Tennis One-Handed Backhand Wrist Action (Science Explained!)

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Today, you're going to learn how to generate massive power and topspin with the one-handed backhand wrist action in 3 simple steps. So that you can start feeling that fluid, whip-like release of your wrist at contact and hit your backhands with the cool, calm confidence of a Roger Federer or Stan Wawrinka.
💻 COURSES AND RESOURCES
RacquetFlex Serve System ➡ racquetflex.com/serve
Weak to Winning Forehands ➡ racquetflex.com/forehand
Home Court Advantage ➡ racquetflex.com/hca
🔗 LINKS MENTIONED
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Essential Tennis: kzbin.info
Tennis Unleashed: kzbin.info
⏱ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Backhand Wrist Lag and Snap
0:20 Preparation - Ready Position, Unit Turn, Backswing
2:01 The Hitting Arm Slot
3:58 The Forward Wrist Release
5:32 Wrist Release Drill Progression
6:44 Forearm Supination & External Shoulder Rotation
🐦 LET'S CONNECT!
Email Me ► [e-mail]
Website ► racquetflex.com
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*Disclaimer: This video contains affiliate links which means RacquetFlex will get a share of the revenue for your purchase.

[@dwightlewis2026]

You are certainly the most technically thorough tennis instructor on the Internet, and I greatly appreciate your bio-mechanical precision in your explanations. So welcome after watching so many anemic - and often incorrect - presentations of the 1HBH. I typically have to do multiple replays of your video, sometimes progressing word-by-word in your densely-packed sentences, but that is no problem. Great work. I have been building my one-handed backhand on your model.

[@doofusoferasmus2964]

Great stuff! Love the detailed breakdowns. Thanks, guys!

[@thomaswellborn4932]

That is the best tutorial on the one handler I’ve seen yet, bravo!

[@paddlepower888]

This video brings clarity to the one-handed backhand for me. Random muscling and slapping at the ball giving way to a science based groundstroke. Your drill progression at 5:30 helped me see how to reduce forearm muscle tension and stabilize by positioning the racquet at the limits of extension/radial deviation. I don't recall any other channel describing it this way. Now to go practice. Thank you!

[@patrickgeorgiev1350]

Love the level of detail and effort that goes into each video!

[@LetsBuildThatApp]

Excellent drills and form on the one hander. Have you guys done a video on your tennis journey and how you've decided on 2h vs 1h strokes? I'd like to hear your backgrounds on developing as players.

[@Janetmouse]

As someone wanting to up my game, really loving all your tutorial videos 👍

[@zain9918]

Wow, this was actually the most instructive video on the one handed backhand. Now I just have to work on turning my shoulders more. Thanks for the video!

[@caldwellkelley3084]

Watching explain the pronation and supination helped immensely. RacquetFlex is the best!

[@rosar6294]

love your passion for the game and technique!

[@drdickenbalz]

You're doing great work, love the explanations, keep it up :)

[@dimaonufriienko3645]

Thank you, guys for so many useful things

[@selfie-roth6952]

By far the most well explained instructional video regarding the mechanism of the one handed backhand, with great key points on how to develop ones technique too. Definitely a one of a kind tutorial, and the kind that most of us need. Subscribed and liked, thank you so much!!

[@hayatoyamato3347]

Whenever I encounter problems with my single-handed backhand or a coach says something that confuses me, i always come back to this video and keep finding clear answers and solutions!!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@pawaneyedoc]

Excellent coaching!

[@miltonturner5242]

Great technical information I will be trying it out tonight. I must remember to keep my racquet up with my off hand...Thank You

[@devinedude3690]

Love you Guru level. insightful teaching... don't you dare hold back your avalanche of great content fellas...

[@VOGTLANDOUTDOORS]

FOUND a LEFTY INSTRUCTOR - GLAD I CAME ACROSS YOU ! EXCELLENT understanding of mechanics & vocabulary - you just earned a subscriber :-) -Mark in North Aurora IL (USA)

[@mvmcali6900]

I appreciate all the technical terms for those of us that are a bit more academic.. this really helps

[@tyrone1544]

Great tutorial! Simple, clear, and concise.

[@ezragora8697]

Cant stop here praising your videos and lessons.

[@theripper37]

I'm a beginner and today I won a tournament thanks to your lesson! You're one of the best coaches there is to find!

[@JC-nx5pf]

Great video! Thanks!

[@antonioarellano9885]

Excelent explanation. Many thanks.

