This is definitely my favorite tennis instruction channel. I've used so many of her tips in my lessons. My students are improving so well now. Thanks Meike.
Hands down, one of the best videos on the one-handed backhand. Practical tips, each tip right to the point. Most importantly, everyone can see that Meike can hit the backhand. Great job.
After hitting a one-handed backhand for the last 50 years, I saw tips in this video that were helpful. Thank you for all your great videos. I consider your online instruction the best among all that's out there.
Hola Maike porque para el reves de una mano es mas natural una cabeza de aro ovalada wilson o head , que el aro rectangular isometric de yonex ? Gracias
I watched this video a while back. Because of this video, I had a metamorphosis. Today I was able to identify my backhand grip! Wow, what a difference! I was told to keep my fingers together. I have never been able to hit a consistent BH with a lot of tops spin. Keeping the index finger up and separated, with the knuckle on top, gives me control of the racquet for last moment corrections and a longer path through the ball. Easy topspin. I'm excited.
As someone who plays with a semi-western/almost western forhand grip I found that I need a little more of a semi-western backhand grip so suit my style of hitting a bit higher launch angle and really letting my arm swing full speed. Now I find I trust my one hander alot more because im spinning the ball alot more, I still have trouble when going for pace (I tend to hit logn when flattening out) but I have confidence to swing out.
great video for us one-handers, thanks! just to doublecheck: you proclaim the spreading of the index finger for more stability? some online coaches here proclaim the opposite so I´m a little bit confused and vary my grip. Maybe you can elaborate. Greetings from Germany ;)
@@MeikeBabelTennis verstehe, danke! One more thing on the one-hander: many coaches tell to keep the non-hitting hand long on the throat of the racket, literally until right before contact. Is that for guidance purpose and to help us to hit the ball further in front of us because if the non hitting hand left the racket head earlier the hitting hand could even start accelerating earlier without caring for the hitting hand? Gruß!
I see many many videos about one handed backhand --- this video is the best of them, perfect act, perfect sound, perfect English language .... thanks Meike
If a standard backhand grip is Eastern, and a standard forehand grip is Eastern, how do you get the racket turned when switching from forehand to backhand? Not a lot of time between shots if the balls are hit hard. Does the off hand turn the racket as you are turning the other way for a backhand?
The off hand either holds the racket and the grip hand turns or the off hand turns the racket. Personal preference. To be honest, I don't even pay attention to what I do because i've done it a million times.
I'll make a whole other video about that :-))) It was just one coaching cue one of my coaches used when I was little and somehow it stuck with me because it works.
I personnaly use a semi western grip for my one hander, great to generate top spin and deal with high balls 😉, you still need a strong shoulder though. As always good video Meike !
For high balls on the one hand backhand, a 3rd option is to slice it. I do the first 2 options you're showing, but a good defensive shot is a slice. RF does it beautifully.
6:00 Ball lands deep and bounces high to the backhand. I encountered a similar ball. I was playing a 3.5/4.0 lady who hit loopy shots with heavy topspin. Landing deep and high to my bh. Except that the ball bounced much higher than the shot at 6:00. I am 6 feet tall and I ran back near the fence and I even *jumped* and I still barely got a racquet on it. Sad, but true. ☹ I therefore conclude that for such opponents who hit very heavy topspin that bounces really high, the only solution is to hug the baseline and take it on the rise. Not easy, but I dont see any other choice... Also need to figure out how a short 3.5 lady hits with such topspin and bounces it over a 6 foot guy's head. I can't hit with half of the topspin she does. But if she can do it I should be able to do it. 🤔 The good news is that most of my 3.5 level opponents cannot hit high bouncing topspin like that and even the few that do will not be able to hit two in a row, and push me back to the fence consistently.
Yep that is a killer shot to deal with and if your opponent is good at it they can wreck you. And yes almost half-volleying it is the answer - extremely tough shot though on an incoming missile like that.
@@spooky1304 It is not really a missile. Moderate pace. It is quite a loopy shot that lands deep and then bounces really high and drives me to the back fence.
@@Better_Call_Raul Yeah thats what I call a missile - comes in from high up. On one of the courts where I play the back fence is only about 6 feet behind the baseline so its impossible to get behind the ball - it hits the fence before it starts to drop much. You HAVE to take it early on the rise. That court was built back in the 60s when the game was actually played IN the court rather than 20 feet behind :)
@@spooky1304 Maybe Meike can show the technique of how to hit a loopy ball that lands near the baseline and bounces high and drives opponent to the back fence.🤔
Probably close to 90% of the ATP 100 are two-handers but there are still some great one-handers:Fed, Shapo, Tsitsipas, Stan, etc. But on the WTA there don't seem to be many one-handers? Who are the good WTA one-handers?... Where is the Steffi Graf of today? 🤔
Justine Henin and Amelie Mauresmo had amazing one hander. I was enjoying watching them play as much as men's tennis. Francesca Sciavone has won Roland Garros in 2010, but nowaday in women's tennis the one hander is dead 😢
The two-hander simply is just easier to learn for little kids. They can be a lot more successful quicker and that's why we teach the two hander. Not necessarily with developing pro players in mind but just to have the kids be able to hit balls and stay in the sport. It's unfortunate that a lot of coaches support buys if they want to hit one handers but actively discourage girls. I actually had a two-hander but then wanted to copy a player in our club who had a one hander and my dad helped me big time with the transition.
