ferrari_827
Professional
From someone who switched from a one-handed backhand ( a *long* time ago) to a two-handed, I thought I'd add some personal comments.
First, I don't think a two hander decreases your reach hardly at all, and if there is a tiny difference, this is compensated by the ability to make last minute adjustments with two hands.
The nod goes to the two hander for very low and high balls, down the line drives, and conserving energy. Overall, the two hander allows you to hit more risky shots safely.
The two hander definitely has the advantage on *return of serve*. Think of some of the great returners: Agassi, Connors, Seles, Davenport. All two-handed.
So the question arises, why have a one-handed backhand at all ???
The reason is that two handed players often (not always)have difficulty maneuvering the racket well for one-handed *volleys*, and this is a serious liability for an all-court game. A two-handed volley simply doesn't have the same feel and control as a one-handed volley.
Another area is the approach shot off the backhand. With a one hander, you are in a more natural position for volleying than off a TH approach shot. Two handers usually don't slice as well as one handers, which is an important shot for approaching the net.
However, I feel that the potential shortcomings of the two hander can be overcome through proper training and there are more benefits than drawbacks. For a pure serve and volley style, however, there's no choice but for a one hander (!)
First, I don't think a two hander decreases your reach hardly at all, and if there is a tiny difference, this is compensated by the ability to make last minute adjustments with two hands.
The nod goes to the two hander for very low and high balls, down the line drives, and conserving energy. Overall, the two hander allows you to hit more risky shots safely.
The two hander definitely has the advantage on *return of serve*. Think of some of the great returners: Agassi, Connors, Seles, Davenport. All two-handed.
So the question arises, why have a one-handed backhand at all ???
The reason is that two handed players often (not always)have difficulty maneuvering the racket well for one-handed *volleys*, and this is a serious liability for an all-court game. A two-handed volley simply doesn't have the same feel and control as a one-handed volley.
Another area is the approach shot off the backhand. With a one hander, you are in a more natural position for volleying than off a TH approach shot. Two handers usually don't slice as well as one handers, which is an important shot for approaching the net.
However, I feel that the potential shortcomings of the two hander can be overcome through proper training and there are more benefits than drawbacks. For a pure serve and volley style, however, there's no choice but for a one hander (!)