[@markdixon5509]

This is a great video, clear and to the point. I am having an inconsistent one hander lately and a lot I know have to do with movement as I am coming back from knee surgery. But a lot of the inconsistencies are probably caused by the things pointed out in this vid. Good vid, will recommend to others

[@aktoyo7334]

Great video, very useful for me 👏👏

[@skylaxx]

Great lesson and video, bro. Love your technique. Thank you. Cheers from a fellow one hander👍💪🎾

[@shrinivassab]

Can you please explain how to return a Serve, as a single handed back end player.

[@rlalpha5729]

Just watch fed

[@mitchaelhollingsworth1698]

Depends on how much time you have. If it is a slower serve, or you read it well, you may be able to take a fuller backswing and hit a topsin return deep. Your goal should be a high percentage shot not going for high risk high reward shots. If the serve has more pop, and you just have to react, you will need a shorter backswing and you just need to make as clean of contact as you can and block it back deep using the pace of the serve instead of generating your own and maybe adding in a little slice. Also if slicing you should have a continental grip on both the forehand and backhand side and that may be helpful if you have no time to adjust your grip and need to be ready for either side if you really can't read the serve and it has pace. Alternatively you could move further back.

[@uitkijkpost7403]

Never came across such beautiful lay-out of the SH-BH. Most appreciated. Immediately Sscribed

[@MrZener11]

love the way how u keep ur head stable while hitting

[@pieterbeckertenniscoaching5808]

Good job coach. Great info 🔥🔥✅

[@lucarondina3112]

In my experience non-hitting hand is key. When I want more top spin I "push" the racquet down with my non-hitting hand and then release guiding the racquet up with the hitting one; the wrist snap happens naturally. Great videos guys, keep up!

[@rcdash2008]

Excellent video, with interesting observation of forearm supination that should accompany shoulder external rotation. This will keep the strings pointed at the target for a wider contact range, in case timing is slightly off. Also no mention of the non-hitting hand, as Luca indicated, I think can help get into pronated position before contact to allow for natural spin with supination at contact. Is ulnar deviation needed after contact? Keeping the wrist firmly radially deviated should produce a more consistent shot and we don't have to worry about too early "release"?

[@billucf96]

one of the best one-handed vids I've seen

[@francescomancuso4960]

This is fantastic! Key video as most other videos focus on preparation etc only but the spin and power come from the acceleration through the ball and the wrist! I also like the explanation of them warwinka vs Almagro federer etc. Is there a course or a video on overall 1H backhand? It’s the most beautiful shot in tennis 🎾

[@MrRockrobstr]

Great explanation

[@mrgerontoecologist6046]

You are great. Thank youuu

[@jonathanboey5021]

Hey Dayday and Daytri, I was a one-hander that had to resort to the two-hander simply because of returning serves :( Could we please have a video where you guys cover this? It would literally make the difference between being able to use a one-hander that I'm comfortable with or a two-hander that I am forced to. Cheers :)

[@RacquetFlex]

Thanks for the video suggestion Jonathan. We'll definitely make video on the one-handed backhand return of serve. Stay tuned!

[@lancelotlink6545]

Ulnar deviation and forearm supination. Got it! I'll remember that when I get on the court.

[@videonaveia]

Marvelous !👏👏👏👏

[@paulatling8844]

Love it start with good ready position

[@jayp8798]

Thanks for the great tips and videos, will try this on our next recreation game with my friends … 👏👏👍👍🍺🍺

[@musicaangomera]

The best one handed backhand tutorial. No BS like many out there.

[@garyhilson7220]

Also, for me, a soft string that allows "pocketing" and dwell time help too. Too tight string is like hitting with a board and I just hit the ball into the ground.

[@shriramoka]

Superb. Pls also make a vid on returning high level serves with a 1h BkhD 🌟🎾

[@FredYang]

There are tones of information in this video, need to watch over and over to absorb the details. Really really good stuff.

[@NNStockbridge]

thanks bro🤩

[@soevjaanoemar2761]

Best advice

[@TuTran-vj6zt]

Very good

[@ayushvispute4204]

Hey guys! Love your videos! I just wanted to know if there was any chance you could do a 2 v 1 handed backhand comparison video and kind of tell us which is better.

[@libertadrespetoverdadequid720]

thanks

[@roberthaar]

The added movement of shoulder blade retraction is necessary for full release of the hitting arm into the follow through. It will allow the butt end of the racket to face the net, combined with shoulder external rotation and forearm supination.

[@aymanzein7]

Thanks Could you please make a separate presentation about Gustavo Kuerten's backhand ?

[@keivanmajd9447]

By paying only 9.99$ was great 😁. You’re absolutely the best in youtube.

