The one-handed backhand: Tennis Masterclass, Episode 5

[@lordbyron3603]

“ the One-hand Backhand, the most beautiful shot in tennis ! …. “ 100% agree !!

[@patriciaprieur9054]

Moi aussi ! 👍

[@leotka]

And most difficult shot. Requires very early preparations and accurate execution. But also most effective. Opponent may only guess is this wide, straight or slice or drop shot. Opponent is always under pressure to predict where ball goes.

[@rosemont5339]

Beauty is the eye of the beholder of course. To me roger Federer backhand is the most beautiful shot in all of tennis.

[@trapkat8213]

Gaudio!

[@StephaneVilasco]

I agree. RF has the most beautiful one-handed backhand.

[@ashupashu5559]

Wawrinka

[@Trancescient]

Richard Gasquet!

[@toptenguy1]

Shapovalov has a great one too. Just a great snap to it. (I'm Canadian, so i might be biased. haha)

[@stingray-j2597]

Justine Henin; one of my favourites exponents of it, how she deployed it considering her height was amazing to behold

[@daytradingnl4734]

Federer 2017 after his injury. For several months his backhand was amazing. Also wawrinka is one of my favorites.

[@AlbertTong]

He also switched racquet sizes too that gave him more margin for error which is how he dominated Nadal since then. It neutralized the high balls hit to his backhand.

[@bassmaster1953]

As a 70 y.o. who has rediscovered my topspin one-handed backhand, your instruction is spot on. I'm right-eye dominant which naturally allowed me to step in on my right foot. The use of the nondominant hand is key to balance and consistency. Thanks, Patrick..

[@RobManser77]

Congratulations on nailing it again! I've just returned after 30 years years away from tennis, and what used to be my best shot, a one-handed topspin backhand, is now nowhere! I'll keep trying 🙂

[@e.j.f8349]

Some tennis videos from other channels may only be 5 mins long but most often they seem like 1/2 an hour (as they drone on and on with repetitive verbiage) but with Patrick a 14 min video (such as this one) only seems like 5 mins as he always gets to the essential information with a great and brief demonstration. Really appreciated...!

[@shubhodeepmitra5505]

not to me it didnt, seemed more like 20 mins. didnt make it past the half way mark

[@russellramesh3223]

Edberg’s one-hander was top tier, the best of his era.

[@DP-eo5xd]

It was ok but he never stayed at the baseline too long.

[@macropod77]

Eventually, I found the reason why my backhand slice was always stronger than the top spin one. I bent an elbow hitting slice, but barely bent it while executing topspin or flat. Now, by bending the elbow 90deg and releasing the forearm naturally, I achieved smooth, effortless power on the topspin. Thanks a lot, Patrick for the tip. Great video!

[@arasuppiah2085]

Thank you for this fabulous lesson. The role of the non hitting arm to prevent the body spinning out was such a game changer! 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@Lucian86]

It improved my backhand significantly after taking care of it. And it looks so much better too

[@jamesliu2661]

Patrick, thank you for breaking down the key mechanics of the one handed backhand!

[@marktynan1472]

I respect what Patrick has to say, as he has helped top players get even better which is some achievement. I think, however, that the greater number of double-handers in professional tennis is because it is easier to teach, not because there is an inherent advantage. It becomes a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy.

[@BashanRagavan]

Definitely the best video that I've ever seen on the one-handed backhand! Can't wait to try this!🔥🔥🔥

[@quentincrisp6933]

👍Great video! Not only did Fed take the ball on the rise off the BH he did it with a 97 frame which helped him tremendously !

[@arunraju9705]

Going by this video, Federer is the great of all time!

[@itaycohen4525]

Finally!! One hand backhand video!

[@mkim64]

Never thought about eye dominance before. I'm a right-hander but left-eye dominant - this footwork tip is massive!

[@17dhey36]

Hi Patrick - you are an incredible coach, your breakdown of the one-handed backhand is so finely detailed, professional, and encouraging to watch. Thank you for making this available here.

[@YiiMobile]

👍😘

[@mrnobody3403]

YOU ARE THE BEST ,THANK YOU ALL THE WAY FROM SWEDEN I´ve seen you in Båstad with Serina.

[@amormagisterestoptimus]

​@@YiiMobile🤭

[@Nierez]

Thank you, I've been looking for this video. Just started playing 3 years ago always two-handed backhand. The other day I returned a serve cross court; the ball was too far away so I attempted a one-handed backhand. The pace on the ball was so incredible that I decided to look into this one-hander stuff.

[@julianrossx14]

Fantastic lesson. Thanx a lot Master. Im a one-handed backhand player and I found this video so useful and extremely clear. Superb!