I hit one-handed, and we're I feel I am at disadvantage is the high balls. If you watch Danielle Collins, her cross court 2HBH can handle balls in her strike zone and high balls, where I think many 1HBH need to slice unless your Shapo and can jump.
@@wongjefx980 I am not convinced that one-handers are at a particular disadvantage with high balls. IMO, this is overblown and applies to the elite levels. The vast majority of rec players are at 4.5 or below and these players should do well with high balls. Especially considering that pro tennis was played for 100 years with nearly all one-handers.
I think once the technicals of the swing mechanics are mastered, the most difficult part to implement during live play/rallies is the footwork and timing. The 1HBH always needs an extra step due to requiring a closed stance. Also taking the ball on the rise might be more challenging but at the same time you can get away with a shortened backswing because you are dealing with a much faster ball and you can borrow that pace your opponent is providing as well as taking time away from your opponent.
I just discovered your video… there are tons of videos regarding the one hand backhand and I am convinced that yours is by far the most helpful to me. Thanks so much for providing such clear instructions.
Excellent explanation. All fundamental tips, especially for high shots and how to go back, I often solve them with a slice, but it is very risky, especially in doubles, where the opponents take the net.
I have very good technique on my one-hand backhand but no matter what I'm struggling to generate power. Also, I feel I'm always late particularly when the ball comes deep and fast. I lost a bit of hope now and I'm thinking of switching to a double-hand backhand after 49 years of trying... On the bright side, having to save all those balls, I end up with a great slice!
The more videos I watch of yours, the more I have come to appreciate Mariaan De Swardt's talent. Because footwork wasn't really her strength, yet her game was fantastic. Also, I need to lose lots of weight if I ever want to play singles again... Doubles made me lazy 😂
I almost went crazy sorting out this shot. I was self taught decades ago and when I recently started getting lessons I had to forget my old technique and over write it with the new one. I was OK inside the court but on deep shots I just couldn't do it - I kept running onto the ball and getting jammed instead of moving back down the court as well as across. A simple fix - just keep space as you move - simple right..? Nope - couldn't do it. Had a 2 month nightmare. It got so bad that self hand-feeding my backhand to rally I once shanked it 5 times in a row into the net. I promise I nearly cried on court - literally nearly cried. How did I get out of it..? Ball machine helped. Coach hand feeding. I tried double-hander and that improved my single hander hand-eye. I also tried just holding my left arm out straight/rigid and catching the ball - that helped with getting used to leaving space. I also did some weights to strengthen those top muscles on my forearm. Part of the problem was I'm cross dominant so right handed but left eye my main eye. This is known to give b/h problems in tennis. All this stemmed from adding top spin - slicing it or flat I was much better. Four months later I can now usually ping a single handed b/h off with a decent amount of topspin from anywhere in court - moderate pace and with depth. I still have bad days though - a couple of weeks back I shanked 4 b/h self feeds in a row into the net while doing warm up rallying. However instead of melting down I just batted the next one forehand and just carried on. The last point is also something I had to learn: an unforced error isn't the end of the universe so just try to carry on. When you start to pay attention you really notice how many unforced errors the pros make too. At Wimbledon this year Djokovic's 1st serve was like 49% in one match. He didn't melt down he's just trained himself to forget the last ball and whack the next one.
Hi Meike! Ich denke mal, dass du deutsch sprichst, darum schreib ich mal absichtlich nicht in englisch 🙂 Danke für all deine Vids zur Single Backhand. Das ist immer noch meine absolute Baustelle und deine Vids haben es besser auf den Punkt gebracht als alle bisherigen Vids. Ich sehe nun endlich, dass sich meine Single Backhand drastisch verbessert hat. Besonders wegen einem Punkt: Ich hatte schon immer einen Eeastern-Grip, aber immer in einem 'Hammer'-Style. Der Typ mit der Diagonalen zu unteren Handfläche, sodass ich mehr Handfläche auf dem Griff habe (und diesen gespreizten Zeigefinger), das war mein HOLY GRAIL!!! Danke Dir. Mach weiter solche Vids zur Single Backhand.
Natuerlich kann ich noch Deutsch :-) Das freut mich sehr, das zu hoeren. Es ist immer schoen, wenn so ein kleiner Tip einen grossen Unterschied macht. Viele Gruesse aus Denver!
Thank you so much for this video. Ive recently switched from double handed backhand to one handed back hand because of injuries. Been struggling with this backhand. Im glad im getting these tips
Sehr schön erklärt und veranschaulicht mit dem neuen Ezone 98 (den spiele ich auch seit ein paar Wochen). Vielen Dank Meike! Und: Du hast eine sehr schöne Rückhand :)
Dankeschoen! Ich bin super zufrieden und happy mit meinem ezone. Ich muss immer vorsichtig sein mit meinem Arm/ Schulter und habe absolut keine Probleme mit Yonex.