[@francescomancuso4960]

Great video guys! 2 questions ...1] role of the non hitting hand in the racket drop and release and 2] RETURN OF FIRST SERVE IN SINGLES AND DOUBLES 🙏

[@RacquetFlex]

Thanks for watching the video Francesco. We'll keep your video recommendation in mind! - Dayday

[@bestdlddu]

You just saved my wrist 🤣 Thank you!

[@jeffbernales7067]

Love the vids guys! Where are you guys from?

[@ivanjo6478]

Thanks for giving such a great detail, I'm new to tennis and I'm switching from 2-handed to 1-handed. I prefer the feeling and the reach of the 1-handed but it hurts my wrist, is it normal? Or I made a mistake on the grip and swing?

[@justaguy2033]

Please do a video on hitting lobs. Forehand backhand topspin and slice. Most tennis videos use vague language. You guys go into detail about ever joint and it’s movement this have help me make big improvements. Please keep making videos!

[@RacquetFlex]

Thanks for the video suggestions and kind words. We'll add them to our list! - Dayday

[@rialzito]

Amazing video, all the videos I see about 1-handed backhand never talk about Guga, in my opinion the best backhand in the history of tennis

[@HerrJoehnke]

Nice video, thank you so much. I have a question. When you see the follow through from the front or the back, I do notice a difference in the racket position at the end of the swing. Talking about right handed players: I see backhands where the tip of the racket is directed to the left and some to the right. If you imagine the racket being one part of the letter "V", it is sometimes the left part of the V and sometimes the right part. Can you explain the difference? Is it all about the wrist action regarding to creating top spin? And when to use which?

[@Xenthorx]

Cool music !

[@connormacpherson4274]

hey mytennis hq!Tennis modern forehand (semi westen) Do most pros finish with the windshield wiper motion? What happens to the wrist and forearm during contact ? Does the forearm rotate?

[@sylvestervoigt9836]

The area that you call the Slot, what to do when the Ball deviates (Pebble or Kicker Serve) from where it's suppose to come into to your hitting zone?

[@JamesDavisakaRemguy]

I am stopping this video (@ 5:48) to leave my "gut reaction feedback" to your product placement for the Topspin Pro: These commercial segues are commonly awkward, forced, sometimes downright "ham-fisted" attempts at a sales presentation given by hapless and inexperienced tennis pros _painfully_ out of their element, but this was not at all the case demonstrated by you crafty and gifted fellows at RacketFlex. You guys are talented and capable somehow beyond-your-years and literally never cease to amaze me in terms of your rich, science-based content and the polished, professional-quality delivery I have come to expect from you. That was skillfully and beautifully handled, Gentlemen; not at all clumsy, amateur, or overbearing, as is the case with nearly _everybody_ else. I was a professional salesman, manager and presentation trainer in the capital (high-end) medical equipment market, so I like to think I know what I'm talking about. That was very, very well done, lads!

[@oscarmerveilleux2633]

hey could you do a video on how to consistently hit long unattackable ball anyway great vid

[@nishiokasselfproclaimedtwin]

Is it ok/safe to use extra ulnar deviation and supination to meet the ball further in front so I can hit a sharper angle? At contact, the strings will be pointing down. I find this method actually makes it easier to smack down the high balls than it is to use the two hander

[@thebigmonstaandy6644]

do you have simular video to 2handed backhand.i had namly pain in miy right wrist

[@deachakim3984]

한국어 자막😍😍😍 감사합니다!!! 다른 영상도 한국어 자막을 부탁드립니다.

[@racquetback]

Which string are you using and what tension? It looks like Hyper-G right?

[@cb3719]

Thanks Dayday! (Don't forget to pull back with that left hand to generate just a bit more snap and spin! Speaking from experience ;)

[@rafaelramon4076]

You mentioned Guga ❤

[@willfletch5871]

Genius

[@markmap4677]

I always have trouble extending the entire arm out through the ball leading to a bent, chicken arm effect. The process of building confidence ( making a lot of errors ) by trusting the entire arm extension is hard to overcome

[@ishvbhardwaj]

My height is 5 feet 7 inches , do you think it will be a correct choice as soon I am going to start playing ITF's , and I can hit a double hander too but lack power and in one handed backhand stability, so what do you suggest?

[@user-ik6vc8ix6i]

In this position, how to hold or grasp the racket properly?

[@frankfurter7260]

An online tennis instructor that can actually hit the ball with a good looking stroke. Rare.

