This paper examines the biomechanics underlying the one-handed tennis backhand stroke, analyzing the muscles, joints, and movement phases involved in executing the shot effectively. Beginning with a comparison of one-handed and two-handed backhand techniques, the paper draws on EMG research to identify muscle activation patterns across the acceleration, follow-through, and deceleration phases. It provides a detailed anatomical reference table of relevant muscles and their origins and insertions, defines key biomechanical terms, and breaks down the stroke into its push-off, trunk rotation, and swing components. The paper concludes that successful execution depends on the coordinated action of the lower body, trunk, and upper limb musculature working across multiple joints.
The total set of movements carried out in any sport is known as technique. This technique underlies both the backhand and the forehand stroke and applies equally to all swings and movements involved in sport. Technique is the product of various forces — whether external or internal — acting on the body of the player (Bahamonde, 1992). In order to produce well-considered and strategically effective shots, both coaches and players need a sound understanding of these technical principles.
Before explaining the planning and sequence of events behind a backhand stroke, it should be noted that effective strokes are never simply copied. Most great shots are the product of the player's physical qualities rather than technique alone (Hays, 1993). This observation highlights the importance of physical conditioning and muscular development in executing a successful shot.
A backhand stroke can be either one-handed or two-handed. The one-handed backhand was long the standard form. More recently, the two-handed backhand — hit from a closed stance — has become widespread. To date, no research has conclusively demonstrated that the one-handed backhand is superior to the two-handed version. When both strokes are executed with proper technique, each can produce the required results (Groppel, 1992). One study found no significant differences in the muscles used across both stroke types; however, there was increased activation of the pronator teres muscle during the two-handed backhand (Giangarra et al., 1993).
To summarize the mechanics of the one-handed backhand: adequate elbow joint rotation is essential in generating sufficient velocity. EMG studies have revealed activity in the triceps, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and middle deltoid during the acceleration phase (Morris et al., 1989). Following the acceleration phase comes the backswing phase, which involves the trunk muscles to generate adequate momentum and control. The involvement of the shoulder and trunk muscles contributes a significant additional force to the stroke. Tennis is, at its core, a complex sport composed of intricate movements — all of which arise from the strategic coordination of joints and muscles throughout the body.
Flexion: In the case of the arm, this is the movement of the forearm toward the upper arm. It occurs in the sagittal plane.
Extension: The straightening of a joint, which normally occurs in a posterior direction.
Abduction: The movement of an arm or leg away from the midline of the trunk. This movement occurs in the coronal plane.
Adduction: The movement of a limb toward the body in the coronal plane.
Medial: Located near the median plane of the body.
Lateral: Located away from the median plane.
Rotation: Movement of a part of the body along its long axis.
The following table lists the primary muscles relevant to the tennis backhand stroke, along with their origins and insertions (Snell, 2008).
Several distinct muscle groups come into action during the one-handed backhand stroke. During the acceleration phase, the leg muscles are engaged to drive the lower body forward. These include the concentric gluteus, quadriceps, gastrocnemius, and soleus. This is followed by trunk rotation, which calls on the obliques, abdominals, and the concentric and eccentric back extensors.
The arm forward swing then engages most of the upper body musculature. This includes two rotator cuff muscles — the teres minor and the infraspinatus — as well as the rhomboids, posterior deltoid, serratus anterior, triceps, trapezius, and the concentric wrist extensors.
In the follow-through phase, trunk rotation again calls on the obliques, as well as the concentric and eccentric abdominals and back extensors. During arm deceleration, the player relies on the eccentric wrist flexors, subscapularis, pectoralis major, and biceps to safely absorb the forces generated through the swing.
"Push-off, trunk, and swing mechanics described"
In general, the one-handed backhand stroke makes use of the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and wrist joints. The hip joint comes into play when the player moves back and forth and makes stepping motions. As this joint is engaged, the gluteal muscles and the muscles of the thigh and lower leg are simultaneously activated. The knee joint performs flexion and extension throughout the rally, primarily during running movements across the court. Together, these joints and their associated muscle groups work in a coordinated sequence to produce an effective and powerful one-handed backhand stroke.
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