@meikebabeltennis Do you have any tips for right handers that are left eye dominant? Finding timing is affected because I'm catching the ball late. I know that a simple solution is just to turn my head a bit more to bring the left eye in play. But just wondering your thoughts?
@@MeikeBabelTennis thank you for the quick response! I love love these videos. You have a great way of teaching. Can't wait to put these to the test on court. For now, just visualizing and shadow swinging. Thanks for a great video!
A thousand videos on TH-cam on how to "fix your ohbh"........ but I think I'm staying with Meike 😉.Ok mine doesn't need that much fixing, but it's close enough to Meike's in technique to know how to pick my coach.
great backhand theory its eye-opening for people using one hand backhand i am too one hand backhand but when i play matches power doesnt comes . how this can be rectified? please please teach something about it. really waiting for you video
Revisiting this video after I kept seeing a specific problem on my backhand (aside from timing which is the biggest problem). The ball bounces to the right of the opponent. So slice is being applied. But not in the manner you suggest. You have the raquest imparting left to right spin by dropping the head and moving it in a circular path. But mine comes from the opposite, the racquet head is rotating above the hitting hand, not below, and this is because my thumb, as you describe it, is indeed heading towards the hitchhiker position, but it is doing it TOO EARLY. So I have now found that I have to move the hitting hand more straight forward while in the hitting zone, before starting to rotate the head up and around toward the right. In fact I don't have to rotate it at all. After the raquet gets forward enough it automatically turns my shoulder over. If I can concentrate on this, the ball bounces straight and it appears the energy wasted on sidespin is then used on pace and topspin. I am suspecting this is a common problem, somewhat exacerbated by instructions that do not adequately emphasize hitting through the ball on a straight line. This seems to relate to the fifth problem you discuss. I don't think I am turning the upper body too much, but when I concentrate on hitting straight through the ball, I notice that there is slightly less upper body turn (until later) and the spin imparted is only in topspin direction.
Hi Meike, when should I decide to hit a top-spin one handed backhand or a slice? Should I be changing my grip off my opponent’s ball contact and my unit turn?
Meike, Do you know if it´s true that the bigger the grip size the better for the one handed backhand? Weird question I know, but I´ve found different opinions on internet. By the way, your one hander is beautiful, so freaking fluid, love it.
I hit one-handed backhand. How should I deal with low incoming balls on my backhand side. It seems, during a rally, I can't get on the spot quick and early enough and the only thing I can do is a slice. 2 handers seem to be able, even if a bit late, to lift the ball with the use of the non-dominant hand.
To hit a high ball hard, coil under the path, then lead with your elbow and then with the butt of the racket in an upward spiral swing, extending to a straight arm as you meet the ball. Delay the snap as long as you can. Not much carry in the swing unless you leap through it like Shap, but you can get a hard impact. The racket face will actually point upwards as it approaches the contact point. Keep the face pointing at target, try not to pull off on follow through.
Meike, I’ve watched many videos on the one hand back hand on TH-cam and this video is easily one of the best; your instructions are easy to remember and clear, your form is perfect, and is easy to imitate. I’m going to send this video to any of my friends who have one hand backhand issues. Thank you!
Fantastic video Meike! I have two questions for you: 1. When I hit the one-hander sometimes I notice when the ball bounce on the other side of the court, from time to time, the ball would deviate very slightly to the right on the bounce. I've noticed this happen on the pro tour (although probably more rare). Is this indicative of a possible problem e.g. not generating the correct top spin or hitting the ball slightly off? One undesired but positive effect I have noticed is that it jams my opponent's forehand (slightly). 2. Another common problem I have - when there's uneven bounce on the court is that I set up for the backhand but the ball either bounces lower than I expect, or the ball comes up short, and then I find myself scrambling to reach and hit the one-hander, I find it very difficult to do last minute adjustments for this type of situation, especially when I've already turned and in the takeback position, and my weight is on the front foot (right foot). Do you have any tips for this type of situation?
I've seen almost every tennis channel on TH-cam (at least I think so ;-) ), but your content is superb! The main reasons to me are, that you're obviously an active player who's still competing. Also you wotk with all sorty of skill levels and ages of players. Everything you say, I can relate to. Thank you very much.
Coach Meike, I love all of your great videos on the 1HBH. Your concise instruction is really easy to watch and very valuable. I recently started practicing the 2HBH due to some wrist and elbow issues. I'm able to hit a solid 2HBH when hitting off the ball machine or in match warm-up, but it still feels restrictive and not natural for me. I've been hitting a 1HBH for 35+ years. During a match, I go back to old-faithful (the 1HBH). I've been reading a lot about switching from a 1HBH to a 2HBH and most advice is NOT to switch. On the other hand, there are some people out there that have switched and are glad they did. I'm wondering if I should just keep trying to groove a 2HBH or better to focus on improving my 1HBH. Could you give me your thoughts on this ? Thanks so much and keep up the excellent content!!
