The best way to maintain the "L" is to keep the fingertips together and touching, forming a relaxed fist, rather than extending the index finger along the handle, which tends to open up the angle of the racket/arm. It may also help to keep the thumb on the outside, like Kuerten, Sampras, Youzhny and Rochus do.
To find a nice video that shows this "Eastern Hammer" backhand grip, Youtube search "How To Do The One-Handed Backhand Grip."
Great vid, xstf! I refer to it a lot on the forums.
Christophe, do you know if Roger rolls his wrist inward at all during the take back while holding the L shape? Sometimes i feel like his (as well as my own) racquet face is a bit open through impact rather than shut. To maybe help explain what I'm saying, you would do the same on the forehand to close the face just a little so that the ball stays down rather than floating up if the racquet face is too open (pointing upward) through impact. Does this make sense and do you know if Fed does this?
@jebzino I think i know what you are talking about. If he rolls the wrist at all it is not during the backswing phase but more at contact to control the height and depth of the shot. During the backswing phase the wrist remains very neutral. One the other hand if you watch Gasquet's backhand he will open the face way open during the backswing but then close it during the forward phase of the stroke. I hope that made sense. Thanks for watching. Christophe.
@jaredsarinas It is setting the racquet in a position to create head speed, think of it like a pendulum or having gravity help out. Setting the racquet head low right away will only result in pushing the ball. Look how all forehands are hit, the head of the racquet is always up at the end of the backswing.Does that make sense?
Have to say: I picked up tennis about 4 years ago having never played any sports. I was having wrist soreness to the point I had to take a break from playing. After watching this video, I realized I wasn't using my non-hitting hand properly and that I was not keeping my wrist straight with my arm; I was pulling it "up" towards the top of my fore arm. I was also not keeping the "L". I have to keep working on fine tuning the stroke, but I'm already hitting better shots with no pain. THANK YOU!!!
@TheKaptanK You are so very welcome thank you for your positive comments, I am a teacher at heart so comments like that mean a lot to me. Keep watching and don't hesitate to ask me questions.
@xstf your video work pretty well for my backhand. I just have a great match with a young pro. My forehand saved me from losing while my routine killed my backhand. I guess i need more practice.
@TangoDownTennis Very good question, you need to firm up at contact but not to the extent that it will get in the way of getting racquet head speed. The tighter the grip the tighter the arm and shoulder will get. So firm but don't squeeze. I hope i made sense. Thanks for watching. don't hesitate to ask me more questions. Christophe.
I found this summer that swinging right through the ball, with chest puffed up at the end, really helps add power... just load up and whale away.. now I always expect a great shot. Friends say my form looks great; 'like Federer'
shape of swing and contact point is everything, no strong foundation or shape, strokes break down under pressure. he has a clean ready position which allows him to turn his shoulders easily into the ball. all hes doing is turning his shoulders on both sides stop over analyzing something so simple.
@guiradet .......And yes ladies and Gentlemen another intelligent response to one of my videos, how come i never thought of that, to tell my students to just do it, to do it naturally! Thanks for the message TROLL!
@guiradet you're really showing your ignorance here. Federer wasn't 'born with it' he worked hard to get this technique. He's hit hundres of thousands of backhands to get to where he is. He had a coach teaching him and honing his technique. He moved to another city and learnt another language to get this technique. It wasn't 'nautral' you hack. This analysis happens to be exactly what people need to improve their technique. 'Doing naturally' is the advice some ignorant no skill fake coach gives.
Yes it is just as important on the backhand but a little more difficult to master since the wrist has to stay very quiet, so yes racquet head speed and racquet lag go hand-in-hand. Thx for watching. Christophe.
@xstf thanks, i used to use the backhand like Rog used in 2001 2002, in my view, there was no "L". But this works pretty well, it's stable but i got a little problem with the speed.
@BlakkLining If you are lacking speed you might be hanging on to the "L" a little too long. So make sure you have the "L" at contact but then you can release the wrist a little and then get the "L" back by the end of the follow through. Hanging to the L too long might stop you from generating racquet head speed. Let me know if that made any sense. Christophe.
@xstf yes, i think that made perfect sense, but in order to do so, i think i have to develope my footwork and timing all together. 1 more question, should i lock my hand when hitting or just let it relax and follow through, and when should i lock my hand?
@BlakkLining The "L" begins at the beginning of the stroke, I don't like the word Lock bc that means tight/stiff and you must maintain the "L" without trying so hard. I takes time to get the feel for it, so keep your hand relax but still maintaining the "L". At first you might have to grip the racquet more but gradually learn to keep the L with a relax grip so you can release without getting sloppy. It's not easy at first but you will get it!
