1hbh or 2hbh...I cant decide lol

[NickH87]

Okay so heres the skinny...

Since I have started playing tennis seriously last summer, I've always played naturally with the 1hbh and this summer I have had great progress with it. Not much spin, but a flat hard shot. Only problem I have with it is that I cant hit high balls without slicing it and sometimes I dont have enough time to set up the shot when it is lower.

Recently within the last couple of weeks I have been messing around with the 2hbh and I definitely get a lot more top spin but not much pace. I can hit the high ball because its easier, but for rallies I would rather use the 1hbh because I have had good success with it.

What do you guys think, should I just abandon the 2hbh and just keep slicing the high balls and work on the footwork to properly adjust to the 1hbh???

[arunstennis]

i would say 2hbh because the exact problems your having is how i exploit kids with one handed backhands and how pretty much everybody does

[TennisACE]

2hb gives you more power

[NickH87]

What ever you like

I like both :twisted:

TennisAce...in theory I guess it does, but right now since I am new to it, it is still weak and my 1hbh is my most powerful shot over my forehand which I hit with top spin. I have a tournament coming up next month and I am worried if I abandon my 1hbh I may not be ready with the 2 going into the tourney.

[zebano]

I like my 1hbh but if I were learning now I would learn a 2h for the exact reasons you cited. Being able to catch up to a fast hit ball or more accurately hit a high ball is worth a little loss in power.

[LeeD]

Plenty of threads on how to hit high balls with two handers.
Nowadaze, in the world of fetching and retrieving deep behind the baseline with moonballs, it's easy to bounce groundies well overhead to either side, so the "high" ball nowadaze is like 6' high or higher. 2HBH has just as much trouble with these balls as 1hbh. So slice crosscourt predominantly, and make the opponent run wide and dig out a shin high skidder. They will hate you for it after retrieving a few.
Also, why retrieve, fetch, and run for balls? Why not just hit out into the corners, move in, and end the point?

[Danstevens]

2hb gives you more power

I believe you will find that scientific studies go against that.

Anyway, go with whichever feels more natural. I must admit though, I'm leaning slightly towards the one-handed option because you have already honed most of it. You should be able to iron out the high ball problem in a month but to get your rhythm with a whole new backhand technique in a month is a much taller order.

As to how to sort the slicing issue, try hitting with a more topspin-friendly grip. Obviously, I haven't seen you play so I'm stabbing in the dark a bit here but it just seems the most logical thing to try.

[Blake0]

I'd say stick with the 1hbh. You already said its a good shot, but it needs work on high balls. Also developing more spin on it would help it get more consistent.

[Gaudio2004]

2bh does NOT give you more power, a one-handed backhand gives you more power if you hit it correctly

stick with the 1bh, but go on YouTube and search for guides on How To Improve One-Handed Backhand, etc, there are millions of really good guides out there on how to add spin, slice, how to hit on the rise (so you avoid high balls), etc.

[certifiedjatt]

men should not play with a 2hbh. period.

[FH2FH]

It will ALWAYS be harder to hit high balls and handle pace with a one handed backhand. Look at how many pro's are using a two hander, 70% ATP, 90% WTA, and they're worked at it for most of their lives!

The two hander is just a better all around stroke, especially for a beginner. Its more consistent, easier to return with, and will allow you to focus on developing other areas of your game, while the one hander requires you "work around" its inherent flaws - longer swing, requires better timing, difficulty with high balls. Those get easier, but are always an issue.

[EtePras]

The one handed backhand is really a shot for women and sexually confused men, as it has no purpose other than to look pretty. The two hander has two hands, thus twice the power and is much more manly.

[viva la rafa]

The one handed backhand is really a shot for women and sexually confused men, as it has no purpose other than to look pretty. The two hander has two hands, thus twice the power and is much more manly.

i disagree.. alot more power with one handed backhand if u hit it with the right form

[certifiedjatt]

The one handed backhand is really a shot for women and sexually confused men, as it has no purpose other than to look pretty. The two hander has two hands, thus twice the power and is much more manly.

wow. i'm pretty sure most people would prefer to be sexually confused than stupid. at least with sexual confusion, there's hope. with stupidity, there isn't.

2 hands = twice the power. wow.
good luck in life.

[FH2FH]

I think EtePras was joking. Actually I was too, to an extent.

[Noaler]

USe both brah

[NickH87]

The one handed backhand is really a shot for women and sexually confused men, as it has no purpose other than to look pretty. The two hander has two hands, thus twice the power and is much more manly.

Are we allowed to ban people for stupidity? :twisted:

Next time I go out I am going to practice specifically on the one hand and then the two hand. I will see what works better and then figure it out from there I guess...to youtube I go.

[spaceman_spiff]

I get a lot of success returning with 2 and rallying (and everything else) with 1.

The one-hander feels more natural, so my consistency and power are better on regular ground strokes. But, my hand speed is much faster with 2, so using 2 on the returns allows me to be more aggressive against hard servers rather than just blocking everything back.

Also, you might try a more western grip on your one-handers for those high balls. Because of the grip I use, I find the high balls easier to deal with using the one-hander, going over the top of it like I would with a western or semi-western forehand.