[@kennethwilliams4874]

Have to say, this trope about Federer not having as much success against Nadal because of Roger's one-handed backhand is way overstated. The problem was NOT so much the one-hander as it was Roger's outdated racquet. After he switched from the 90sq. inch to the 97 sq. inch head, his record against Nadal was 7 wins and only 1 loss, the one loss being on clay.

[@kevinpeasetennisprofession4905]

This is not only a historical reference of the shot but a holistic presentation of how to manage the shot in battle conditions. Thank you for producing this video. I use this information to coach my students and help me with my one handed backhand.

[@MochiNPRA]

As someone who played golf before tennis, the trick that really leveled up my one-hander is the bent elbow. I intuitively straighten my elbow for a swing which you recommend to bend, and its really helped with my one-hand. Thanks for the tips.

[@AndrieSurya]

Thank you Patrick, one-handed backhand still the most graceful tennis move... your lessons are valuable for us beginners.

[@samirpsu]

‘Throw like a frisbee’ - appreciate associating mechanics with other sports. Makes Building new muscle memories a lot easier!

[@TrangTennisFever]

As always such great and accurate advice. The main reason I love the one-handed backhand is what you called out the slice. I use the slice in so many different ways from deep slice to drop slice. Its such an important part of how I strategically play my tennis game. With that said the weak points are with hard fast serves or returns, and high balls, I do struggle with as you call out so its trying to figure out a balance. Some good call outs for me to practice more on is rotate the shoulder, use more of my left arm, relax the wrist, and earlier preparation. Thanks again for these advice Patrick!

[@harryedwards9318]

Please keep them coming Patrick this is a Masterclass , thank you so much 😊

[@enrimaritain2641]

Thank you Patrick, another wonderfull lesson! I'm right handed and not cross-dominant. And now I understand how do i hit ... and why are you number one! 😀I'm 53 and I started playing 7 years ago. I've read your book. It's the first tennis book I've ever bought.

[@tonyantonuccio4748]

Patrick, back in the 70s, a friend pointed out a kinesiology theory that a one handed backhand could be as powerful as any forehand. That removed my fears of learning it. Today, I'll sometimes run-around my forehand to hit a backhand. I'm also left-eye dominant and greatly appreciate your insights on the subject.

[@communication.skills.matter]

Hi, Tony. That's one of the biggest advantage the one-handed backhand has compared to the two-handed.

[@denisfogel286]

2hbh offence 3/5, deffence 3/5. 1hbh offence 5/5, deffence 1/5

[@atrem7942]

​@denisfogel286 that very debatable because even the two handers use the one handed slice backhand as their defensive shot.

[@Better_Call_Raul]

I agree that a one-handed backhand can be almost as powerful as a forehand. That said, I would *never* run around a forehand to hit a backhand. And I have never seen a high level player do it. Federer has one of the greatest backhands and forehands ever. We see that the forehand is slightly more powerful. The fastest forehand recorded by Roger Federer was 125 miles per hour during the 2011 US Open. The fastest recorded backhand by Roger Federer was100 miles per hour during the 2007 Australian Open.

[@randrothify]

It’s physics and biomechanics. With a 1hbh you have a bigger swing arc and that makes the lever-effect more pronounced at producing velocity so long as you are early and can hit the ball out in front to provide stability. This is the ideal. The 2hbh does not allow for this extension because the left arm constricts full extension. However, what the 2hbh lacks in potential power is made up for in more average realized power because it is generally more of a stable hitting position for most people given the second arm for support, the faster setup, and the lack of the need for optimal timing and footwork.

[@pierread1011]

Thanks for this video, crystal-clear as always. And it's always great to see some love for this beautifiul shot. I was taught the 2-handed backhand as a child, but not happy with it even after years and years of play, and only admiring 1-handed backhand players along the years (Sampras, Federer, Dimitrov, Tsitsipas, Shapo, etc)... I switched to the 1-hander about 4 years ago. A few months to adapt, and my backhand is now better than he ever was.... and I'm super glad I now play this beautiful shot.

[@pedrohero7]

Patrick est un coach incroyable, ses conseils sont précieux.

[@daisy_oe]

💯

[@nikossahpazis9722]

Thank you Patrick. Every video of yours makes me want to go and play. You are such an inspiration

[@alvaromena7548]

Fanstastic video of modern one-handed backhand

[@iarapiffer2689]

I use a one-hand backhand and I learned a lot watching this great video. Thanks a lot!

[@awaisakram6458]

I love this guy. ❤... he is like the best coach for me online.