Yes it is just as important on the backhand but a little more difficult to master since the wrist has to stay very quiet, so yes racquet head speed and racquet lag go hand-in-hand. Thx for watching. Christophe.
I know that Federer (and many other pros) "lag the racquet head" behind the hitting hand on the Forehand, and the racquet head catches up before contact -- this generates more power.
@ravi48819 Lagging on forehand and/or backhand requires really good timing. Even FEd doesn't always lag.. usual they save that for their most powerful shots (of course you can fake a guy if you slow down your swing but add lag haha).
@jhgb89 Training the wrong technique doesn't lead to a good backhand. Funny how ALL professionals have the same vital points of a technique. Is it coincedence? Or was it because they were taught? Talent only gets you halfway there.
@purgatory13z Thanks. The biomecanics argument cant be valid: The exact same motion results in different racquet face angles at contact by adjusting the grip. The 2nd point is partially valid: Racquet face angle does counter incoming ball angle but since the racquet is heavier than the ball, a small face inclination counters a big incoming ball angle making this a secondary consideration. Really, racquet inclination counters the upward ball "tossing" that is a byproduct of a low to high swing.
@TennisAnnalyst Second, after the ball checks up on the surface, much of its translational speed has turned into rotational speed, and it will bounce upward off the string bed. It would be essentially to have a closed racket face to be able to swing horizontally without the ball flying out. In fact, it might be what allows a player to swing horizontally and generate spin. If the ball rotates into the racket, the elasticity in the strings will cause the ball to spin off in the opposite direction.
Hey guys, I've always had a double-handed backhand, still it's never been quite as good as my forehand .. So, I decided to switch to a single handed one! I feel it gives me much more control, even though the power in my backhand decreased (which is normal 'cause now I use "new" muscles). But my dad who is also my coach says it's not a good idea to change your backhand at the age of 17. What do you think ?
@RasArth Well it won't be easy but Pete Sampras switched from a two handed backhand to a one handed backhand at the age of 16. Go with what feels comfortable. you don't need to be stronger to hit a one handed backhand you just need to get the proper rhythm and tempo. Good luck. C.
@TennisAnnalyst Thanks I am aware of this great blog. In my opinion there is a correlation without a causal relationship: I believe athletes close the racket face not in order to produce spin but to counter the ball elevation that is the byproduct of high to low movement. It is a best guess, I do not have numeric data, but it should be true. I intuitively feel that that raquet face angle tends to auto correct itself to produce horizontal shots, I´ll see if I can prove this when I have time.
@antonarap I think that the racket face is closed before contact to help with biomechanics of the stroke, but if the racket face is closed at contact, there are two reasons for it. One would be that if you hit the ball on the rise, the are vector of the racket face is more or less normal to the reflection angle, and it essentially needs to be tilted so that the ball would bounce off almost horizontally.
The problem with this backhand here is that u need to contact the ball at the beginning of rise against good top spin players, then drive it to put pressure on them. Which is a difficult skill lol. These players will attack your backhand when they see u play one handed. Roger has yet to do it too, for us it even harder.
@TennisAnnalyst Thanks. I actually changed my mind to the opposite direction: After my last comment I made a small study of the physics involved. The only reason I found for a closed face to cause topspin is a small rotation caused during the ball compression at contact. No idea how important this rotation may be. Besides that, the closed face is useful to counter the upwards movement of the ball when hit on the rise, and the one caused by the existing topspin at contact.
@TennisAnnalyst In pool, topspin is created by contacting the ball above its center. In tennis you vary the contact point vertically by opening or closing the racket face at contact. On the other hand, the reason why swinging upwards results to spin is that, since tennis balls are soft, contact isn´t instant: At contact, the ball deforms, gets trapped between racket strings and starts spinning. Both mechanics are valid, and I think they complement each other in more than one way.
In this video Roger is applying topspin on the ball...is it necessary to have the 90degree arm in the start if you want a regular single handed backhand without topspin??
@5ammy13 The most important time to have it is at contact. Now you do need it at 90 degrees to hit a flat backhand but you do not need it for a slice backhand, watch my backhand slice video when you get a chance.
In this video Roger is applying topspin on the ball...is it necessary to have the 90 deree L if you want a regular single handed backhand without topspin??
i have struggled with this shot, as I have progressed with my tennis skills. your video is very helpful. My problem is all the wrist as I make contact i dont know how to position it.. help?