[adams_1]

I'm in the same place right now.

Used a two hander all my life, but have been heavily relying on my slice lately, and my topspin one hander has reached a point where I can hold up fine in a rally with it.

Certainly the one hander, in my mind, suits the game model that I hope to fulfill, but I don't know where to go.

[FH2FH]

Also, you might try a more western grip on your one-handers for those high balls. Because of the grip I use, I find the high balls easier to deal with using the one-hander, going over the top of it like I would with a western or semi-western forehand.

Spaceman, or anyone else,

While I like the idea of stability and consistency of using a stronger grip, you have to be in better position ...more often. This is true because contact must occur further in front, unless you do a buggy whip swing, a la Nadal. (who does this w/ a one handed backhand?)

So it makes sense that this "high ball", the one we switch grips for, will be a ball we hit defensively. That's conterintuitive to me, unless the ball comes right to you. And in that case I'd say hit it on the rise (or move back).

[spaceman_spiff]

Spaceman, or anyone else,

While I like the idea of stability and consistency of using a stronger grip, you have to be in better position ...more often. This is true because contact must occur further in front, unless you do a buggy whip swing, a la Nadal. (who does this w/ a one handed backhand?)

So it makes sense that this "high ball", the one we switch grips for, will be a ball we hit defensively. That's conterintuitive to me, unless the ball comes right to you. And in that case I'd say hit it on the rise (or move back).

Sorry for being too vague. What I meant was that, when attacking a high ball when the opponent hits a loopy topspin shot (which gives me a little more time to get into position), the grip I use allows me to hit what you might call a windshield wiper backhand, similar to how I would hit a forehand if the ball was going to that side. The rollover motion is a little more foreward on the backand compared to a true, square WW forehand, but the two strokes have a similar effect on the ball.

That allows me to hit a heavy topspin backhand against a loopy ball rather than being forced to back-pedal to let it drop, which would push me farther behind the baseline, or step in to catch it on the rise when I might not be in position (or quick enough) to do so, or simply slice it.

If I had a flatter grip, it would be much more difficult to get any power or spin on the high ball, as it is when you use a continental or eastern forehand up high.


As for positioning causing a problem, I find that being able to hit a one-hander off the front foot from a more sideways position (more parallel to the baseline) makes up for the advantage you get from being able to hit off the back foot with the two-hander. So, I don't really get forced into hitting slice significantly more often when using one hand than I do when trying to play with two.

I don't know if that is helped by the grip I have. Perhaps it would be more difficult driving through the ball from such a sideways position with a flatter grip. I've never tried it.

The only time I lose out by using one hand is when the ball comes in right around my feet. With two hands, I can choose to drive through it flat or flick the racket to get some topspin. With one hand, I don't have the latter option.

[JRstriker12]

IMHO - It's not the particular stroke, it's the player and the amount fo effort you put into perfecting your shots.

I'd go with the one that feels most natural and work on improving it.

I play with a one-hander, the two-hander always felt awkward for me.

[FH2FH]

spaceman, what grip exactly are you using to do this (http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=3638200&postcount=21)? Where is your top knuckle? When I think of a strong BH grip I think the index knuckle is on the top bevel or slightly to the back side (thumb along wide/flat bevel).

While recovering from shoulder surgery, I learned to hit a pretty solid (heavy, consistent) one hander with my left hand. I naturally used the grip above (thumb along rear/wide bevel), though this feels impossible when I try it with my normal arm - face becomes too closed. I liked it with my left arm cause it kept balls from flying long or high.

I found it hard to get on the outside of the ball on wide or high shots with this strong grip. Maybe I could have opened my stance like you said. Still, it seems difficult to hit THROUGH the ball from this position.

[ricardo]

Use your own observation.

if you watch pro tournaments, observe how many pros are using 1hbh and how many are using 2hbh.

if you observed that there are significantly more pros using 2hbh than 1hbh, there must be a valid reason for it.

you can always say federer is using 1hbh. well he is federer..

[NickH87]

Use your own observation.

if you watch pro tournaments, observe how many pros are using 1hbh and how many are using 2hbh.

if you observed that there are significantly more pros using 2hbh than 1hbh, there must be a valid reason for it.

you can always say federer is using 1hbh. well he is federer..

I guess so, but that also depends on how they were taught. Chances are they had coaches and trainers telling them how to play from an early age. I am sure there parents played a little tennis as well as with mine, my dad uses the 1hbh which is probably why I play with it because I saw it.

[Dgpsx7]

I would not necessarily recommend this because a lot of things about my game are different because I am a lefty but I use a 1hbh for low to medium balls and a 2hbh for medium to high. You have to get a bit of a rhythm to make it work but it pays dividends.

