First Ball Forehand

Why the Modern One-Handed Backhand Has Everything Players Want

What if I told you I could give you more power, more spin, better slice, better deception, and more reach—all in one stroke? Wouldn’t you jump at it?

That’s exactly what the modern one-handed backhand offers when it’s taught, trained, and executed correctly. The problem isn’t the shot. It never has been. The problem is how rarely it’s taught well—and how early players are pushed away from it.

At its best, the one-hander is a longer, more fluid swing that uses full shoulder rotation, elastic energy, and body sequencing to generate pace. When you watch peak Dominic Thiem, Stan Wawrinka, or Grigor Dimitrov, you’re seeing a stroke that pours on miles per hour without brute force. The power comes from rotation and extension, not strain.

Spin? The same racquet-head speed that creates pace also allows elite one-handers to brush aggressively up the ball. Richard Gasquet remains the clearest example—extreme topspin generated with a single arm, not because it’s flashy, but because the mechanics allow it.

And then there’s deception. Modern one-handers start high. From that identical preparation, players can drive flat, roll topspin, knife slice, or drop the head for a disguised drop shot. Opponents don’t see what’s coming until it’s too late.

Slice, Returns, and the Myths That Won’t Go Away

Let’s talk about slice—because this is where the one-handed backhand separates itself completely.

Roger Federer and Grigor Dimitrov don’t just “neutralize” rallies with slice. They attack with it. Their backhand slice stays low, penetrates the court, and forces opponents into uncomfortable contact. Ash Barty proved on the women’s side that a great slice isn’t defensive—it’s devastating. Steffi Graf was a machine with it for the same reason.

Two-handed players can slice, but most never mature it into a true weapon. One-handed players almost always do, because swinging freely with one arm builds natural feel and confidence. The slice becomes a core part of the identity, not a bailout.

Critics often argue that the one-hander can’t handle serve returns. But modern return strategy isn’t about blasting winners—it’s about resetting the point. Novak Djokovic built a career on neutralizing returns that float, land deep, and buy time. An accomplished slice return can do exactly that.

High-bouncing second serves? Yes, that’s harder. But unless you’re facing an Isner-type serve every match, moving back and attacking the bounce is a viable adjustment. Federer and Dimitrov routinely handled returns on the rise, flattening the ball effectively.

Strength is another tired argument. Justine Henin, barely 5’6”, stood toe-to-toe with the power of Serena and Venus because her technique was pristine. The one-hander has never been about raw strength—it’s about sequencing.

Technique Is the Real Divider—and the Real Risk

Here’s the truth that rarely gets said out loud: the one-handed backhand demands better teaching.

Federer and Dimitrov handle higher and heavier balls because their arm is comfortably bent on the backswing, then uncurls forward—much like a frisbee throw. The arm straightens by contact, not before it. That timing keeps the stroke fluid and adaptable.

Dominic Thiem, by contrast, straightened his arm earlier. That made his swing longer and more rigid. As the ball got higher, the stroke became harder to manage. Even so, Thiem still went toe-to-toe with Rafael Nadal, including competitive results on clay and hard courts.

So if power is better, spin is better, deception is better, slice can be better—why isn’t the one-hander dominant?

There’s only one real reason: the two-handed backhand is easier to learn early.

Young players can get balls back almost immediately with two hands. It’s forgiving. Bad technique still works. And once a player starts winning, no one wants to risk switching. The pathway locks in early.

The one-hander isn’t dying because it doesn’t work. It’s fading because it requires patience.

First Ball Forehand Match Point
The one-handed backhand isn’t obsolete—it’s just harder. And in a system built around early results, “harder” rarely survives. But for players willing to learn the technique, wait for the strength, and commit to mastery, it remains the most complete backhand tennis has ever produced.

Source: Publicly available ATP/WTA match analysis, player technique breakdowns, and historical tour performance context.