As a coach, you’ve likely seen many players attempt a one-handed backhand and let their non-dominant hand follow the racket. To improve this technique, it’s essential that the non-dominant hand makes a counter movement to prevent the body from over-rotating. Ideally, the player’s body should rotate and then stop, allowing the arm to swing freely.
If the body over-rotates, the swing crosses the body too much. Therefore, the left hand plays a crucial role in pulling the body back. Instruct your players to pull their left hand back as they swing. A helpful cue is to have them try to bring their scapulae together at the back, which encourages them to push the hand back and stop their shoulder rotation.
By focusing on this counter movement, players can achieve a more controlled and powerful one-handed backhand. This technique ensures that the body stops rotating at the right moment, allowing the racket to swing effectively and accurately.