The one-handed backhand: Tennis Masterclass, Episode 5

In this 5th episode of Tennis Masterclass, we talk about the art of one-handed backhand. Compared to two-handed backhand, the one-handed can be tricky to learn if you don’t know the mechanics. I’m going to walk you through the fundamentals that will bring your backhand to the next level!
What are advantages and disadvantages of having a single-handed backhand? Which technique is the best?
When you’re learning tennis, either as a kid or an adult, it’s not easy to have the strength and coordination to execute this effectively. This is where having the second hand on the racket makes a BIIIG difference. The more tennis you play, the more easier is to pull off the single hander. Roger Federer, Stan Wawrinka, Richard Gasquet are the greatest examples of tennis players using this technique. However, it’s all about what you feel comfortable with.
During this session, I teach you all the key elements of how to hit one-handed backhand including racket preparation, contact point, foot position, follow through and tactical options. At the very end I open up the biggest secret of Roger Federer, so watch carefully!
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:33 - One-handed vs Two-handed backhand
2:56 - One-handed backhand technique
3:08 - Preparation: rotate your shoulders
3:56 - Preparation: bend your arm
4:51 - Placement and footwork in regard with your dominant eye
6:36 - Hitting the ball and contact point
8:26 - Drive the ball
9:16 - Use your left arm
10:50 - Relax your wrist
11:39 - Early preparation
12:30 - Be careful!
13:03 - Roger’s secret
13:45 - Conclusion
___________
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THE COACH
Patrick

[@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

[@lordbyron3603]

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

[@patriciaprieur9054]

Moi aussi ! 👍

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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 !

[@julianrossx14]

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

[@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.

[@mellx8124]

Awesome clear coaching instruction. Thanks Patrick !

[@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.

[@jamesliu2661]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@BashanRagavan]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@nandkumardoctor]

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

[@jimgodsey2940]

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

[@nikossahpazis9722]

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

[@jamesandrianarivelo8936]

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

[@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!

[@mkim64]

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

[@harryedwards9318]

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

[@AndrieSurya]

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

[@artemtsenev]

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

[@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 ^^

[@anskey]

Thank you Patrick for explaining this so well.

[@poeda6637]

Thank you once again! Really appreciate your lessons and tips

[@iarapiffer2689]

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

[@AbhinayWaikar]

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

[@qsoftwebsoftwaresolutions]

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

[@itaycohen4525]

Finally!! One hand backhand video!

[@davekennedy2881]

Great video, it is a shot that I am trying to master and this video is a good reference guide for the mechanics of the one handed backhand

[@xuehui123]

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

[@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!

[@MrRICHARDGOMEZ]

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

[@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

[@grahaminvancouver]

Great video as always Patrick! Thank You! 🎾

[@frankie5085]

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

[@jeo-soonpark4086]

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

[@kgf2012]

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

[@sandrocotza7358]

Great pieces of advice !💯👌🏻I will try that this afternoon😉🎾

[@awaisakram6458]

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

[@gustavochiozza6465]

Thanks for this huge master class! I’ve never heard about dominant eye, and it’s seems to me very important.

[@jonathangutierrez4733]

Thank you Patrick for finally teaching this hit

[@ubtube1042]

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

[@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.

[@carlosmeneses9419]

Congrats, always a pleasure to watch your videos, greetings from Mexico

[@apoorvamodi6830]

What a legendary coach!

[@aldoliberatoscioli3686]

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

[@DanielGarciaDBA]

Excelent, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@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.

[@DevotionalDigest]

Excellent tutorial. Easy to follow.

[@sebastianvalmont28]

Best explanation on the internet. Hands down. 👏❤

[@warrenlee777]

Fantastic illustrationS ! Thanks

[@frankie5085]

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

[@AF-gt1fv]

Love all your videos

[@alvaromena7548]

Fanstastic video of modern one-handed backhand

[@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.

[@user-pv1sk9vs3j]

👍😘

[@mrnobody3403]

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

[@amormagisterestoptimus]

​@@user-pv1sk9vs3j🤭

[@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 !!

[@alenlev3150]

Great lesson! Thank you very much!

[@oliverimboden9253]

very much enjoy your videos! Many thanks! 🙏

[@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...

[@pedrohero7]

Patrick est un coach incroyable, ses conseils sont précieux.

[@daisy_oe]

💯

[@julienprevost5409]

Super vidéo Patrick !

[@jcvicelli]

Kuerten fan here, so 1hbh is my weapon

[@Ormsby504]

Going to try to keep my wrist position at contact like this. I have been dropping the racket below the wrist I think leading to inconsistent hit. Also I believe to be able to do this you have to bend the legs more so you can execute this position. Many thanks for clear instruction.

[@HerdyDjamasKoe]

thank you , sir... greats video for lesson tennis...

[@arunraju9705]

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

[@thefixerman1]

Superb instruction and explaination. The frisbee analogy for the action is very helpful. Was waiting for the instruction on the grip for the one handed backhand, which is vital. Please can you cover this too. Brilliant video all tge same.

[@coreyburney2331]

This is so helpful! Thank you 🙏🏿

[@josechantredesousa1842]

Uauu!!…, this video was really good. Thank you so much! 🙏👍💪

[@user-zr1qp4by7t]

Many thanks. This video was very helpful

[@robertosacco5232]

Great vídeo lesson. It helped me to improve my one hand backhand that was aleady my best shot. TKS a Lot.

[@gabrielaurore2642]

Explications claires, Maître-Magister.

[@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

[@ashwinkumart8642]

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

[@hectorayub2594]

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

[@abdulazizkarimkhodjaev9184]

Great master class - that was the exact content missing In your videos. I would love to see you working with the ball machine or practicing with another player with OHBH.

[@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.

[@fernandoviamonte8659]

Excellent !!!!!

[@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

[@pjcdm]

Patrick, excellente instruction! Merci! Un autre avantage est la balle coupée en approche ou défensive, hors position.

[@samirpsu]

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

[@rodrigorodriguesdacosta1800]

Sensacional. Incrível. Muito obrigado pelo vídeo. Aguardo o próximo (next) com backhand com 2 mãos (2 hands).

[@izzymisslizzy]

Great lesson. Very informative.

[@JinHwang]

thanks again for the great lesson.

[@docstranger9520]

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

[@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)

[@stephanezaffran8846]

Vraiment top cette vidéo. Merci

[@JasdeepPannu]

Superb.. truly a master class

[@rafaelhgstoppa1462]

Fantastic. Thank you

[@andredeoliveira3684]

Great video Patrick. I have to train to hit the ball on the rise

[@robertonunez1085]

Thank you very much dear Patrick !!

[@omarperezprada8473]

Thanks so much for you advice