By Leo Canaparo. Tennis coach. Buenos Aires
As a professional coach, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of flexing your knees when executing a one-handed backhand. The moment you bend your knees, you create a solid base that allows you to load up energy from your lower body. This loading is crucial because it transforms into power and stability as you transfer your weight into the shot.
Consider the exemplary backhands of legends like Roger Federer and Gaston Gaudio. Federer’s one-handed backhand is celebrated for its fluidity and precision. His deep knee flexion before contact not only stabilizes his frame but also enables an explosive push off the court. This action amplifies the power of his stroke while maintaining exceptional balance and timing. Similarly, Gaston Gaudio, especially renowned on clay courts, harnessed the benefits of proper knee flexion. Gaudio’s technique allowed him to generate both spin and accuracy, making his one-handed backhand a formidable weapon against opponents.
By flexing your knees, you effectively engage your legs, enabling a more efficient weight transfer through your core and into your arm. This not only adds power but also minimizes the risk of injury by reducing stress on the shoulder and arm muscles. The knee flexion serves as a bridge between the lower and upper body, synchronizing the kinetic chain that drives the shot.
In practice, focus on your stance and the depth of your knee bend. Drill this movement repeatedly, ensuring that each stroke begins with a strong, flexible base.