[@gekasaurus]

That´s definitely going to help my game, thank you most kindly! Going to use it during my next team match tomorrow :) Wish me luck ^^

[@viveksaraf]

Extremely well put together and so well explained. This is just what I needed. A well played single handed backhand is a thing of beauty.

[@nandkumardoctor]

What a beautiful explanation of one handed backhand that's where the master is. Salute you Sir.

[@LeodanNevill]

笑いました、面白いです！

[@gbenatar11]

Great video Patrick, thank you very much. I had never heard about left or right eye dominance before this episode. I'm going to try it.

[@wolfgangmarkusgstrein8522]

Fortunately, I (52) play both. I started with one-handed Bh, but in some playing situations I automatically switched to th-bh. It came out of me without practicing. Moving the racket forward with my left hand to play a th-bh was also intuitive. I have shoulder problems because I didn't accelerate the racket as Patrick shows here. I was told it's just swing. I will work on it. Thank's Pat!

[@Cubodira]

Thank you. The most informative video I have seen on the one handed backhand. I really appreciate your taking the time to explain it. And wonderful to see how “beautiful “ you make it look

[@meilstone]

As a left-eye-dominant right hander playing the single-handed backhand, I find that final step ahead before hitting the ball essential to generating enough power. You just have to put some body weight into the shot. It's virtually impossible for me to hit a backhand in an open stance... thanks for this video!

[@saccount8009]

Just to let you know this right eye left eye dominant thing and having to CHANGE how your footwork is and your contact point is BS. Doesn't matter what eye your dominant with, track the ball with both eyes. On one hander get the right foot across (like stan, fed) and contact out infront. Not in between your feet😂 thats almost behind you

[@BingChilling987]

@@saccount8009 you must have an IQ of 15

[@ubtube1042]

Been playing for over 40 years, where have you been all my life Patrick! 😂 great advice mate keep inspiring us 👍🏽

[@larrygrossman8021]

I’m 58 years old, haven’t played tennis in years, and when I did I was bad. But after watching your lesson I firmly believe I could dominate

[@thegreatgamingkid8252]

Any time on the court as of late?

[@vijaypawar5003]

Thanks a lot for a detailed explanation covering all the fundamental aspects of mastering this classic shot. Can't wait to hit the court and practice it.

[@pelton1]

I played tennis in the 80' as a kid. Back then it was taught one hand backhand and naturally I learned it. I didn't play for 30 years until I resumed 5 years ago and all the skills I learned was there dormanted (included the vices). The point is some younger players found curious the 1HB. On the other had I had difficulties to learn hitting with top spin. I don't recall any mention to that back then, I just learned hitting flat.

[@anskey]

Thank you Patrick for explaining this so well.

[@kgkaran]

Patrick, as a 3.0 player playing casually , but always looking to improve technique, this is the most practical and useful video I have ever seen. I can't wait to hit the court and try all this... Learnt something about myself - am a right handed player and cross dominant so need to make some adjustments :). Very very helpful instructions !!

[@jamesandrianarivelo8936]

You have been my inspiration Patrick. Thank you for showing it. Much appreciated 🙏🏻

[@hectorayub2594]

Totally agree its a very elegant the one hand back hand, like the MASTER RF!

[@Tan12]

I've practiced both to an extent find that I naturally can generate way more pace and/or topspin with a one hander when the ball is at a comfortable height and not coming at me too quickly, but it's way easier to handle pace and hit over high balls with the two hander. So I mainly use the two hander, but every now and then I pull out the one hander when I need extra reach, have a hip-to-chest height ball I want to hit really hard, or want to roll a sharp angled crosscourt backhand with heavy topspin. Might be a better use of my time to just forget about it and perfect the two hander, but tennis isn't my job and I find it really fun to hit both sometimes so that's what I do.

[@frankie5085]

Excellent! Thank You, Master! Frank (Tennis lover and instructor from Budapest, Hungary). :)

[@SMathai]

First time ever I got the concept of eye dominance for tennis, and I've been playing for 25 years. I switched to a single handed 10 years ago after failing to master the double hander, and I'm now loving hitting backhands. I'm left eye dominant and I think it explains a lot on how I deal with my backhand. Now I'll have a conscious way of moving for the backhand.

[@MWUSheeter1]

Great video Patrick, I am a one hander for years and tempted to move to two hander because of my lack of confidence. I will try your tips but the most important tip is the eye dominance especially for my forehand. My teacher always forced me to to get aligned feet so I was always late on ball. I think it might be a good video to explain the different grip between forehand and back hand

[@denisfogel286]

If you are cross hand-eye dominant, then definitely move to 2 hbh. Patrick mentioned in other video that its extrimely hard to have 1 hbh for cross dominant people

[@danielmltu]

@@denisfogel286 Fed is left eye dominant no?