@conorgrace1 You need to have the racquet and your arm at a 90 degree angle at contact. I called it the "L". Let me know if you need more help. Christophe.
Hey i can get the initial "L" and the swing through but my finishing is off i think because my one handers go over and stay in but they lack power and they somewhat float then fall?? HELP??
@CoLLaTxHorizonz You need to work more on the rhythm and tempo of the stroke for power the "L" is important but the rhythm and tempo of the stroke is very important. Let me know if you need more help.
Thank You. I have been trying to improve my response time and it seems to have worked out well. Another problem I always get into is while I play on the Clay courts. Sometimes the ball takes an unusual hight and spin that becomes quite difficult for me to position well wrt the ball and I screw up..
@butube2001 That means that you are making contact too late. You have to make contact earlier just across from your leading foot. Let me know if you are still having problems.
u have help me alot at my last game ;) i think it's important to say that u should let ur left hand behind (5:07) i've didn't care about it before, but now .... :)
in some video you can see that Federer#s shoulders are paralle to the net now i working on it.
Superb analysis Christophe. Have come back to this video time and again as I try and get it right. Had coaching on it today and it's definitely a frustrating shot to get right; so many elements to think about, but agree about the tempo of the shot being key. Once you get the shoulder turn, the heel to toe transfer etc and power into the ball it does start to happen!
BTW by far the most insightful coaching vids I've come across. Keep 'em coming mate.
@heymilhere Thank you so much for your positive comments. Let me know if i can help your game. You can always send me a video of your backhand for me to take a closer look. Christophe.
Another thing about the 'L' on forehand/backhand... my grip is stronger and doesn't slip on off-center shots. Also natural topspin occurs since the upright position of the racquet produces a natural loop and therefore automatic topspin. Each ball is higher over the net... very few balls if any hit the net now. Confidence level rises and I can now miss a few days, or even weeks, and still hit well right away.
Good vid, xstf, and nice voice over... but a touch too long maybe
@ARTZY64 Thanks for the compliment i am glad i was able to help you. That was actually my first you tube video so i did talk too much but i do try now to keep my videos shorter but i always get excited and ramble on!!!!
@xstf Yep, keep it simple. I'm a writer and graphic designer... 'less is more' in communications.
I already knew about the 'L' thing by the way, but only since earlier this year, after I sent a vid of me to Brent Abel. I slowly (I only hit about 10 times this year) integrated the concept into my stroke patterns. I wish I had learned that decades ago, I would have been a lot more confident in match play
i realy have to thanks this guy for explanation of backhand becouse it was perfect, and thanks to you my backhand is better for 500 %. I am not beginner, i am playing tennis for 5 years ocasionly, but this L thing was THAT ONE thing was so missing to my game and to improve my playin.
I HAD COACH WHEN I STARTED TO PLAY AND THIS THINGS U SAID HERE IN 6 MINS WERE 10000000 TIMES MORE HELPFUL THEN ALL HE WAS TELLING ME FOR 3 MONTHS AND GOD KNOWS HOW MANY MISSED SHOTS !
hi Christophe (xstf) - this is probably the best tennis instruction video I've ever seen, and I've seen lots. Fantastic footage and coaching. Keep these great videos coming!
i sometimes shank the ball way out crosscourt sometimes b/c i open my shoulders too fast (i think)
i never did that b4 i started copying federer
fed opens his shoulders but stays on his side just long enough (i guess)
this was a setup backhand (i.e. not much running) - id also like to c a vid on fed hitting a topspin bh on a full-blooded run - his footwork changes depending on the shot but it's always perfect for the shot he wants to hit
The eastern Backhand gripis the normal backhand grip used by most pro and advanced amateurs. The palm of your hand should be behind your grip while the base knuckle of your index finger should set between bevel #2 & #3. To hit a topspin backhand with a eastern forehand grip is almost impossible. Let me know if i can help you.
@xstf Correct me if I'm wrong but an eastern backhand has the knuckle of your index finger on the first bevel (top bevel). Bevels start at the top and end at the bottom if you're using your index knuckle as a guide.
This analysis is one of the best I've ever seen. I would love to see a similar one on the slice backhand. Please please please can you do one. Your understanding of tennis technique is very impressive! Well done!
i dont know why but i cant do a One handed backhand i dont get it even after watching like 1000 instructional video i tried it a lot of time :( sorry for my bad english btw
The best way to maintain the "L" is to keep the fingertips together and touching, forming a relaxed fist, rather than extending the index finger along the handle, which tends to open up the angle of the racket/arm. It may also help to keep the thumb on the outside, like Kuerten, Sampras, Youzhny and Rochus do.
