The One-Handed Backhand: Hand and Arm Rotation

Watch the racket face turn over and the difference in where it points.

In the previous articles we have covered a lot of territory in our understanding of the one-handed backhand, including the core elements of the stroke, the stances, and the differences between the classical and extreme styles. (Click Here.)

Now let’s move on to one final element. This is hand and arm rotation. The rotation of the hand, arm, and racket are critical in understanding the forehand, as we have seen. But they are also a basic, if less extreme factor, in the one-hander.

What do we mean by hand and arm rotation? We mean the internal rotation of the hitting arm from the shoulder, and also, the rotation of the forearm during the forward swing. The result is the clockwise rotation of the racket head during the contact.

The hand and arm and turn over as a unit with the racket facing the net.

When it comes to the forehand, the wide range and varying degrees of hand and arm rotation is one of the most complex and confusing elements to understand. (Click Here.)

This rotation is less extreme and harder to observe in the one-handed backhand….