[@MWUSheeter1]

@@danielmltu no I am right eye dominant

[@jonathangutierrez4733]

Thank you Patrick for finally teaching this hit

[@lucasarnaldo9]

The problem is that, unless you are Roger, it’s still extremely hard to hit a fast ball on its rise.

[@rsp-te9dh]

Excellent lesson. on the role of the non-dominant hand, body position, addressing above shoulder height balls, relative benefits of double/single etc.. The only additional guidance that might be included are on the grip and angle of the wrist in the single-handed backhand (esp. as compared to the double)

[@JrJVintage1956]

I put this lesson into practice this week with AMAZING results, most improvement I've ever made based on 1 Lesson.. I love your content, keep it up , THANK YOU!

[@frankie5085]

My favourite is the "dominant eye". I learned it from You. Thank You! :)

[@qsoftwebsoftwaresolutions]

Awesome video explaining all the aspects of 1HBH. This tips were never given before as I have seen many videos on 1 HBH.

[@futrpdr]

Wow, you explained so much! I had to stop earlier in the video to watch the video about the dominant eye. I’m going to have to revisit this video several times while working on my form. Btw, I agree, the one handed backhand is a lost art. I’m in my 40s, so I remember seeing it being used a lot more back in the day. Thanks for the video and taking the time to make these!

[@artemtsenev]

Awesome. Never heard about some moments of this lesson. Thank you Patrick.

[@sebastianvalmont28]

Best explanation on the internet. Hands down. 👏❤

[@lgeiger]

Shapovalov also has a good solution for balls over shoulder height. Back in the days Björn Phau also used to hit these jump shots from far behind the baseline. It requires a lot of balance and core strength, but I started doing it occasionally and it's a great addition when you realize you cannot hit the ball on the rise and have no time to step back.

[@aldoliberatoscioli3686]

Grazie per aver chiarito in modo molto semplice molti dubbi che avevo su come eseguire un corretto rovescio ad una mano. Grazie grazie😊

[@lachezarkrastev7123]

Something you forgot to mention - with one handed backhand you can play from awkward positions - on a stretch or in the body. As well the point of contact should be much in front than in a two handed backhand, which is a disadvantage of course because it steals some milliseconds time from you, which is crucial in a long run.

[@UchihABitachi]

Hey Patrick, I’ve been watching Roger Federer for a long time, which is where I base my one handed backhand from. He does not hit it like a left eye dominant player. Roger hits his bh like a right eye dominate player. The only time there are traits of his left eye dominance is when he hits shots where timing doesn’t allow him to hit a normal bh and he has to use an open stance on the run or flick bh pass at times. Most of the time he’s hitting close stance like he’s right eye dominant.

[@koritdilivir]

you are so precious for tennis sport.. thanks for everything.. i learned a lot from you merci

[@jimgodsey2940]

Patrick, Awesome video. Thank you for your invaluable insights to optimizing the one handed backhand!!

[@rayutwenty-four6753]

I wish we had youtube 30 years ago lol. Thank you Mr. Mouratoglou!

[@Abdul12788]

Federer's one hand backhand is best

[@ricardoerdoscappon3640]

It's absolutely proofed that a one handed backhand generates a lot more power. The only advantage of a two handed backhand is the security you feel using two hands but power and spin is not the same.

[@docstranger9520]

Truly excellent lesson. Thank you. We are a dying breed and need help with our 1hbs!

[@MrRICHARDGOMEZ]

Thanks Patrick for a very detailed explanation of the OHB. .

[@AbhinayWaikar]

You are such wonderful trainer. Thank you very much for all your wonderful videos, also short videos too. 🙏🙏

[@JohnSmith-pb4ri]

I'm still learning. But so far, I like keeping a straight arm on the backswing. I actually feel a little more stability and power doing it that way.

[@saccount8009]

Stick with it if you like it. Thiem does it

[@JohnSmith-pb4ri]

@@saccount8009 Yeah, I studied Federer, Wawrinka and Thiem and kind of adopted the Thiem style. Then I just add a little trick at the release point for a little extra power.

[@angadsinghchhabra9422]

Thank you so much, so excited to put this to use next time I play.

[@sunjen11]

Great! I agree with all the tips... except the dominant eye difference. In any case just make sure to look at the ball with both eyes and be it open or closed stance just turn your head a bit more or less to see the ball with both eyes.

[@DevotionalDigest]

Excellent tutorial. Easy to follow.

