First of all, every player needs to know how to hit a one-handed backhand- even a player who has a great two handed backhand. One of the real keys to the successful execution of a one-handed backhand is the role that the non-dominant hand plays during the stroke.
As you begin the forward swing with your hitting arm on a one-handed backhand, the other arm needs to extend back and away from your body. This movement serves as a counter-balance, and keeps the back shoulder from rotating forward during the swing. While the two-handed backhand is more rotational- like on the forehand, your hips and trunk rotate through the shot- the one-handed backhand is a more lineal stroke. Extending the non-dominant hand out and away from the body "anchors" this lineal movement on the one-handed backhand.
There are differences in what the non-dominant hand does on the finish of the swing depending on the shot you choose. For a slice backhand, the hitting arm finishes low and in front of the body so the non-dominant hand extends away and upward. On a topspin drive, the hitting arm finishes above your head so the non-dominant hand is conversely extended down and away from your body. This counter-balance action is crucial, particularly when the shot is hit on the move.
For more tips on how to play smart, tactical tennis, visit USTA.com Online Lessons and choose from any one of our six available lessons.
Full Story: http://www.usta.com
