Single Or Double?

[trdrz]

Just curious..................
Do you guys hit with a double handed backhand or a
single handed backhand?

[DV7821P]

if you are asking becuase you don't know whats better or you havn't played much, the double handed backhand is the only way to go, if one handers had double handed i think they'd find themselves been alot more consistant. but then again its all about feel and what suits that player, but i reccomend the double hander without a doubt

[Tim Tiger Henman]

You forgot to add an option for both :wink:

[Morpheus]

Yes, and what about those of us who just don't have a backhand.

[Rickson]

I use both, but it's around 80/20 with the 1hbh leading the way. I posted on another thread that I use the 2hbh when the ball comes behind me, but I go with the single on any balls in front of me. The difference between most pros and me is that 1hbh pros such as Federer never use the 2hbh, while 2hbh pros occasionally use the 1hbh(Roddick, Agassi, especially Moya). I'm the opposite as I'm a 1hbh player for the most part who uses a 2hbh on occasion. I love the option of using either backhand.

[Max G.]

I use both, but it's around 80/20 with the 1hbh leading the way. I posted on another thread that I use the 2hbh when the ball comes behind me, but I go with the single on any balls in front of me. The difference between most pros and me is that 1hbh pros such as Federer never use the 2hbh, while 2hbh pros occasionally use the 1hbh(Roddick, Agassi, especially Moya). I'm the opposite as I'm a 1hbh player for the most part who uses a 2hbh on occasion. I love the option of using either backhand.

Most of those go to 1h when they need to do slice. It's reasonably common for a pro to have a topspin two-hander and a slice one-hander, both used on a regular basis. Roddick and Moya do that, just to name two off the top of my head; Ivanisevic did that very well too. There are probably more.

[Rickson]

Most of those go to 1h when they need to do slice. It's reasonably common for a pro to have a topspin two-hander and a slice one-hander, both used on a regular basis. Roddick and Moya do that, just to name two off the top of my head; Ivanisevic did that very well too. There are probably more.
but have you ever seen a 1hbh pro go to a 2 hander? I've never seen it, although the 2hbh pros use the 1 hander on occasion. Perhaps if Federer and Schrichapan used a 2 hander once in a while, when they get jammed, they might have even better backhands than they do now.

[TwistServe]

Usually when 1hb pros get jammed, they dont switch to 2hb, they slice...

[cakewalk]

i'm trying to switch to 1-handed since it is easier on the body and more smooth/natural/less effort/more reach imo

[gmlasam]

I'm 90% 2hb and 10% 1hb. I use 1hb for slices to change up the pace and to sneak in some drop volleys.

[Rickson]

i'm trying to switch to 1-handed since it is easier on the body and more smooth/natural/less effort/more reach imo
I love the switch, but I sacrificed pace for the switch. I used to hit a 2 hander almost as hard as my forehands, but my 1 handers are at half pace from my forehands. I'm trying more flat and topspin with the 1hbh, but I don't do them often enough in matches. I'm not disappointed in the switch because I have better control and placement with my new backhand so as soon as I get the non slice 1 hander down pat, the 1 hander will be a great weapon for me.

[cakewalk]

I used to hit a 2 hander almost as hard as my forehands, but my 1 handers are at half pace from my forehands.
Just wait until that one hand grows twice the size of the other, then you'll be fine ;) heheh

[Rickson]

Just wait until that one hand grows twice the size of the other, then you'll be fine ;) heheh
Thanks, cakewalk. That's very encouraging and I'll keep working on it until I get it down.

[cakewalk]

I am just wondering what would be the possible reasons for switching to a 1-hander, and those for the other way around to a 2-hander?

I've read people switching from one to the other, and as far as I see this recquires substantial sacrifices and very solid commitment (you gotta dump the old shot, quit using it and start over!)

so why switch?

[Rickson]

I am just wondering what would be the possible reasons for switching to a 1-hander, and those for the other way around to a 2-hander?

For me, it happened by accident. I don't slice the 2hbh so as I started slicing more on low shots, I got very comfortable with my 1hbh. I would have stayed with the 2hbh, but I found that I had better placement with the 1hbh and I could flatten the shot and topspin it, although the slice is what I usually get during actual matches. I'm looking for more consistency with the flat and topspin 1hbh, but I'm not going back to the 2hbh for now except when I see a putaway opportunity.

[cakewalk]

Rickson i know what you mean. I've always had a 2hbh, and a 1hbh slice. However, the 1hbh slice and flat/topspin are very different shots/swing styles are they not?

I mainly use the backhand slice for block/approach/volley reach shots, but for baseline use 2hbh for placement stability and esp. to handle the high balls.

I'm wavering whether to keep my 2hbh or switch. At this point I think it would be too late, as my 2hbh has developed to become a strength (in many cases better than my forehand!)

Is a 1hbh somehow more suited for a serve/volley game as I have read? and if so how is this so

thanks everyone for comments!

[Rickson]

I've always used a 1hbh volley, even when I used the 2hbh groundstroke. I don't see how a 1hbh groundstroke could help a serve and volleyer who already uses a 1hbh volley(look at Kiefer). A 1hbh slice and a 1hbh topspin are very different shots, but the whip you can get with a 1 hander is second to none. Do not pronate your forearm(turn counterclockwise) if you want to topspin rather than slice. I supinate(turn clockwise) slightly when I topspin, but I don't get it often during matches because of my conservative nature. I'm willing to take more risks with my backhand now so if I have to lose a few games to improve, so be it. The 1 hander is a great shot and is worth developing, even if you stay with your 2hbh, but for me there's no turning back and btw, it's never too late to switch. I like the option of using both so give it a try for versatility's sake. You might fall in love with the 1hbh just like I did, you never know until you try.

[Bungalo Bill]

THe onehanded backhand is the preferred choice for serve and volleyers. Only because when you hit the ball it is a more forward moving stroke.

At Bradens Tennis Academy, we did a test to see who can get to net quicker and twohanded backhand player or a onehanded backhand player. It was clear that the onehanded backhand player gains several more steps than a twohander simply because:

1. The onehander hits more out in front.

2. The twohander is more rotational. A twohanders wieght would generally have to be stopped from going towards the center and then restarted to go forward towards the net. The onehander is already moving forward and this is where the extra steps are gained.

With that said, you can overcome some of the weaknesses of the twohanders swing if you want to serve and volley and that is to hit less from an open stance if you want to rush the net. You can incorporate a twohanded backhand and a net game if you wish. It is certainly feasible and since you have a good twohander I would recommmend sticking with it and developing your net game with it.

[cakewalk]

Bill you are definitely right, the 1-hand takes less stoppage when on the run (forward). With a 2-hander I must slow down to turn sideways almost completely in order to execute the shot. 1-handed I can just run thru the shot.

[cakewalk]

also when approaching, i don't hit 2 handed backhands, I always use 1-handed slice since you dont have to stop for that