The single-handed backhand is a beautiful shot when played correctly but when performed poorly without knowledge of its key components, it is extremely ugly. It is important to understand the key aspects of the shot and then replicate them until the desired result is achieved.

Many players avoid the backhand side like the plague; if the technique is poor the shot becomes unreliable, it is difficult to force a good shot on that side. Most players don’t have a proper understanding of the fundamentals.

Let’s begin with the preparation. It is crucial that you watch the ball coming off your opponent’s racket closely and move into position using a split-step to set your body ready to move towards the ball. Utilising both of these things will enable you to react quickly without having to guess direction of your opponent’s ball.

A common mistake for amateur players is aligning the feet in an incorrect way, this applies to all shots but is particularly so for the single handed backhand. The first move a player should make is a step with the left foot (for a right-hander, right foot for a leftie) and load this left leg with your weight prior to stepping in.

When in the loaded position you should be in an almost open stance position, this is crucial in order to make a smooth continuous step into the ball to make your shot. It is irrelevant how far you move towards the ball, you must transfer your weight adequately with a forward momentum.

The step should be made with the front foot pointing somewhere between 45 and 90 degrees toward the net so that your hips are free. Many players make this adjustment instinctively without thinking, if you do this then great – if not don’t worry, it will come with practice.

Another key that is particularly important for the single hander is to make a complete turn. To ensure you do this be aware that you are fully turned when your hitting shoulder is tucked under your chin. When in this position you must keep your eyes on the ball and your head as level as possible. Roughly half of your back will now be facing your opponent enabling you to swing effortlessly and powerfully.

Be aware of your grip. It is important to make sure you have an eastern backhand grip rather than the often favoured continental or chopper grip that many club players have. The continental/chopper simply doesn’t allow for enough support of the wrist resulting in a wristy shot. To steady the racket and add balance ensure that the non-hitting arm stays on the racket all the way through the take-back, removing it only a split second before the follow through.

It is advisable to keep the stroke as simple as possible. Many of the pros use a small ‘loop’ take-back but this requires great timing. It is wise to take the racket straight back keeping the elbow straight for players of a lower level, as the shot improves one can make changes to incorporate some ‘pro’ techniques.

Every single handed player, pro or otherwise, strikes the ball with a straight arm so minimizing elbow bend on the backswing is no bad idea. One final suggestion would be to take the arm back close to the body to help with linear motion on the forward swing.

So there is the preparation for the single handed backhand drive, the hard part is done. I will follow this up with a slightly shorter article tomorrow explaining the follow through and finish.