To find a nice video that shows this "Eastern Hammer" backhand grip, Youtube search "How To Do The One-Handed Backhand Grip."
Great vid, xstf! I refer to it a lot on the forums.
BevelDevil 1 week ago
Christophe, do you know if Roger rolls his wrist inward at all during the take back while holding the L shape? Sometimes i feel like his (as well as my own) racquet face is a bit open through impact rather than shut. To maybe help explain what I'm saying, you would do the same on the forehand to close the face just a little so that the ball stays down rather than floating up if the racquet face is too open (pointing upward) through impact. Does this make sense and do you know if Fed does this?
jebzino 2 weeks ago
@jebzino I think i know what you are talking about. If he rolls the wrist at all it is not during the backswing phase but more at contact to control the height and depth of the shot. During the backswing phase the wrist remains very neutral. One the other hand if you watch Gasquet's backhand he will open the face way open during the backswing but then close it during the forward phase of the stroke. I hope that made sense. Thanks for watching. Christophe.
xstf 1 week ago
This is a topspin backhand?
sumnayin 1 month ago
@sumnayin Yes it is...and a great one too...
xstf 1 month ago
What is the relevance of bringing the racquet as high as his head on the takeback if he only drops it before beginning the stroke?
jaredsarinas 1 month ago
@jaredsarinas It is setting the racquet in a position to create head speed, think of it like a pendulum or having gravity help out. Setting the racquet head low right away will only result in pushing the ball. Look how all forehands are hit, the head of the racquet is always up at the end of the backswing.Does that make sense?
xstf 1 month ago
Comment removed
JillAnderson 1 month ago
@JillAnderson Yes they do! Thanks for watching. Christophe.
xstf 1 month ago
Have to say: I picked up tennis about 4 years ago having never played any sports. I was having wrist soreness to the point I had to take a break from playing. After watching this video, I realized I wasn't using my non-hitting hand properly and that I was not keeping my wrist straight with my arm; I was pulling it "up" towards the top of my fore arm. I was also not keeping the "L". I have to keep working on fine tuning the stroke, but I'm already hitting better shots with no pain. THANK YOU!!!
TheKaptanK 2 months ago
@TheKaptanK You are so very welcome thank you for your positive comments, I am a teacher at heart so comments like that mean a lot to me. Keep watching and don't hesitate to ask me questions.
xstf 2 months ago
@xstf your video work pretty well for my backhand. I just have a great match with a young pro. My forehand saved me from losing while my routine killed my backhand. I guess i need more practice.
BlakkLining 1 month ago in playlist technic
@xstf When he contacts the ball does the wrist have to be loose or tightened? Because I hear for the shot to be excecuted it needs to be tightened.
TangoDownTennis 2 months ago
@TangoDownTennis Very good question, you need to firm up at contact but not to the extent that it will get in the way of getting racquet head speed. The tighter the grip the tighter the arm and shoulder will get. So firm but don't squeeze. I hope i made sense. Thanks for watching. don't hesitate to ask me more questions. Christophe.
xstf 2 months ago
this really helps
tricks511 4 months ago
@tricks511 You are very welcome let me know if you need help. C.
xstf 4 months ago
I found this summer that swinging right through the ball, with chest puffed up at the end, really helps add power... just load up and whale away.. now I always expect a great shot. Friends say my form looks great; 'like Federer'
ARTZY64 4 months ago
shape of swing and contact point is everything, no strong foundation or shape, strokes break down under pressure. he has a clean ready position which allows him to turn his shoulders easily into the ball. all hes doing is turning his shoulders on both sides stop over analyzing something so simple.
federerownz 5 months ago
Comment removed
guiradet 5 months ago
@guiradet .......And yes ladies and Gentlemen another intelligent response to one of my videos, how come i never thought of that, to tell my students to just do it, to do it naturally! Thanks for the message TROLL!
xstf 5 months ago 5
@guiradet you're really showing your ignorance here. Federer wasn't 'born with it' he worked hard to get this technique. He's hit hundres of thousands of backhands to get to where he is. He had a coach teaching him and honing his technique. He moved to another city and learnt another language to get this technique. It wasn't 'nautral' you hack. This analysis happens to be exactly what people need to improve their technique. 'Doing naturally' is the advice some ignorant no skill fake coach gives.
sultanabran1 4 months ago
@sultanabran1 Well said my friend well said ! Christophe.
xstf 4 months ago
@sultanabran1 very ignorant comment.
