Scott Murphy One-Handed Backhand Preparation

Pat Rafter demonstrates how the ready hop starts his movement to hit the one-handed drive. "Backhand." The word itself strikes fear in the hearts of many tennis players. However, once you've selected the backhand that's right for you, like any other stroke, it's simply a matter of understanding its key aspects and then replicating them until the desired results are achieved. Let's start by examining the critical importance of preparation on the one-handed backhand drive, using some of the world's greatest pros like Patrick Rafter and Mark Philippoussis as examples. (We'll cover the slice and two handed backhands in subsequent articles). Prior to receiving a shot on your backhand side your eyes should be fixed on the ball coming off your opponent's racket. In addition, just before the ball is struck make a controlled ready hop to set your leg muscles for the move to the ball. The combination of these things will provide a quicker response and keep you from having to guess the direction your opponent will hit the ball. Two views of the first step with the left foot as demonsrated by Mark Phillippoussis One of the most common problems I see when new students come to...