If you have restrictions that won't allow you to hit a 1HBH anymore then a 2hander is always an option. However, maybe there are some technical issues with the 1HBH that caused the wrist/ elbow issues and if those were addressed and you're pain free I'd stick with what you've done for 35 years. If I were to change by backhand now to a 2HBH it would never feel as natural as the one hander
@@MeikeBabelTennis Thanks for the advice. I think you are right, there are some technical issues that I need to shore-up first before committing to a 2HBH. One of them is proper preparation and hitting the ball out front. You're spot-on in this video about being fickle, loosing confidence, and shanking some balls.
i prefer to watch you hitting the ball one handed backhand than the most pro player in the world like djoko, nadal, Medvedev.. I still prefer the old style like federer, wawrinka, gasguet etc
Thank you Coach Babel!!! Great teaching and coaching! always enjoy your videos! Top-shelf 🙏 some of the online coaches I watch are fun, they are good of course 😉 but I don't really learn much with your videos I'm like "ok I have to seriously listen!! this is the real deal " it's like in school and you had that one really hard class! Haha 😂 Thanks appreciate you 👍
Thank you so much. You're right on every single one of these. Been through all these (and then some), and some still come back today at times after many years.~
Hi, terrific video. Can you just expand a bit on why you're not a fan of the hammer grip? I've actually switched to it and found it gave my backhand a seriously solid feel and allowed me more flexibility in striking high balls, low balls, etc. Now if I can just get my footwork under control I'd be happy; too often I just run too close to the ball, crowd myself, and can't get a full swing, exctly as you mentioned in this video. Cheers and great work here!
Watch this video next! The Ultimate One Handed Backhand Tutorial:
th-cam.com/video/7rV_EkrLy0U/w-d-xo.html
This is definitely my favorite tennis instruction channel. I've used so many of her tips in my lessons. My students are improving so well now. Thanks Meike.
I love all the popular youtube coaches, and this channel definitely stands out. Amazing job!
Hands down, one of the best videos on the one-handed backhand. Practical tips, each tip right to the point. Most importantly, everyone can see that Meike can hit the backhand. Great job.
Thank you so much!
I agree…great stuff
Agree!
No question 👍
After hitting a one-handed backhand for the last 50 years, I saw tips in this video that were helpful. Thank you for all your great videos. I consider your online instruction the best among all that's out there.
Thank you! I appreciate your support!
I feel the same way.
Hola Maike porque para el reves de una mano es mas natural una cabeza de aro ovalada wilson o head , que el aro rectangular isometric de yonex ? Gracias
Thanks for the one handed BH tips…my ball tends to fly out a bit long and can be loopy so these will help correct - thinking contact point off🧐
I watched this video a while back. Because of this video, I had a metamorphosis. Today I was able to identify my backhand grip! Wow, what a difference! I was told to keep my fingers together. I have never been able to hit a consistent BH with a lot of tops spin. Keeping the index finger up and separated, with the knuckle on top, gives me control of the racquet for last moment corrections and a longer path through the ball. Easy topspin. I'm excited.
That’s awesome to hear!
As someone who plays with a semi-western/almost western forhand grip I found that I need a little more of a semi-western backhand grip so suit my style of hitting a bit higher launch angle and really letting my arm swing full speed. Now I find I trust my one hander alot more because im spinning the ball alot more, I still have trouble when going for pace (I tend to hit logn when flattening out) but I have confidence to swing out.
Semi western is def great for lots of topspin!
I do the side swipe on purpose! ahahaha
great video for us one-handers, thanks! just to doublecheck: you proclaim the spreading of the index finger for more stability? some online coaches here proclaim the opposite so I´m a little bit confused and vary my grip. Maybe you can elaborate. Greetings from Germany ;)
You simply have more "hand" on the grip. You don't see any great one handers with that hammer grip. Aber es kann auch nur Geschmacksache sein :-)
@@MeikeBabelTennis verstehe, danke!
One more thing on the one-hander: many coaches tell to keep the non-hitting hand long on the throat of the racket, literally until right before contact. Is that for guidance purpose and to help us to hit the ball further in front of us because if the non hitting hand left the racket head earlier the hitting hand could even start accelerating earlier without caring for the hitting hand? Gruß!
You make it look simple but it's quite hard when you've formed bad habits for years.
Oh I know all about that. My backhand was always my best shot, my forehand was more the shot where I had to do a lot of work
Keep it up!
I see many many videos about one handed backhand --- this video is the best of them, perfect act, perfect sound, perfect English language .... thanks Meike
You're very welcome! Feel free to share my video :-)
If a standard backhand grip is Eastern, and a standard forehand grip is Eastern, how do you get the racket turned when switching from forehand to backhand? Not a lot of time between shots if the balls are hit hard. Does the off hand turn the racket as you are turning the other way for a backhand?