2ndintelligentWorld 4 months ago
@guiradet No, he's 100% right. I'm learning the 'L' thing, which is the biggest change from old-school tennis
ARTZY64 4 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@guiradet very ignorant comment.
2ndintelligentWorld 4 months ago
@guiradet what are you born with a dick for a head....
itsmeprasad1987 3 months ago
Yes it is just as important on the backhand but a little more difficult to master since the wrist has to stay very quiet, so yes racquet head speed and racquet lag go hand-in-hand. Thx for watching. Christophe.
xstf 5 months ago
@xstf i love your video, i was just wondering, which grip does roger use? thanks.
BlakkLining 2 months ago in playlist The One Handed Topspin Backhand
@BlakkLining Eastern backhand grip. Thank you for watching!. Christophe.
xstf 2 months ago
@xstf thanks, i used to use the backhand like Rog used in 2001 2002, in my view, there was no "L". But this works pretty well, it's stable but i got a little problem with the speed.
BlakkLining 2 months ago
@BlakkLining If you are lacking speed you might be hanging on to the "L" a little too long. So make sure you have the "L" at contact but then you can release the wrist a little and then get the "L" back by the end of the follow through. Hanging to the L too long might stop you from generating racquet head speed. Let me know if that made any sense. Christophe.
xstf 2 months ago
@xstf yes, i think that made perfect sense, but in order to do so, i think i have to develope my footwork and timing all together. 1 more question, should i lock my hand when hitting or just let it relax and follow through, and when should i lock my hand?
BlakkLining 2 months ago
@BlakkLining The "L" begins at the beginning of the stroke, I don't like the word Lock bc that means tight/stiff and you must maintain the "L" without trying so hard. I takes time to get the feel for it, so keep your hand relax but still maintaining the "L". At first you might have to grip the racquet more but gradually learn to keep the L with a relax grip so you can release without getting sloppy. It's not easy at first but you will get it!
xstf 2 months ago
Yes it is just as important on the backhand but a little more difficult to master since the wrist has to stay very quiet, so yes racquet head speed and racquet lag go hand-in-hand. Thx for watching. Christophe.
xstf 5 months ago
I know that Federer (and many other pros) "lag the racquet head" behind the hitting hand on the Forehand, and the racquet head catches up before contact -- this generates more power.
Does this also apply to the Backhand as well?
It seems like he might be lagging at 05:18?
Is it important to lag the racquet head on the backhand to generate more power?
ravi48819 5 months ago
@ravi48819 Lagging on forehand and/or backhand requires really good timing. Even FEd doesn't always lag.. usual they save that for their most powerful shots (of course you can fake a guy if you slow down your swing but add lag haha).
I've seen 'racquet lag' called 'inertial lag'
ARTZY64 4 months ago
THE SECRET IS TALENT! AND LOTS OF TRAINING.
..
jhgb89 5 months ago
@jhgb89 Well just in case you might not have either this video points out how and why he does the things he does!
Thanks for watching!
xstf 5 months ago
@jhgb89 Training the wrong technique doesn't lead to a good backhand. Funny how ALL professionals have the same vital points of a technique. Is it coincedence? Or was it because they were taught? Talent only gets you halfway there.
sultanabran1 4 months ago
wawwwwwwwwwww
bana11211 6 months ago
who is narrating this Swarzenegger?
23viktor23 6 months ago
@purgatory13z Thanks. The biomecanics argument cant be valid: The exact same motion results in different racquet face angles at contact by adjusting the grip. The 2nd point is partially valid: Racquet face angle does counter incoming ball angle but since the racquet is heavier than the ball, a small face inclination counters a big incoming ball angle making this a secondary consideration. Really, racquet inclination counters the upward ball "tossing" that is a byproduct of a low to high swing.
antonarap 7 months ago
@TennisAnnalyst Second, after the ball checks up on the surface, much of its translational speed has turned into rotational speed, and it will bounce upward off the string bed. It would be essentially to have a closed racket face to be able to swing horizontally without the ball flying out. In fact, it might be what allows a player to swing horizontally and generate spin. If the ball rotates into the racket, the elasticity in the strings will cause the ball to spin off in the opposite direction.
purgatory13z 7 months ago
Thank you so much ! i hope u will be my coach one day..
milsum88 7 months ago
Hey guys, I've always had a double-handed backhand, still it's never been quite as good as my forehand .. So, I decided to switch to a single handed one! I feel it gives me much more control, even though the power in my backhand decreased (which is normal 'cause now I use "new" muscles). But my dad who is also my coach says it's not a good idea to change your backhand at the age of 17. What do you think ?
