The 1-2 Rhythm: One Handed Backhand

[johnyandell]

Let's get your thoughts on Nick Wheatley, "The 1-2 Rhythm: One Handed Backhand"!

[klacr]

Slow, Fast

I use those words to help some of my students and it does help them gain rhythm and understand the transfer.

The one-handed backhand: When hit properly, The single most flattering and gorgeous stroke in the sport. Using this 1-2 rhythm, you'll create some stunners of your own.

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

[scottmurphy]

Love anything on the one hander! This is great advise but I'd be wary of having a player think "slow" at the outset for fear they'd be just that in terms of their preparation. For something other than "1-2" I prefer "ready-go" (or "hit" or "now" for the second count)...
Scott Murphy

[bottle]

How about "smooth-go?" Might work.

[nickw]

Thanks for the comments.

Some good suggestions for alternative words, I often find some players really respond to certain words, always worth thinking of different variations and trying them out.

Fair point by Scott regards the word 'slow', and it's also worth considering different trigger words for different shots. 'Slow-fast' is perhaps best used for the serve, which will feature later in the series.

Always good to bear in mind the original definition of 1-2 Rhythm when coming up with simpler trigger words: 'Part 1 smooth and deliberate, Part 2 explosive and full of energy'

[stotty]

Fab article from over the pond..

Another fine article from nickw on my side of the pond.

Personally, I like the "slow" and "fast" combination of words, particularly slow for this reason: One of the key problems with teaching the one-hander to kids lies in the preparation phase. Coping with faster shots tends to be their undoing. It's imperative kids turn and prepare early because they simply cannot physically wield the racket as fast on a one-hander as they can on a forehand. I like to encourage "time" on the ball. Start preparing early so you have time and never feel rushed. I like a player to have a lot of time in phase 1. It's very disconcerting to play someone who seems to have time against even your hardest shots. Encouraging a slow phase 1 promotes time...it's a good cue.

[bottle]

smooooooooth-quick

[stotty]

smooooooooth-quick

Yes that works really well too...another great cue. Perhaps the best one.

[nickw]

Yes I like that one too from bottle.

Stotty, thanks for the kind words, and I see your point too. I think a good coach will always either be able to find the right words for the player they are teaching, or choose their own preferred words, and deliver it to the player in a way that they totally understand it, and can use it to improve that rhythm and timing.