One Hand Backhand Swing Volley

Federer and Wawrinka - two players who first popularized the one hand backhand swing volley. The one-handed backhand is still alive on the pro tour and at all levels of recreational play. While I believe in the technical supremacy of the modern two-handed backhand, the one hander remains a beautiful, graceful, and flowing shot that captures attention. It's still viable in the modern high speed game. The one-handed backhand swing volley is a “rara avis," or a rare bird, indeed. While legends like Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka have popularized the shot to some extent—and make it look easy--all the great one-handed backhand players on the pro tour have the ability to rip the ball out of the air. Federer uses the one hand backswing swing volley as a counterattack and passing shot. In this article, I will explore some variations that I see on tour with this singular shot and highlight the key technical and tactical aspects that I teach to my students. My goal is to help parents, coaches and players understand the nuances and help players add the swing volley to their arsenal. Federer, Tsitsipas, Wawrinka, Shapovalov, etc. You name the single-handed player. They are all willing...