RasArth 8 months ago
@RasArth Well it won't be easy but Pete Sampras switched from a two handed backhand to a one handed backhand at the age of 16. Go with what feels comfortable. you don't need to be stronger to hit a one handed backhand you just need to get the proper rhythm and tempo. Good luck. C.
xstf 7 months ago
@RasArth i switched it too and i'm 20...now it goes much better!!
raquagghia91 5 months ago
@TennisAnnalyst Thanks I am aware of this great blog. In my opinion there is a correlation without a causal relationship: I believe athletes close the racket face not in order to produce spin but to counter the ball elevation that is the byproduct of high to low movement. It is a best guess, I do not have numeric data, but it should be true. I intuitively feel that that raquet face angle tends to auto correct itself to produce horizontal shots, I´ll see if I can prove this when I have time.
antonarap 8 months ago
@antonarap I think that the racket face is closed before contact to help with biomechanics of the stroke, but if the racket face is closed at contact, there are two reasons for it. One would be that if you hit the ball on the rise, the are vector of the racket face is more or less normal to the reflection angle, and it essentially needs to be tilted so that the ball would bounce off almost horizontally.
purgatory13z 7 months ago
this is the best tennis tutorial video i've ever seen! thanks so much!
joejohn1423 8 months ago
@joejohn1423 Thank you so much for your compliments . Christophe
xstf 7 months ago
The problem with this backhand here is that u need to contact the ball at the beginning of rise against good top spin players, then drive it to put pressure on them. Which is a difficult skill lol. These players will attack your backhand when they see u play one handed. Roger has yet to do it too, for us it even harder.
randykarmakum 8 months ago
@TennisAnnalyst Thanks. I actually changed my mind to the opposite direction: After my last comment I made a small study of the physics involved. The only reason I found for a closed face to cause topspin is a small rotation caused during the ball compression at contact. No idea how important this rotation may be. Besides that, the closed face is useful to counter the upwards movement of the ball when hit on the rise, and the one caused by the existing topspin at contact.
antonarap 8 months ago
Comment removed
antonarap 8 months ago
@TennisAnnalyst In pool, topspin is created by contacting the ball above its center. In tennis you vary the contact point vertically by opening or closing the racket face at contact. On the other hand, the reason why swinging upwards results to spin is that, since tennis balls are soft, contact isn´t instant: At contact, the ball deforms, gets trapped between racket strings and starts spinning. Both mechanics are valid, and I think they complement each other in more than one way.
antonarap 8 months ago
Roger federer what a leg I wish I had his backhand
blanguiney154 8 months ago
damnit why can't i do that?
bhallic24 9 months ago
@bhallic24 why can't we all! Thanks for watching! Christophe.
xstf 9 months ago
How do you create topspin when contact is made at 90 degrees? Do I brush up on the ball as I make contact at 90 degrees?
rfadal 10 months ago
In this video Roger is applying topspin on the ball...is it necessary to have the 90degree arm in the start if you want a regular single handed backhand without topspin??
5ammy13 10 months ago
@5ammy13 The most important time to have it is at contact. Now you do need it at 90 degrees to hit a flat backhand but you do not need it for a slice backhand, watch my backhand slice video when you get a chance.
xstf 10 months ago
In this video Roger is applying topspin on the ball...is it necessary to have the 90 deree L if you want a regular single handed backhand without topspin??
5ammy13 10 months ago
i have struggled with this shot, as I have progressed with my tennis skills. your video is very helpful. My problem is all the wrist as I make contact i dont know how to position it.. help?
conorgrace1 10 months ago
@conorgrace1 You need to have the racquet and your arm at a 90 degree angle at contact. I called it the "L". Let me know if you need more help. Christophe.
xstf 10 months ago
Hey i can get the initial "L" and the swing through but my finishing is off i think because my one handers go over and stay in but they lack power and they somewhat float then fall?? HELP??
