Backhand advice needed

[mhstennis100]

Im a 14 year old on my high school's freshman team. I have a good serve and net game with a good forehand with medium topspin. My backhand is not as good: lower pace, less control and much less topspin. My coach said to drop my racket head below the ball, which I know should help, but I still thought I would ask this. Is a 1 handed backhand better for the things I listed that were not so good about my backhand? Would switching anything with my 2h backhand help besides dropping the head? any suggestions welcomed.

[Kevo]

A two handed backhand is typically the easier shot for most people. The main reasons are that you have more strength with both hands on the frame, and the 2 hander is more analogous to your forehand, so the timing and preparation are similar. In the end, it comes down to a decision on which one you are going to stick with. I used to have a pretty good 2 hander, but I switched to a 1 hander. Now my 1hbh is quite good and my 2hbh is kind of sloppy. At 14, you could pick either one and be successful with it. If they are about the same and you plan on playing for a while, I would say learn the 1hbh. If your 2hbh is significantly better, or you feel more comfortable with it, then stick with it. Practice makes perfect.

[Solat]

you need to look at your overall game style and long term strategy

if you plan on being an all-court player you can go with either BH, if you want to attack the net its usually easier to have a 1H and if you like to rally baseline and have a strong return then easier to have 2H

there is nothing to say that it is easier to drop the racquet head with 1 or 2 hands but it easier to come over the ball with the left hand then the right so a 2 hander is easier to do topspin

[migjam]

Turn your shoulder, get the racquet head below the ball, hit around the outside of the ball and finish high. Don't let your wrist be sloppy. Also, keep you front knee bent through the stroke.
A 1hbh is harder to learn than a 2hbh but IMHO, in the long run will provide more opportunities such as using a slice, drop shots and transitioning to the net and hitting backhand volleys.

[paulfreda]

My advice is to make your BH one of your best shots. How ??
Do what the best backhanders on the ATP Tour do.
They use a strong Eastern or SemiWestern (my preference) grip.

It will be hard to learn at first, but you are very very young and have time
on your side.
Quick tips; Open the face as much as you can on the backswing and make sure your stance is square to closed. You can now swing low to high to your hearts content because the face starts so naturally closed. And you can drive the ball out in front of you due to the very strong position of the wrist with this grip.

If you can affort 40 bucks, Tom Avery has a tape just for the BH which is excellent. www.tomavery.com.

Good luck.

[Swissv2]

1. Make sure your grip is correct. (eastern grip for the most part)
2. Make sure you have correct posture. Straight up not bending over
3. Do drills to get used to the correct spacing between you and the ball
4. Footwork & lower body movement is key to positioning correctly.
5. Watch the ball until contact, or try your best to, at least.
6. For momentum, Take the racquet back high, swing low, then brush up and finish high.
7. review videos of a few professionals so you can get an idea of technique.
8. consistency in your form. bend your knees.

[TonyB]

1. Make sure your grip is correct. (eastern grip for the most part)
2. Make sure you have correct posture. Straight up not bending over
3. Do drills to get used to the correct spacing between you and the ball
4. Footwork & lower body movement is key to positioning correctly.
5. Watch the ball until contact, or try your best to, at least.
6. For momentum, Take the racquet back high, swing low, then brush up and finish high.
7. review videos of a few professionals so you can get an idea of technique.
8. consistency in your form. bend your knees.


Good advice here. I've highlighted what I consider to be the most important points. My backhand was always semi-decent, but when I focused on those highlighted points, it really improved dramatically. Those are the little things that you don't really think about when you're trying to put everything else together. But once you get a rhythm going, it really helps to concentrate on "racquet high take-back", "footwork", and "proper spacing."

[Slice Approach]

One ingredient that is key to a good 1hbh is pulling the buttcap forward initially in the stroke. Imagine that you have a sword on your left hip and you are pulling it out and in front of you to do battle. Another thing I would focus on would be to keep your head still through contact and follow through. This will prevent you from "spinning out" or opening up too soon which causes erratic shots.

[bcsax123]

See how Safin plays his 2hbh. (One of the nicest 2hbh out there.)

http://www.tennis.com/yourgame/instructionarticles/backhand/backhand.aspx?id=155