The onehanded slice backhand and the onehanded topspin backhand are two different animals. Each requiring a somewhat to a different grip for each depending on the grip you like to use for the topspin backhand. Each has its own timing element. Each has its own footwork elements. Each has its own emphasis on the swing and how much effort you put in the swing. So with this said, I think Rickson is not all that correct about his findings.
The onehanded backhand (topspin) places a greater demand on timing the ball. It places a greater demand on getting set and recovery since a onehanded backhand is hit primarily from a stance that is nuetral to closed. The onehanded backhand is also harder to hit for return of serves, and high balls. Return of serves are sometimes hit from an open stance which reduces the onehanders chance to put pace on the ball. Since the rotation in the onehanded backhand is important and needs whatever little rotation it gets for power, having an open stance makes the onehanded backhander use all of its shoulder and arm to generate the power without the help of rotation. This becomes hard to do and time.
The onehanded backhand is more precise and more demanding on timing five different body segments for maximum power and control. And finally, the onehanded backhand needs some time to develop strength in the arm to support the energy flow and wrist control.
Things that favor the onehanded backhand are:
1. Freedom of movement (at first). When you first use the onehanded backhand vs. the twohanded backhand, you get a sense that it is more free flowing with your movement.
2. It feels more natural (at first). Again, swinging the onehanded backhand feels very natural, the racquet goes back, the arm comes forward. Simple.
3. The onehanded backhand is better suited for low balls. It doesnt mean it wont have its troouble spots, but it is easier to maintain balance witht he onehanded backhand on low balls.
4. The onehanded backhand is well suited for serve and volleyers
There are other things but I think you get the picture. If you want to know more just ask.
The twohanded backhand is an excellent shot. It is better suited for return of serves and high balls. Since the majority of courts have a higher boouncing ball, the twohanded backhand can blow holes through these balls. The extra hand on the racquet brings tremendous control and power to the ball.
The other advantage of a twohanded backhand is the verstaility in grip combinations. You can use a different bottom hand grip than the tophand grip. If you put the bottom hand grip in a continental grip you get the add benefit of slicing the ball if you are late in getting into position, or to change the pace and spin of the ball.
Everyone that plays this sport should have or be working on the bakhand slice, so I dont buy the slice bakchand is only with the onehanded backhand. The slice is a defensive shot and everyone at sometime or another has to defend. So you must develop a slice no matter which backhand you go with. The slice backhand does not require as much arm strength as the swing path and the way you make contact is different.
The twohanded backhand is easier to begin getting results right away. To develop a twohanded backhand efficiently it takes about 6 months. This is in contrast to the average time it takes to develop a solid topspin backhand which takes about a year or more!
The twohanded backhand can allow the ball to come into the body more or you can step into it and meet it earlier. You can use this delay as a diguise element or if you need the extra time. The onehanded backhand does not give your this option. The bottom-line to this is the twohanded backhand is easier to time.
The twohanded backhand can easliy add topspin to a shot. Just the sheer nature of twohands hitting the ball allows the twohanded backhand the ability to add tremendous topspin.
Until the onehander really learns to time the ball well, the twohanded wins in power. Power for the most part comes from your abillity to hit a clean shot and timing. The twohander hands down is easier to do this with both on grooundstrokes and the return of serve.
The twohanded is easier to manage from a stroke production view as only two body segement are used. The lower body and the upper body, thats it!
Some downfalls of the twohander:
1. You need a wider base under you to hit the ball.
2. The backfoot really needs to be set to push off through the ball.
3. Balance is more of an issue through the stroke phase. SO you must be in good shape and have goof footwork to maintain that balance.
4. You burn a little more energy because your using more muscles in the shot. At the very least, your using more MAJOR muscles in the shot.
5. It is harder to learn to relax the shoulders and legs so rotation can move through the kenetic chain. Many players "tighten" up their legs or tighten up their shoulders and try to muscle there shot. The worst is as you swing you tighten up the legs for power as it just stiffens the swing and produces poor results.
6. It feels awkward (at first). It takes a good month to learn how to move with a twohander. But if you keep your legs loose and body loose through the swing, you will get fantastic results.
Although I love the onehander, I favor the twohander for todays game. since every player needs to slice it mutes the benefit of having a onehander because of it. Also, the gap favoring coming to net with a onehander vs. a twohander is closing as well. Twohanders are now hitting their backhand volleys with twohands or onehands on the racquet. They are learning to slice the ball as well.
The bottom-line is if you want a onehanded backhand then you must stick with it for at least a year and a half with hard practice. It is simply a hard shot to learn and get good with. This is a decision you will have to make.
As for me, I love both backhands and teach both backhands. But if a parent came up to me and asked, if it was your kid and they could be good with either, I would favor the twohander. Itis a better shot for the return of serve (which is more important than ever before) and the higher ball which is prevalent in todays tennis.