CoLLaTxHorizonz 11 months ago
@CoLLaTxHorizonz You need to work more on the rhythm and tempo of the stroke for power the "L" is important but the rhythm and tempo of the stroke is very important. Let me know if you need more help.
xstf 10 months ago
right there
jinnyiskewl 1 year ago
@jinnyiskewl I know i can't stand it either i did not realize it until someone else pointed it out. I do it too often i have to work on it!!!!
xstf 11 months ago
Thank You. I have been trying to improve my response time and it seems to have worked out well. Another problem I always get into is while I play on the Clay courts. Sometimes the ball takes an unusual hight and spin that becomes quite difficult for me to position well wrt the ball and I screw up..
butube2001 1 year ago
While I am tring to focus on the "L" throughout, my shots are getting sliced or too far into otherside.
butube2001 1 year ago
@butube2001 That means that you are making contact too late. You have to make contact earlier just across from your leading foot. Let me know if you are still having problems.
xstf 1 year ago
While I am tring to focus on the "L" throughout, my shots are getting sliced or too far into otherside.
butube2001 1 year ago
u have help me alot at my last game ;) i think it's important to say that u should let ur left hand behind (5:07) i've didn't care about it before, but now .... :)
in some video you can see that Federer#s shoulders are paralle to the net now i working on it.
greetings from Germany ;)
vnPride75 1 year ago
@vnPride75 I thank you for your compliments Glad i was able to help. Happy New Year. Christophe.
xstf 1 year ago
as a beginner, this is very good
wind1357 1 year ago
@wind1357 Thank you.
xstf 1 year ago
3:00
JHONATTANSAMA 1 year ago
3:00
JHONATTANSAMA 1 year ago
Superb analysis Christophe. Have come back to this video time and again as I try and get it right. Had coaching on it today and it's definitely a frustrating shot to get right; so many elements to think about, but agree about the tempo of the shot being key. Once you get the shoulder turn, the heel to toe transfer etc and power into the ball it does start to happen!
BTW by far the most insightful coaching vids I've come across. Keep 'em coming mate.
heymilhere 1 year ago
@heymilhere Thank you so much for your positive comments. Let me know if i can help your game. You can always send me a video of your backhand for me to take a closer look. Christophe.
xstf 1 year ago
Another thing about the 'L' on forehand/backhand... my grip is stronger and doesn't slip on off-center shots. Also natural topspin occurs since the upright position of the racquet produces a natural loop and therefore automatic topspin. Each ball is higher over the net... very few balls if any hit the net now. Confidence level rises and I can now miss a few days, or even weeks, and still hit well right away.
Good vid, xstf, and nice voice over... but a touch too long maybe
ARTZY64 1 year ago
@ARTZY64 Thanks for the compliment i am glad i was able to help you. That was actually my first you tube video so i did talk too much but i do try now to keep my videos shorter but i always get excited and ramble on!!!!
xstf 1 year ago
@xstf Yep, keep it simple. I'm a writer and graphic designer... 'less is more' in communications.
I already knew about the 'L' thing by the way, but only since earlier this year, after I sent a vid of me to Brent Abel. I slowly (I only hit about 10 times this year) integrated the concept into my stroke patterns. I wish I had learned that decades ago, I would have been a lot more confident in match play
ARTZY64 1 year ago
Same thing for forehand, the 'L'... learned that this year... helped immensely
ARTZY64 1 year ago
'i call this the power position'. i'm sure you do. got a name for everything eh!?
warrenvazquez 1 year ago
one hand backhand is the most difficult and beautiful shot of the tennis!!!!
lrts2006 1 year ago
What a BEAUT!
IllIIllIIIlIIIlI 1 year ago
realy RIGHT THERE?
ronipu 1 year ago
thaks
cheboludo0 1 year ago
peRFect, 100% peRFect
WasAnonymous 1 year ago
i realy have to thanks this guy for explanation of backhand becouse it was perfect, and thanks to you my backhand is better for 500 %. I am not beginner, i am playing tennis for 5 years ocasionly, but this L thing was THAT ONE thing was so missing to my game and to improve my playin.
I HAD COACH WHEN I STARTED TO PLAY AND THIS THINGS U SAID HERE IN 6 MINS WERE 10000000 TIMES MORE HELPFUL THEN ALL HE WAS TELLING ME FOR 3 MONTHS AND GOD KNOWS HOW MANY MISSED SHOTS !
THX AGAIN MAN. CHEERS !
TheJosko987 1 year ago
Tens of thousands of hours to get it perfect like that every time
hattrickster33 1 year ago
hi Christophe (xstf) - this is probably the best tennis instruction video I've ever seen, and I've seen lots. Fantastic footage and coaching. Keep these great videos coming!
