Your Strokes: Andy Plunkett: 1-Handed Backhand

What’s good and what needs to be better?

This month we analyze the one-handed backhand of another early Tennisplayer.net subscriber, Andy Plunkett. Andy recently changed from two hands to one hand, and he reports that it feels much more natural to him, and I can see why. There are a lot of great elements here. Let’s break them down and compare them to what the top players in the world do.

Unlike the forehand, with so many extreme variations at the pro level, the one-handed backhand elements are fairly consistent from top player to top player. They are also relatively easy for players at all levels to model and incorporate into their own strokes. You may not win Wimbledon or hit startling short angle crosscourt passing shots, but in general, it is possible to like pretty much like Roger Federer.

The core elements of a great one-hander are relatively easy to develop.

So many strokes that I see have fundamental flaws right from the beginning of the motion, starting with the preparation. That’s not the case with Andy. He actually has a great unit turn. I particularly like the way he turns with very little independent arm motion. His turn…