[@chaunguyen2805]

Great, I can play one hand - backhand. Thank Mr Patrick

[@kgf2012]

Great Lesson, I will be able to improve my backhand with a few of your pointers.

[@Fernwald84]

Eye dominance is certainly important. I am left-eye dominant and also play lefty. I believe that for lefties you have to move to the backhand following Patrick's instructions for right eye dominant players. That way it keeps your dominant eye looking forward during the initial part of the stroke.

[@saccount8009]

Just to let you know this right eye left eye dominant thing and having to CHANGE how your footwork is and your contact point is BS. Doesn't matter what eye your dominant with, track the ball with both eyes. On one hander get the right foot (for right handed players but your left handed so other foot) across (like stan, fed) and contact out infront. Not in between your feet😂 thats almost behind you

[@poeda6637]

Thank you once again! Really appreciate your lessons and tips

[@fabz1509]

Will watch it many more times. The footwork for left eye dominant player is a bit complex to master. The snapping motion with less prepration was the best advice to battle the fast deep shots. Merci.

[@Gianfranco509]

Excellent video thank you so much... I've been struggling with my one handed backhand... I will practice all the tipsas soon as I'm fully ricovered from my surgery...

[@NiloGarciaSilveira]

I was waiting for yours one-handed backhand shots... 😢

[@TonHuyTran-m5h]

Lol, it is easier said than done, that s why it was not comming :D

[@Predator-on9ke]

He can’t play tennis.

[@akbenyelles]

@@Predator-on9kei suggest you watch videos where he plays , he s a very good and elegant player

[@commondirtbagz7130]

@@akbenyellesthe people he hits against take it easy on him

[@fritsklaassen5106]

Mac I tells an other explain, your arm straight back, I think you are wrong.

[@neil5872]

the left and right arm is for the body to also keep its balance, very good point.

[@xuehui123]

This is really really a great lesson! Thank you so much Patrick!

[@milannemec5574]

The biggest advantage of the one-handed backhand is the WINGSPAN = one step less for every shot. I know the professionals can run for five hours, but at the amateur level it is a big advantage to play more economically. Also the variety of shots which the one-hander is better for is more important at lower level.

[@lightclear7050]

Very nice video for me Mr. Patrick,a lot of great information and secrets I’m cross dominance ,right eye dominance left handed dominance with one handed backhand

[@realife1542]

Best explanation I’ve heard, above the shoulder always troubles me

[@ashwinkumart8642]

Thanks. Didn't know there were so many technicalities. Bent arm is an important advice

[@VicenteeYeraldine]

なるほど、そういう見方もありますね！

[@abdemanafbelgaumwala6695]

Sir I'm always following your tips, very much improved my tennis ,thanks big

[@apoorvamodi6830]

What a legendary coach!

[@grahaminvancouver]

Great video as always Patrick! Thank You! 🎾

[@truthserum8326]

I also think it's a good idea, ...to help maintain elbow strength, to always rotate your racket head clockwise when meeting the ball. This generates more top spin as well.

[@andreperusso]

The most beautiful show in tennis is Federer's forehand

[@jeo-soonpark4086]

thank you sir another input added to put my backhand shot, this might raise my game to another level!!

[@SYdiaShelly]

なるほど、そういう見方もありますね！

[@jeromecote245]

Merci encore Patrick. Looks like a lot of two-handed backhand players also developed a one-hand slice backhand. Seems to me like the best of both worlds. Unfortunately, I”m 52 and learned a one-hand backhand and it might be a bit too late for me to learn a two-hander. I always thought you could have a bit more reach with a one-hander and usually, the players with a one-hand backhand seems more comfortable at net on backhand volleys.

[@sistoferri5770]

DEAR MURATOGLU YOU SHOW THE LIFT BACKHAND BUT THERE IS A SECOND KIND OF 1 HAND BACKHAND THAT IS PERFECT FOR HIGH BALLS , THE PREPARETION IS OVER THE HEAD AND THE FINAL IS DOWN OF THE RIGHT SHOWLDER , YESTERDAY I TEACH IT TO MY FRIEND AND HE SAID WOOW IT IS GREAT , WHEN WE KNOW SOMETHING ALL IS SIMPLY 🎾💙✌️ ( LOOK AT GASQUET , BUT NOT TO HIS OVERGRIP😂) , A KISS SISTO FERRI YOUR FAN 💪👌🍾

[@Tom-tk3du]

I agree…I’ve used a slicing overhead backhand like that for high balls many times. But hitting it on the rise probably better if you can get in position to do so. Often you can’t.

[@Healthandwealthandwellness]

Love all your videos