A one-handed backhand can make a tennis player look effortless—until a heavy, high-bouncing ball lands near the baseline. The stroke offers reach, variety and a beautiful ability to redirect pace, but it also asks for precise footwork and timing. Watching the players who use it well reveals both why it remains so admired and what it takes to make it work.
What makes a one-handed backhand distinctive?
On a one-handed topspin backhand, the player swings with one hand on the racket at contact. The non-hitting hand helps guide the racket during the preparation, then releases as the player turns and swings. That is different from a two-handed backhand, where both hands stay on the racket through the shot.
The extra reach can help a player stretch wide, take the ball early or shape a graceful slice. A one-hander can also disguise a change of pace: the same preparation may lead to a topspin drive, a floating slice or a short drop shot. But the hitting arm has to manage the racket largely on its own. Against a high, heavy ball, that can make it harder to control the contact point and drive the ball back with depth.
Grip and technique vary from player to player. Many use a continental grip or a nearby variation, but there is no single setup that suits everyone. The common demands are a good shoulder turn, room to swing, contact out in front and stable movement into the shot.
Well-known one-handed backhand players
The stroke has belonged to champions with very different games. Some use it to attack; others build points around touch, spin or a reliable slice. A few useful examples are:
- Roger Federer: The retired Swiss great could drive the ball early, take it on the rise and change direction with little apparent effort. His backhand was also a key part of his slice defense and approach play.
- Stan Wawrinka: Known for one of the most powerful backhands of his generation, Wawrinka could turn a neutral rally into an attack with a full, heavy swing. His success showed that a one-hander can be a major baseline weapon, not merely a touch shot.
- Grigor Dimitrov: Dimitrov’s backhand blends topspin, slice and changes of height. His movement and timing help him use the stroke in both open-court exchanges and defensive situations.
- Stefanos Tsitsipas: The Greek player uses his backhand to redirect pace and create angles, though opponents have often tested it with high balls to that side. His game illustrates how a strong forehand and serve can help balance a backhand that is more vulnerable in certain patterns.
- Lorenzo Musetti: Musetti’s backhand is a natural fit for his creative style. He mixes topspin with slice and touch, often using changes of pace to pull an opponent out of position.
- Denis Shapovalov: The left-hander is another example of a player who can strike aggressively off one side, especially when he has time to take a forward swing. His shot can produce sharp angles as well as pace.
On the women’s tour, one-handed backhands are much less common. Diane Parry and Viktorija Golubic are among the players associated with the stroke. Looking back, Justine Henin and Carla Suárez Navarro showed how effective it could be at the highest level: Henin combined it with bold, early ball-striking, while Suárez Navarro was especially skilled at using slice and placement to construct points.
Strengths and trade-offs
It is tempting to describe the one-hander as either elegant but outdated or naturally superior for attacking. Neither is true. It has clear advantages, but they come with demands that shape a player’s tactics.
| Feature | What it can offer | What the player must manage |
|---|---|---|
| Reach | Useful extension on wide balls and more room to stretch for a defensive shot. | Contact still needs to be well spaced; reaching without balance can leave a short reply. |
| Variety | Natural changes between topspin, slice and touch shots. | Different ball heights and spins require sound judgment and preparation. |
| Attack | Can redirect pace and drive through the court when the player gets set. | A long swing or late contact can be exposed by fast, deep shots. |
| High balls | Some players take them early or use slice to keep the bounce low. | Heavy topspin above shoulder height can be difficult to attack consistently. |
The high-ball challenge is especially visible on clay, where topspin can kick up sharply. Players may respond by moving back to let the ball drop, stepping in to take it early, or using a slice to change the rally’s height and pace. Each choice has a cost: retreating gives up court position, while taking the ball early demands sharp timing. Good one-handed players do not solve every ball with the same swing. They choose the response that best fits their position and the opponent’s next shot.
How the best one-handers build a point
A powerful backhand helps, but point construction matters just as much. Federer often used his serve and forehand to open the court, then relied on timing and placement to keep opponents from repeatedly attacking his backhand. Wawrinka could use his backhand to take control of a rally once he had enough time to set his feet. These are different patterns, but both underline a useful principle: the shot works best as part of a complete game plan.
Players also use the slice strategically. A low, skidding slice can make an opponent lift the ball, buying time to recover or setting up a forehand. It can interrupt the rhythm of a hard topspin rally. On the other hand, a short or floating slice gives a strong opponent an easy attack. The goal is not to slice simply because the ball is awkward; it is to use the change of pace with purpose.
For recreational players, court position matters too. If a high ball arrives and the contact point is cramped, trying to copy a professional’s full-speed drive is often a low-percentage choice. Moving back, taking the ball earlier, or using a controlled slice may be more practical. The best option depends on balance, time and skill—not on which shot looks most impressive.
Should a beginner learn a one-handed backhand?
There is no rule that every beginner should choose one style. A two-handed backhand often feels more stable for new players, particularly when receiving fast balls or handling high bounce. A one-hander may suit someone who values reach, already has a comfortable slice, or enjoys using one hand on the racket. Age, strength, coordination and coaching support all matter.
If you want to try it, focus on simple foundations before adding power:
- Turn early. Rotate the shoulders as soon as you recognize the ball is coming to your backhand side.
- Give yourself space. Adjust your feet so the ball is not jammed against your body.
- Meet the ball in front. Late contact is a common source of weak, uncontrolled shots.
- Finish in balance. A controlled swing you can repeat is more useful than a hard swing that pulls you off court.
- Practice the slice separately. It is a valuable shot, but it should not become a substitute for learning a topspin backhand if that is your goal.
A coach can help check grip, contact point and swing path before a small timing issue becomes a habit. If the stroke causes persistent pain, stop and seek qualified coaching or medical advice rather than trying to play through it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a one-handed backhand harder to learn?
It can be less forgiving at first because one arm controls the racket at contact. But difficulty is individual. A good coach can help you test both styles and choose the one that feels more natural and dependable.
Who has the best one-handed backhand?
There is no objective answer. Federer is admired for timing and variety, Wawrinka for power, and Henin for taking the ball early and changing direction. The best choice depends on whether you value offense, control, defense or all-court skill.
Why do opponents hit high balls to a one-hander?
A high, heavy bounce can push the contact point above a comfortable hitting zone and make it harder to drive the ball forward. Skilled players counter by changing position, taking the ball early or using slice rather than repeating an uncomfortable swing.
Can a one-handed backhand be used for defense?
Yes. Players use it to stretch for wide balls, block pace, and defend with slice. It is not automatically a defensive stroke; the result depends on balance, footwork, preparation and the shot selected.
Final Thoughts
One-handed backhand players bring a distinctive mix of reach, touch and attacking potential to the court. The stroke can be vulnerable when timing or positioning breaks down, particularly against high, heavy topspin, but it can also produce sharp drives, clever slices and sudden changes of direction. For players considering it, the most useful test is not whether it looks elegant on television. It is whether, with sound coaching and practice, it becomes a reliable shot you can use under pressure.
