Photo Lesson: The Basic One-Handed Backhand

Stepping forward to meet the ball makes most tennis strokes easier to hit, but it's especially helpful on one-handed backhands. A significant step forward will get your weight moving forward, help keep you sideways, make it easier for you to push forward and upward with your legs as you swing, and focus your attention on meeting the ball well out in front. Take the racquet back roughly waist-high, with your left hand still on the throat.