[ilikephobo]

good luck returning hard/fast serves and kick serves. =P jk

a thing i noticed when i play players with one handed backhand, their backhands can do crazy angle shots and precise line/corner shots. however they complain about higher shots. but then also i notcied that their consistency is..lacking. and theyre all pretty good players. a friend of mine on my High school team whacks that one handed backhand and he gets an incredibly enormous amount of spin on the ball. it just seems to pop up, freeze and dive right down and at you.

i personally use a two handed backhand. i feel its more stable and powerful. at first i used a one handed backhand, but i wasnt consistent with it and i would always slice or run around it. so my coach made me learn 2 hbh. now my backhand feels amazing and i love hitting it. at first it was a really hard flat shot. but now im noticing im hitting with alot more spin.

good luck with whatever you do.

however on returning serves. would 1 hbh players have the advantage of being able to reach?

[FH2FH]

however on returning serves. would 1 hbh players have the advantage of being able to reach?

I would give the reach advantage to a one hander. HOWEVER, the two hander buys a little more time b/c the contact point is further back, the use of two arms means accelerating the racquet is a bit easier, AND one hand can always be taken off for a slice/block.

I agree that some nasty angles and pace can be generated with the one hander, but beginners can be more consistent with two hands sooner (based on numerous articles and posts here) and it doesn't have the inherent limits (returns, high balls) of the one hander.

[FH2FH]

One drawback of the two hander is the "restrictive" feeling when initially trying it. It becomes more comfortable with the proper mechanics. To get an idea for this, watch youtube or fuzzy yellow balls videos of players like Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Juan Del Potro, etc.

Footwork is important as is learning to use your opposite arm to DRIVE through the ball. It will feel uncomfortable at first hitting forehands with your non-dominate arm, but this is really what the two hander is about.

[SethIMcClaine]

[QUOTE=NickH87;3633707]I like both :twisted:
QUOTE]

Use both :confused:

[NickH87]

I would not necessarily recommend this because a lot of things about my game are different because I am a lefty but I use a 1hbh for low to medium balls and a 2hbh for medium to high. You have to get a bit of a rhythm to make it work but it pays dividends.

You know I thought about that alot and thats really how I have been playing. I stopped slicing as much and was using the 2hbh for those higher balls and shots I wasnt in place to use the 1hbh. Maybe I will use both lol, I am not going pro or anywhere near it so if I cant just make both consistent when I use them then I will be fine :twisted:

[Toxicmilk]

Didn't read half of what the other posters said...but here is my experiance with it...The more "natural" stroke for me is the one hander, but the more heavy hitters I played..the more pace I was up against, the more I was forced to learn the 2 handed backhand, which is now my best shot actually.

But once in awhile while on the run i will use the one hander to take a big rip at the ball. Imo there are some shots like that which can only be hit by a one hander.

So what I think: Know how to hit both...but stick to one that benefits you the most. Knowing the other, however, can be useful once in a blue moon.

[geese_com]

I switched from a two handed backhand to a one hand (after playing with a 2HBH for about 10+ years) and have never looked back. It just felt more natural for me.

[spaceman_spiff]

spaceman, what grip exactly are you using to do this (http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=3638200&postcount=21)? Where is your top knuckle? When I think of a strong BH grip I think the index knuckle is on the top bevel or slightly to the back side (thumb along wide/flat bevel).

While recovering from shoulder surgery, I learned to hit a pretty solid (heavy, consistent) one hander with my left hand. I naturally used the grip above (thumb along rear/wide bevel), though this feels impossible when I try it with my normal arm - face becomes too closed. I liked it with my left arm cause it kept balls from flying long or high.

I found it hard to get on the outside of the ball on wide or high shots with this strong grip. Maybe I could have opened my stance like you said. Still, it seems difficult to hit THROUGH the ball from this position.

That's how I had it when I was back in the US playing on hard courts. With the low bouncing carpet courts here in England, I had to tone down the grip slightly after I moved here.

Now, I have my knuckle somewhere between the top and diagonal bevels (almost an eastern forehand grip) for most shots, which helps me pick up low balls and get around those out a bit wide. But, when I want to attack one of those rare balls that bounces above my shoulders, I think I instinctively go back to my old grip. Everytime I hit a topspin backhand off a high ball, I realize after the fact that I used a slightly more extreme grip than normal. But, when another low one comes my way, it forces me back to the less extreme grip.


Looking at a clip of Gasquet (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUQxb4ZtR-4), it's a similar grip to his, but without the index finger curled up like he does. You can see how the racket rotates after contact somewhat similarly to a windshield wiper forehand. You can imagine doing the same to get up over a ball above your shoulders.

If I could do that to a low ball like him, I wouldn't be fiddling around with my grip. But, that's what makes him what he is.

[ilikephobo]

"One drawback of the two hander is the "restrictive" feeling when initially trying it. It becomes more comfortable with the proper mechanics. " - FH2FH ( Lol i messed up the quote thingy )

oh hell yeah, that's something i forgot to mention too. At first the two handed back hand was so... stiff/restrictive/weak/awkward feeling.
however now that i've mastered it and gotten comfortable with it it's my favorite shot to hit...hahaha maybe ill run around my forehand now! xD

[NickH87]

Alright my 2hbh just plain old sucks, I completely missed two shots, like I swung but I wasnt set up properly and I went right over the ball. I am sticking 1hbh and will just keep slicing up high until I develop a better stroke for the high balls.