Lastly the 2 hander means less grips to master.
yes, you may.....but you don't need to ....I disagree with this bit. Whether playing with one hand or two, I have one grip for topspin backhands and another for slice/volley.
I'm not sure if you are connecting the two sentences in the quote here, but with the two hander, you are not forced to block returns nearly as often. So if you agree that a more full stroke (maybe not totally full) would be an advantage for returning, then that is a big vote for the 2hander Imo.I don't know about returns. I can block quite well with one hand.
I'm not sure if you are connecting the two sentences in the quote here, but with the two hander, you are not forced to block returns nearly as often. So if you agree that a more full stroke (maybe not totally full) would be an advantage for returning, then that is a big vote for the 2hander Imo.
One downside to the one-handed backhand is you have to have decent footwork to get set.
Some of the best backhands of all time is one-handers. Like Stan, Thiem, Roger.I'm here to stick up for double handers! The one handers are always said to be more beautiful, more artistic, poetic etc..', Murray wrote on Instagram. 'but almost all the best backhands in the game are double handers.
Almost all coaches say they would teach a double-handed backhand because it's a more simple, effective and efficient technique. Art doesn't need to be complex. There is beauty in simplicity. Double handers for the win!' Andy Murray
I'm jealous of the one handers because it looks so good... but with the modern power/spin I think the 2 hander has a slight advantage. Returns are easier and balls around and above shoulder level are much more difficult with one hand.
1. DjokovicSome of the best backhands of all time is one-handers. Like Stan, Thiem, Roger.
Federer finally figured out rafa by taking it early and has only lost on clay to him.1. Djokovic
2. Nalbandian
3. Agassi
4. Murray
5. Zverev
Aren’t bad either. The one handed stroke is more beautiful on the eye - ballet like.
However, Djokovic record v Nadal is down to his two hander, Roger struggles v Nadal due to the one hander.
Some of the best backhands of all time is one-handers. Like Stan, Thiem, Roger.
I take the two handed shot away from my students. Have for many many years. Eventually they see the light and learn a devastating single handed backhand.
Hard to compare the two because it's apples and oranges. It's an argument that'll go on forever until you get your butt kicked by a player that has that single handed backhand and can place it anywhere on the court.
Which BTW, is key.
Some of the best backhands of all time is one-handers. Like Stan, Thiem, Roger.
Two handed backhands are like admitting “I can’t do this, I’m going to cheat!”
Two handed backhands are like admitting “I can’t do this, I’m going to cheat!”
Exactly. That too. That is why I play all of my tennis indoors with a 10 foot ceiling.Nahh, that would be lobs.
I think it is a more complex question than that though. I switched away from a two-hander as a kid - not for sensible reasons; basically because I wanted to play like my dad (also Edberg, I guess). Undoubtedly my topspin groundstroke is weaker today than it would have been if I'd persisted with what was at the time a pretty solid two-handed stroke.Of course great 2 handers are rare as well but I will say that in general the quality of the 2 handers I face are far superior to the quality of the 1 handers. The vast majority of 1 handed back hands I see are players that slice/block 99% of the time and run around their BH whenever possible.
I agree the one-hander helps with slice and volleys a ton. I have a much better touch and feel on the slices and volleys with the one-hander than I did with my two-hander.I think it is a more complex question than that though. I switched away from a two-hander as a kid - not for sensible reasons; basically because I wanted to play like my dad (also Edberg, I guess). Undoubtedly my topspin groundstroke is weaker today than it would have been if I'd persisted with what was at the time a pretty solid two-handed stroke.
On the other hand, the rest of my backhand wing is comparatively strong. My volley, half-volley, slice and backhand smash are all very solid and well above average for my level. I've got no doubt that is partially due to hitting my backhand groundstroke one-handed. The shots aren't directly transferable, but there is a lot of overlap in terms of mechanics and timing.
Admittedly the stability and reliability of the topspin two hander is very attractive, and is probably a better value proposition when it comes to winning matches at rec level. But for me these days, I get a lot of pleasure from playing the sort of versatile game that a one-hander allows.
Its more to do with fed using a 90” head for so long than the ohbh itself. He doesnt seem bothered by rafa these days1. Djokovic
2. Nalbandian
3. Agassi
4. Murray
5. Zverev
Aren’t bad either. The one handed stroke is more beautiful on the eye - ballet like.
However, Djokovic record v Nadal is down to his two hander, Roger struggles v Nadal due to the one hander.
Have you tried a semi western one hander?I'm jealous of the one handers because it looks so good... but with the modern power/spin I think the 2 hander has a slight advantage. Returns are easier and balls around and above shoulder level are much more difficult with one hand.
for me that grip changes things. It basically eliminates the high ball/ ROS knock on the one hander.No I haven't... not saying a one hander can't hit with as much power/spin as a two hander, but having a second hand certainly provides a lot more leverage that is a lot harder to achieve with one hand. Just like a one hander has more reach a two hander is better for high balls... doesn't mean it's impossible to achieve similar results, but each has their pluses and minuses.
Two hander - advantages are better at ROS, for me the most important shot in the game, and dealing with high balls, the most common tactic at rec level. Disadvantage of less reach but you can take one hand off and hit a slice, Muzza at his peak used the slice a lot to great effect for a two hander.
An upside for a one-hander is you just flip your forehand grip around and then you have your backhand grip. That saves time and helps you set up quicker.
Heavily right hand dominant players will almost always hit crap 2h backhands. I spent 3 years hitting weak 2 handers. The first time I got serious and tried to rip a cross court 1hb it was like magic.
Do you see no advantage of two hands over one with a head high ball? How tall are you? With ROS no brainer, the ability to drive back off a serve is eminently easier with two hands. Agree at REC level there is some variation in level and the shot received can be less difficult but generally speaking the two hander is better for ROS and handling high balls.I see no advantage, especially if the ball bounces head high, but how often do REC players have to handle a serve that does this?
Yes! Congratulations!! Kudos!!
As I said and Posted, even ATP plus WTA players run around their 2HB. Gee! Why is that?
Glad to hear this and congratulations again. Welcome to the "old timers" club, or is it?
Or as you say, the SHB is such a much better stroke but most won't know and don't know because many elect not to learn one.
I use to run around my forehand to hit a SHB. True! I didn't have to but it was a real annoyance to those I played.
My students, I was famous for eliminating the 2HB and replaced it with the SHB. Many kept both! I taught them how to be annoying also but they didn't know it.
I can still easily hit 2H shots off both sides, My 2HF is much better because it's one of my "signature" shots. I used it more.
I learned all this variety of hitting techniques because I started playing tennis when I was 8 years old. That was a long time ago.
I'm so old I'm almost dead.
I will be hitting tomorrow morning.
Because the forehand offers more power and versatility. This in no way conceded it is a weak shot, but fh's are more of a weapon.I can take a head high ball and hit it back with authority and topspin on my backhand side, single handed. Try this with a two handed backhand. You'll have to jump in the air, as some do, to accomplish this.
Why do many players run around their two handed backhand to hit a forehand?