Photo Lesson: The Basic One-Handed Backhand

The one-handed backhand groundstroke gets most of its power from linear motion -- from the legs, body, and arm moving forward and upward. The racquet's position roughly a foot below the ball will result in the strings brushing up the back of the ball to create moderate topspin. The long forward path of the racquet will deliver solid power. Most of the body weight is now on the front leg.