The off hand either holds the racket and the grip hand turns or the off hand turns the racket. Personal preference. To be honest, I don't even pay attention to what I do because i've done it a million times.
This is great, but on another topic I need to learn more about how and why I should be elbowing people in the bar! :-o
I'll make a whole other video about that :-))) It was just one coaching cue one of my coaches used when I was little and somehow it stuck with me because it works.
Great tips (as always😁🎾)! Thanks much for the post.
You're welcome!
I personnaly use a semi western grip for my one hander, great to generate top spin and deal with high balls 😉, you still need a strong shoulder though.
As always good video Meike !
I tried that at some point and just couldn't control it :-)
Good.. I like
For high balls on the one hand backhand, a 3rd option is to slice it. I do the first 2 options you're showing, but a good defensive shot is a slice. RF does it beautifully.
6:00 Ball lands deep and bounces high to the backhand. I encountered a similar ball. I was playing a 3.5/4.0 lady who hit loopy shots with heavy topspin. Landing deep and high to my bh. Except that the ball bounced much higher than the shot at 6:00. I am 6 feet tall and I ran back near the fence and I even *jumped* and I still barely got a racquet on it. Sad, but true. ☹ I therefore conclude that for such opponents who hit very heavy topspin that bounces really high, the only solution is to hug the baseline and take it on the rise. Not easy, but I dont see any other choice... Also need to figure out how a short 3.5 lady hits with such topspin and bounces it over a 6 foot guy's head. I can't hit with half of the topspin she does. But if she can do it I should be able to do it. 🤔 The good news is that most of my 3.5 level opponents cannot hit high bouncing topspin like that and even the few that do will not be able to hit two in a row, and push me back to the fence consistently.
Yep that is a killer shot to deal with and if your opponent is good at it they can wreck you. And yes almost half-volleying it is the answer - extremely tough shot though on an incoming missile like that.
@@spooky1304 It is not really a missile. Moderate pace. It is quite a loopy shot that lands deep and then bounces really high and drives me to the back fence.
@@Better_Call_Raul Yeah thats what I call a missile - comes in from high up. On one of the courts where I play the back fence is only about 6 feet behind the baseline so its impossible to get behind the ball - it hits the fence before it starts to drop much. You HAVE to take it early on the rise. That court was built back in the 60s when the game was actually played IN the court rather than 20 feet behind :)
@@spooky1304 Maybe Meike can show the technique of how to hit a loopy ball that lands near the baseline and bounces high and drives opponent to the back fence.🤔
@@Better_Call_Raul 4:34
Probably close to 90% of the ATP 100 are two-handers but there are still some great one-handers:Fed, Shapo, Tsitsipas, Stan, etc. But on the WTA there don't seem to be many one-handers? Who are the good WTA one-handers?... Where is the Steffi Graf of today? 🤔
Justine Henin and Amelie Mauresmo had amazing one hander. I was enjoying watching them play as much as men's tennis. Francesca Sciavone has won Roland Garros in 2010, but nowaday in women's tennis the one hander is dead 😢
Three women in the current WTA top 100 with a one-handed BH-Dianne Parry, Tatiana Maria, and Viktoria Golubic.
The two-hander simply is just easier to learn for little kids. They can be a lot more successful quicker and that's why we teach the two hander. Not necessarily with developing pro players in mind but just to have the kids be able to hit balls and stay in the sport. It's unfortunate that a lot of coaches support buys if they want to hit one handers but actively discourage girls. I actually had a two-hander but then wanted to copy a player in our club who had a one hander and my dad helped me big time with the transition.
I hit one-handed, and we're I feel I am at disadvantage is the high balls. If you watch Danielle Collins, her cross court 2HBH can handle balls in her strike zone and high balls, where I think many 1HBH need to slice unless your Shapo and can jump.
@@wongjefx980 I am not convinced that one-handers are at a particular disadvantage with high balls. IMO, this is overblown and applies to the elite levels. The vast majority of rec players are at 4.5 or below and these players should do well with high balls. Especially considering that pro tennis was played for 100 years with nearly all one-handers.
Wow brill- Love to take a few lessons from you
Are you here in Denver? Email me at meike@meikebabel.com and we'll set some up
I think once the technicals of the swing mechanics are mastered, the most difficult part to implement during live play/rallies is the footwork and timing. The 1HBH always needs an extra step due to requiring a closed stance. Also taking the ball on the rise might be more challenging but at the same time you can get away with a shortened backswing because you are dealing with a much faster ball and you can borrow that pace your opponent is providing as well as taking time away from your opponent.
Yes, good points
I just discovered your video… there are tons of videos regarding the one hand backhand and I am convinced that yours is by far the most helpful to me. Thanks so much for providing such clear instructions.
Haha you nailed all my issues with my 1hander 😂😅
Great video!
Glad I got them all :)
Thank you for this video!!
You are so welcome!
Trying to teach wife one-handed backhand, your video just made my life a lot easier. Thank you!
Hi Meike!!...I just wanted to say that you are the best!!!...Thanks for all your amazing work!!!
