce the brushing sensation.
- Dropping balls from a basket and brushing up from underneath to simulate the desired motion.
The golden rule: “The more spin, the more you hit in.” Spin provides margin over the net and brings the ball back into the court.
Footwork and Court Positioning
Footwork is arguably more critical for the one-handed backhand than for any other stroke. Players must move early and position themselves to hit every ball in their preferred strike zone.
- Use a split step on your opponent’s impact to improve reaction time.
- Anchor your back leg (right leg for right-handers) during impact for stability.
- Adjust your stance and distance from the ball to hit at waist-to-shoulder height, regardless of the incoming ball’s trajectory.
Cross-court backhands require slightly more open foot positioning for rotation, while down-the-line shots demand tighter body control and linear movement.
Modern Trends and Evolving Technique
While the one-hander is less common today, it still exists at the highest level thanks to players like Wawrinka, Tsitsipas, and Musetti. Each has their own take on the stroke—some with high takebacks, others with more compact swings.
Adri believes tennis technique is always evolving. The modern game favors more compact, efficient swings due to faster play and shorter rallies. This makes short, direct takebacks more effective for timing and reducing unforced errors.
Final Thoughts: Should You Play a One-Handed Backhand?
The one-hander is elegant, versatile, and rewarding when mastered—but it’s demanding. If you’re already committed to a one-hander, focus on clean technique, perfect preparation, and relentless footwork. If you’re considering switching from a two-hander, weigh the pros and cons carefully.
Regardless of your choice, understanding the mechanics behind the stroke will help you appreciate its beauty—and its challenge—even more.
Have questions or want to see a breakdown of another stroke? Let us know in the comments. Coach Adri is always ready to bring more insight and instruction to help improve your game.