[@twinwankel]

Thank you for this break down. I have good power on my one-hander and I attribute this mostly to weight transfer coupled with racket head speed. The backhand is very much like hitting a baseball. You have to step forward and shift your weight. When I want to hit flatter, I will just swing across my body and wait till the end to point my racket up. For more topspin, I swing up more, just like your video. The one-handed backhand is so much easier to develop racket speed and crush winners. I really don't understand why ppl struggle with this stoke. It's the most natural stroke. The forehand is so much more complicated and technical.

[@barisay7244]

1hbh is like guitar, or violin. It is very difficult to be very consistent with it. 2hbh is like piano.

[@douglashagan65]

That's what I've developed relaxing at rest and snapping it wears before I was tight and I never had that whipping action

[@akin1989]

One handed backhand gang? Where yal at! Ha! Cheers for the video gents

[@HankHell41]

Hell yeah

[@edhorstmann8668]

This was an outstanding lesson and gives me hope that I can hit the one handed backhand in a reliable and effective way. Very clear instruction... Thanks so much!!

[@vsaminat]

With my single handed backhand, I get the best results hitting with a stable base with both legs on the ground. But I see yours is more dynamic with your non dominant leg coming off the ground. Is this better for generating more power?

[@RacquetFlex]

Hey Vsaminat, it's great that you have developed the stable base with both of your legs. As you rotate your trunk in and swing harder, lifting the back leg behind your body and pulling your off arm back can help to counterbalance the increased force. Hope that helps!

[@vsaminat]

@@RacquetFlex that makes sense but I'm kinda hesitant to change things up since every time I hit a nice backhand, it is with my dominant leg crossed over the other one using trunk and hips to generate torque while keeping both legs on the ground. Whenever my backhand is less than optimal , it's mainly because my feet aren't set before attempting the shot. That being said you have an awesome channel. I really appreciate the objective breakdowns of the mechanics of each stroke featured in your videos as well as the superior production quality!

[@mymooneyman]

Hi Dayday and Daytri, Where in Long Beach do you teach privately?

[@RacquetFlex]

Hi mymooneyman! We host clinics around the world, but our main location is in Long Beach, California.

[@houseandlot4sale_OrlandoCudal]

You're advises helps me improved my backhand. Thanks to this video men

[@dj7oya]

Great video. Always wanted to have a at least decent one handed backhand because of Roger and Kuerten but I guess I always got some wrist angles wrong... By the way, Kuerten is pronounced like it were "keerten" here in Brazil.

[@RacquetFlex]

I've definitely been there - It can get difficult to analyze from different angles. Also, Thanks for letting me know! I am notorious for butchering the pronunciation of their names. 🤣

[@dj7oya]

@@RacquetFlex it's a weird name to be honest :)

[@KTennisNerd]

wow

[@douglashagan65]

Yeah I would agree that these people are able to make adjustments it's just adjustments and flexibility that make them the pro I'm not being static

[@douglashagan65]

So my lower half is just like yours and I'm I've got tremendous power I don't take the racket back as high as you do but

[@quadcondor8619]

I know this kid with an awesome 2 handed backhand. He started messing around hitting 1 and I asked him why ruin his best shot? He said I was watching you hit your 1 hander, it just looks cool. I had to agree, that's why we still hit it ..

[@vsaminat]

Fed's one handed backhand is one of, if not the most beautiful shot(s) in tennis!

[@Antigegner]

The best One-Handed Backhand video I have come across so far.

[@Perionian]

I tried to do a continent grip topspin backhand and I hit over a 6m wall and onto the roof lol

[@ADSO_21]

🙏🙏🙏

[@yakzivz1104]

Gasquet, Henin, and Wawrinka have the best 1hbh.

[@barisay7244]

The best 1hbh of all time is Gustavo Kuerten's. Look him up. Wawrinka is a close 2nd.

[@yakzivz1104]

@@barisay7244 okay I'm going to look this guy up then. Do you really think that he is better than Gasquet?? There are like over 20 videos on youtube showing Gasquet bh winners.

[@douglashagan65]

I see they're getting additional rotation

[@douglashagan65]

Yeah unlock

[@douglashagan65]

Yeah this is the slot so you want to have that rocket lower than the ball and this is where you hit 6 to 12 with a loose wrist

[@ared18t]

It feels like I'm flicking my wrist when I get the most power but I'm not. I watched myself in slow motion lol.

[@mogolfiero3311]

Is your handle a L4? This looks so ppphat

[@douglashagan65]

Yeah you don't want the side bending that has to stay firm it's the up 6 to 12 part that gets you the top