Photo Lesson: The Basic One-Handed Backhand

One video frame after contact, the racquet has risen almost a foot, indicating that the strings have brushed up the back of the ball to create topspin. The back foot, which bears almost no weight, has begun to slide forward. Once you're used to this stroke, you won't think about whether your back foot is sliding forward, but while you're learning, deliberately sliding your back foot forward can help ensure that your weight in on your front foot and moving forward with your stroke.