Thank you and you're very welcome!
you're so good, are you a former pro?
Yup, top 30 wta
@@MeikeBabelTennis woww, EPIC
Great instruction😊 Thanks
Thank you
Excellent explanation. All fundamental tips, especially for high shots and how to go back, I often solve them with a slice, but it is very risky, especially in doubles, where the opponents take the net.
Thank you!
I have very good technique on my one-hand backhand but no matter what I'm struggling to generate power. Also, I feel I'm always late particularly when the ball comes deep and fast. I lost a bit of hope now and I'm thinking of switching to a double-hand backhand after 49 years of trying... On the bright side, having to save all those balls, I end up with a great slice!
The power comes from loading the legs correctly but yes, two-handers have an advantage for sure. Also with the fast balls because it's easier to block
Awesome video for us one handers. 7:45 helped me from opening up too soon. Thanks!!!
Glad it helped!
The more videos I watch of yours, the more I have come to appreciate Mariaan De Swardt's talent. Because footwork wasn't really her strength, yet her game was fantastic.
Also, I need to lose lots of weight if I ever want to play singles again... Doubles made me lazy 😂
Mariaan had so much touch and was such a smart players. And a great person!
Отл! Thanks!
¡Excelente, gracias!, ¡Hermoso revés!
Con gusto!
Is the hammer-grip just bad? I find it more powerfull then the eastern backhand grip
I find I'm losing control with the hammer grip. But it could be very individual.
Thank you, it was very helpful.
You're welcome!
@@MeikeBabelTennis thanks
Excellent video, my back topspin is going long, just long.
Glad it helped
I almost went crazy sorting out this shot. I was self taught decades ago and when I recently started getting lessons I had to forget my old technique and over write it with the new one. I was OK inside the court but on deep shots I just couldn't do it - I kept running onto the ball and getting jammed instead of moving back down the court as well as across. A simple fix - just keep space as you move - simple right..? Nope - couldn't do it. Had a 2 month nightmare. It got so bad that self hand-feeding my backhand to rally I once shanked it 5 times in a row into the net. I promise I nearly cried on court - literally nearly cried.
How did I get out of it..? Ball machine helped. Coach hand feeding. I tried double-hander and that improved my single hander hand-eye. I also tried just holding my left arm out straight/rigid and catching the ball - that helped with getting used to leaving space.
I also did some weights to strengthen those top muscles on my forearm.
Part of the problem was I'm cross dominant so right handed but left eye my main eye. This is known to give b/h problems in tennis.
All this stemmed from adding top spin - slicing it or flat I was much better.
Four months later I can now usually ping a single handed b/h off with a decent amount of topspin from anywhere in court - moderate pace and with depth. I still have bad days though - a couple of weeks back I shanked 4 b/h self feeds in a row into the net while doing warm up rallying. However instead of melting down I just batted the next one forehand and just carried on.
The last point is also something I had to learn: an unforced error isn't the end of the universe so just try to carry on. When you start to pay attention you really notice how many unforced errors the pros make too. At Wimbledon this year Djokovic's 1st serve was like 49% in one match. He didn't melt down he's just trained himself to forget the last ball and whack the next one.
Sounds like you put a lot of good work in!
Excelente!!!! Gracias
De nada :-)
Hi Meike!
Ich denke mal, dass du deutsch sprichst, darum schreib ich mal absichtlich nicht in englisch 🙂
Danke für all deine Vids zur Single Backhand.
Das ist immer noch meine absolute Baustelle und deine Vids haben es besser auf den Punkt gebracht als alle bisherigen Vids.
Ich sehe nun endlich, dass sich meine Single Backhand drastisch verbessert hat.
Besonders wegen einem Punkt:
Ich hatte schon immer einen Eeastern-Grip, aber immer in einem 'Hammer'-Style.
Der Typ mit der Diagonalen zu unteren Handfläche, sodass ich mehr Handfläche auf dem Griff habe (und diesen gespreizten Zeigefinger), das war mein HOLY GRAIL!!!
Danke Dir.
Mach weiter solche Vids zur Single Backhand.
Natuerlich kann ich noch Deutsch :-) Das freut mich sehr, das zu hoeren. Es ist immer schoen, wenn so ein kleiner Tip einen grossen Unterschied macht. Viele Gruesse aus Denver!
Dear Coach, this is an excellent video for understanding the fundamentals of the one-handed backhand stroke, thank you very much.
You're very welcome!
Thank you so much for this video. Ive recently switched from double handed backhand to one handed back hand because of injuries. Been struggling with this backhand. Im glad im getting these tips
thanks you for your video ! i ll intent to apply your advices !!
Let me know how it goes
Sehr schön erklärt und veranschaulicht mit dem neuen Ezone 98 (den spiele ich auch seit ein paar Wochen). Vielen Dank Meike! Und: Du hast eine sehr schöne Rückhand :)
Dankeschoen! Ich bin super zufrieden und happy mit meinem ezone. Ich muss immer vorsichtig sein mit meinem Arm/ Schulter und habe absolut keine Probleme mit Yonex.
