Backhand
Also known as: backhand groundstroke, one-handed backhand
The backhand is a groundstroke hit on the non-dominant side of the body, played either with one hand or two, and can be struck flat, with topspin, or as a slice.
The backhand groundstroke requires the player to contact the ball on the non-dominant side. One-handed backhands typically rely on a full shoulder turn, an eastern backhand grip, and a long extension through the ball, producing elegant, compact topspin or clean flat drives. Two-handed backhands add the non-dominant hand on the grip, giving the player greater stability and disguise. The unit turn loads both hips and shoulders, and the swing uncoils through contact with a follow-through that finishes above the front shoulder. Many elite players mix a one-handed slice backhand with a two-handed topspin variant. The backhand side is traditionally the rally target when opponents probe for weaknesses.
Example
A player with a one-handed backhand who fails to rotate the shoulders fully often pokes at the ball with arm-only motion, producing a short, floaty reply.
Why it matters
Most recreational players have a weaker backhand than forehand. SwingVantage pinpoints whether the breakdown is in shoulder turn, swing path, or contact point so the fix is specific and fast.
Across sports
- Pickleball
- In pickleball the backhand is critical at the non-volley zone for dinking cross-court; grip pressure stays light.
- Padel
- Padel backhands are often defensive redirections off the side wall, requiring open-stance positioning.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — one-handed or two-handed backhand?
Two-handed backhands offer more stability and are easier to learn; one-handed backhands give greater reach and disguise. Neither is objectively better — choose based on your build and playing style.
Related terms
- Two-Handed BackhandA two-handed backhand places both hands on the grip, with the non-dominant hand providing additional stability, power, and disguise through contact.
- Unit TurnA unit turn is rotating the hips and shoulders together as one unit when preparing for a groundstroke, instead of just taking the racquet back with the arm.
- SliceIn tennis, a slice is a shot hit with backspin by swinging high-to-low through the ball, producing a low, skidding bounce. (This differs from a golf slice, which is a curving mishit.)
- Follow-ThroughThe follow-through is the path the racquet takes after contact. A complete finish confirms the swing was not decelerated before the ball was struck.
- Eastern GripThe eastern grip places the base knuckle of the index finger on the flat side bevel of the handle (bevel 3), allowing a flat or moderate-topspin forehand with a comfortable contact height.
- Kinetic ChainThe kinetic chain in tennis is the sequential transfer of force from the ground up through the legs, hips, torso, shoulder, arm, and racquet, each segment accelerating the next to multiply racquet-head speed.
- Crosscourt ShotA crosscourt shot travels diagonally across the net to the opposite side of the court, exploiting the longest available distance and the lowest part of the net.
- Down-the-Line ShotA down-the-line shot travels parallel to the nearest sideline, changing the direction of a crosscourt rally to create a sharper angle or exploit an open court.
Related guides & benchmarks
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