Fitness4London 1 year ago
was this a crosscourt or down-the-line bh?
i sometimes shank the ball way out crosscourt sometimes b/c i open my shoulders too fast (i think)
i never did that b4 i started copying federer
fed opens his shoulders but stays on his side just long enough (i guess)
this was a setup backhand (i.e. not much running) - id also like to c a vid on fed hitting a topspin bh on a full-blooded run - his footwork changes depending on the shot but it's always perfect for the shot he wants to hit
mephatboi 2 years ago
Good analysis. Another point to mention is that you have to get under the ball to create the topspin, so mantain the angle but get under the ball!
jcaa1978 2 years ago
he outlines the head of the racquet @3:22 and says to get under the ball
mephatboi 2 years ago
I want a comparison with Kuerten´s backhand and some 2 handers !
ulizinho 2 years ago
what grip does Federer use for his topspin backhand and which one for the slice?
ulizinho 2 years ago
He uses an eastern forehand grip for the topspin backhand and a continental grip for the slice backhand. Nothing fancy really but he is the master!
xstf 2 years ago
dont you think that it is rather a western forehand grip? Eastern would be very extreme.
ulizinho 2 years ago
Sorry i meant to write eastern backhand grip on his topspin backhand.....too many hrs on the court teaching i guess!!!
xstf 2 years ago
what is eastern backhand like?
I tried doing it and felt very uncomfortable for me
The eastern forehand grip is what I'm using now.
BobYoMeowMeow 2 years ago
The eastern Backhand gripis the normal backhand grip used by most pro and advanced amateurs. The palm of your hand should be behind your grip while the base knuckle of your index finger should set between bevel #2 & #3. To hit a topspin backhand with a eastern forehand grip is almost impossible. Let me know if i can help you.
xstf 2 years ago
@xstf actually isnt the base knuckle of index finger on bevel one. i think you may have been thinking of bevel 3 for eastern forehand.
mcortezzzzzzz 1 year ago
@xstf he's right
syncroneyes 1 year ago
@xstf Correct me if I'm wrong but an eastern backhand has the knuckle of your index finger on the first bevel (top bevel). Bevels start at the top and end at the bottom if you're using your index knuckle as a guide.
tamdoankc 1 year ago
Correct me if I'm wrong but an eastern backhand has the knuckle of your index finger on the first bevel (top bevel).
tamdoankc 1 year ago
all of your analysis are fantastic!!!thanks
jogertennis 2 years ago
I see.
So it's like a golf club
BobYoMeowMeow 2 years ago
Perfection.
Great video.
laughingcrows 2 years ago
I'm so glad I found your videos...simple and easy to comprehend 5/5 stars
LINKZELDA41 2 years ago
whoa, great analysis.
davengoctran 2 years ago
This analysis is one of the best I've ever seen. I would love to see a similar one on the slice backhand. Please please please can you do one. Your understanding of tennis technique is very impressive! Well done!
40734447 2 years ago
I just uploaded the backhand slice video analysis. Enjoy let me know what you think. C.
xstf 2 years ago
@xstf
There is an other Key point he forgot to point which makes a world of difference between Roger Federer and every amateurs and even many pros.
Look at how his head is clam and how he focus on the contact point... He looks at the contact point for so long and this enables him to be balanced.
The head has a high weight/volume ratio and can throw you off balance through such a swing. It makes mph's of difference and it keeps the ball inside.
GueorguiJoukov 2 years ago
Great work; thank you for sharing.
rangerbas 2 years ago
Great work man, appreciate the effort you went to to make this
Chambalameth 2 years ago
RIGHT THERE!!
dgrf102 2 years ago
Thanks for posting this
Glorgig 2 years ago
Dude nice work...this will be lots of fun to work on tomorrow! Keep it up!
678ken 2 years ago
i dont know why but i cant do a One handed backhand i dont get it even after watching like 1000 instructional video i tried it a lot of time :( sorry for my bad english btw
Tennis4Life003569 2 years ago
@Tennis4Life003569 swing with a shoulder turn, don't force it but use the momentum
1080portal 2 years ago
have you tried having a coach
mitroveca 2 years ago
that is one mean backhand
1080portal 2 years ago
Great video. Thanks
c0ztanza 2 years ago
Cool i did not know he held on to tje racket that long with his left hand... Thanks
ebertnroeper 2 years ago
In modern tennis the best one handed topspin backhands are of Wawrinka, Federer, Haas,Gasquet and Kohlschreiber
MatteHbk87 2 years ago 2
totally agree that and federer is better just because the use of slice and superb forehand
hungsiuming 2 years ago
Laver,Ashe,Llendl and Federer I think has had the best one handed topspin backhand in tennis.
robinho1979 2 years ago