Fantastic video! Great stuff, coach.
Appreciate it! :-))))))
best backhand was stefi graf she sets up her opponent to give her a slow ball
Best slice for sure
For me, the best video I've seen to take my one handed backhand from pretty good to 'great!' Can't wait to get on the court and try it out- thank you!
Awesome! Let me know how the practice goes
@@MeikeBabelTennis Finally getting back to you. First day on the court this spring since I watched your vid and my backhand drills were better! :)
Thanks. Very useful video.
You are welcome!
Thanks! Must make a note and put it in my racket bag.
Thank you for your support!
@meikebabeltennis Do you have any tips for right handers that are left eye dominant? Finding timing is affected because I'm catching the ball late. I know that a simple solution is just to turn my head a bit more to bring the left eye in play. But just wondering your thoughts?
Turning more is the only solution that I can think of. Just make sure that your shoulder and hips are still turned.
@@MeikeBabelTennis thank you for the quick response! I love love these videos. You have a great way of teaching. Can't wait to put these to the test on court. For now, just visualizing and shadow swinging. Thanks for a great video!
Just catch your video today, very helpful.
Definitely I use it for practicing 1 HBH based on your tips.
Thanks.
A thousand videos on TH-cam on how to "fix your ohbh"........ but I think I'm staying with Meike 😉.Ok mine doesn't need that much fixing, but it's close enough to Meike's in technique to know how to pick my coach.
great backhand theory its eye-opening for people using one hand backhand
i am too one hand backhand but when i play matches power doesnt comes . how this can be rectified? please please teach something about it. really waiting for you video
6:24 - 😅
Finally someone noticed :-)
The one handed backhand feels very slow and weak. Is there ANY advantage to a one handed backhand?
It is really perfect video6 cause it works. My backhand is good enough, but you improved it a lot. Thank you, Meike, you are the best!
Revisiting this video after I kept seeing a specific problem on my backhand (aside from timing which is the biggest problem). The ball bounces to the right of the opponent. So slice is being applied.
But not in the manner you suggest. You have the raquest imparting left to right spin by dropping the head and moving it in a circular path. But mine comes from the opposite, the racquet head is rotating above the hitting hand, not below, and this is because my thumb, as you describe it, is indeed heading towards the hitchhiker position, but it is doing it TOO EARLY.
So I have now found that I have to move the hitting hand more straight forward while in the hitting zone, before starting to rotate the head up and around toward the right. In fact I don't have to rotate it at all. After the raquet gets forward enough it automatically turns my shoulder over.
If I can concentrate on this, the ball bounces straight and it appears the energy wasted on sidespin is then used on pace and topspin.
I am suspecting this is a common problem, somewhat exacerbated by instructions that do not adequately emphasize hitting through the ball on a straight line.
This seems to relate to the fifth problem you discuss. I don't think I am turning the upper body too much, but when I concentrate on hitting straight through the ball, I notice that there is slightly less upper body turn (until later) and the spin imparted is only in topspin direction.
Just found this channel - incredible stuff! Perfect instruction for those of us with these beautiful yet pesky one-handers. Keep rocking, Meike!
Awesome teaching video, Meike….Are there racquets, or racket specs, more favorable to a one- hander? Ciao, John
Hi Meike, when should I decide to hit a top-spin one handed backhand or a slice? Should I be changing my grip off my opponent’s ball contact and my unit turn?
Meike, Do you know if it´s true that the bigger the grip size the better for the one handed backhand? Weird question I know, but I´ve found different opinions on internet. By the way, your one hander is beautiful, so freaking fluid, love it.
How do you address the lateness? Eg how do I fix it effectively? Thanks 🙏
Thx Meika , great break down and analysis … lots of good tips and your tutorials are fantastic ! 😊 regards
👏👏👏👍👍👍🇺🇦💪🇺🇦💪
I hit one-handed backhand. How should I deal with low incoming balls on my backhand side. It seems, during a rally, I can't get on the spot quick and early enough and the only thing I can do is a slice. 2 handers seem to be able, even if a bit late, to lift the ball with the use of the non-dominant hand.
To hit a high ball hard, coil under the path, then lead with your elbow and then with the butt of the racket in an upward spiral swing, extending to a straight arm as you meet the ball. Delay the snap as long as you can. Not much carry in the swing unless you leap through it like Shap, but you can get a hard impact. The racket face will actually point upwards as it approaches the contact point. Keep the face pointing at target, try not to pull off on follow through.
Any advice for a lefty who is right eye dominant... Should I use a semi open stance in order to see the ball better?
Tks Meike
I think a big #6 to add is that people don’t hit the ball with a straight arm.
A straight arm is a minimum requirement to hit the one hander.
Cool ! I would have start with your fifth issue. thank u Meike
Very good
Thank you
The two handed return is ugly whilst the one handed is beautiful.
Meike, I’ve watched many videos on the one hand back hand on TH-cam and this video is easily one of the best; your instructions are easy to remember and clear, your form is perfect, and is easy to imitate. I’m going to send this video to any of my friends who have one hand backhand issues. Thank you!
You are very welcome
Thank you. I shall watch that again and again
What a clever and practical reference, the hitchhiker thumb!
Great tips, returning a fast lifted ball deep against the baseline with a one hander, probably the most difficult shot in tennis. 🎾
Yeah not a fun one if you have to hit it all the time
This is a v v v good video for the one-handed backhand, well done
Thanks for the very helpful tips.
Great tips,Meike.
Very nice points and insights!!!!
Top tennis coaching!!!!
Thanks!!!
Brazil 🇧🇷
My pleasure!
Fantastic video Meike! I have two questions for you:
1. When I hit the one-hander sometimes I notice when the ball bounce on the other side of the court, from time to time, the ball would deviate very slightly to the right on the bounce. I've noticed this happen on the pro tour (although probably more rare). Is this indicative of a possible problem e.g. not generating the correct top spin or hitting the ball slightly off? One undesired but positive effect I have noticed is that it jams my opponent's forehand (slightly).
2. Another common problem I have - when there's uneven bounce on the court is that I set up for the backhand but the ball either bounces lower than I expect, or the ball comes up short, and then I find myself scrambling to reach and hit the one-hander, I find it very difficult to do last minute adjustments for this type of situation, especially when I've already turned and in the takeback position, and my weight is on the front foot (right foot). Do you have any tips for this type of situation?
I've seen almost every tennis channel on TH-cam (at least I think so ;-) ), but your content is superb! The main reasons to me are, that you're obviously an active player who's still competing. Also you wotk with all sorty of skill levels and ages of players. Everything you say, I can relate to. Thank you very much.
Glad you like them and thank you!
Coach Meike, I love all of your great videos on the 1HBH. Your concise instruction is really easy to watch and very valuable. I recently started practicing the 2HBH due to some wrist and elbow issues. I'm able to hit a solid 2HBH when hitting off the ball machine or in match warm-up, but it still feels restrictive and not natural for me. I've been hitting a 1HBH for 35+ years. During a match, I go back to old-faithful (the 1HBH). I've been reading a lot about switching from a 1HBH to a 2HBH and most advice is NOT to switch. On the other hand, there are some people out there that have switched and are glad they did. I'm wondering if I should just keep trying to groove a 2HBH or better to focus on improving my 1HBH. Could you give me your thoughts on this ? Thanks so much and keep up the excellent content!!
If you have restrictions that won't allow you to hit a 1HBH anymore then a 2hander is always an option. However, maybe there are some technical issues with the 1HBH that caused the wrist/ elbow issues and if those were addressed and you're pain free I'd stick with what you've done for 35 years. If I were to change by backhand now to a 2HBH it would never feel as natural as the one hander
@@MeikeBabelTennis Thanks for the advice. I think you are right, there are some technical issues that I need to shore-up first before committing to a 2HBH. One of them is proper preparation and hitting the ball out front. You're spot-on in this video about being fickle, loosing confidence, and shanking some balls.
Excellent lesson coach M.
And your analogies are funny and much appreciated.
Thanks and that's one sweet 1HBH btw.
i prefer to watch you hitting the ball one handed backhand than the most pro player in the world like djoko, nadal, Medvedev..
I still prefer the old style like federer, wawrinka, gasguet etc
Yes, me too
Great breakdown of the one-hander
Thank you Coach Babel!!! Great teaching and coaching! always enjoy your videos! Top-shelf 🙏 some of the online coaches I watch are fun, they are good of course 😉 but I don't really learn much with your videos I'm like "ok I have to seriously listen!! this is the real deal " it's like in school and you had that one really hard class! Haha 😂 Thanks appreciate you 👍
That is a really nice (and very encouraging) way for you to say this. THANK YOU!
Thank you so much. You're right on every single one of these. Been through all these (and then some), and some still come back today at times after many years.~
Great advice, Meike! ❤
Love your tips. Thank you
Thanks coach Babel! One problem I have is handling fast and low balls, always felt like I couldn't bring the ball up
The elbow up advice is highly underrated in coaching. It fixed so many issues on my backhand, I'm glad I see it more and more explained.
Great video, thanks!
Maybe start with the grip first?
Great video thanks 🙏🏻
Yes good teacher 🎾👏👏👏
Hi, terrific video. Can you just expand a bit on why you're not a fan of the hammer grip? I've actually switched to it and found it gave my backhand a seriously solid feel and allowed me more flexibility in striking high balls, low balls, etc. Now if I can just get my footwork under control I'd be happy; too often I just run too close to the ball, crowd myself, and can't get a full swing, exctly as you mentioned in this video. Cheers and great work here!
Maybe it's just my individual preference but I feel I don't have any control with the hammer grip.
@@MeikeBabelTennis No problem, I'll give you a few tips to help you out 🤣🤣🤣
Great great great piece of advice.... THANKS
Glad it was helpful!