One or Two Handed Backhand Practice Video

[LockandRollTennis]

Which backhand of mine do you prefer? One-handed or Two-handed? Or Both? Or Neither? Hopefully not neither. =) I'd like to know! Thanks

One-handed video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uHFwKb6unk

Two-handed video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUDLCRhUWzA

 

[TheOneHander]

Just by aesthetics, the one hander looks nicer. The takeback on the 2HBH looks stiff and Roddickian Out of curiosity, which one do you prefer?

 

[FedExpress 333]

The one hander looks more technically sound/ effective.

 

[ATP100]

Please tell your practice partner to watch your forehand videos.

 

[LockandRollTennis]

Just by aesthetics, the one hander looks nicer. The takeback on the 2HBH looks stiff and Roddickian Out of curiosity, which one do you prefer?

Just a wild guess but I'm assuming you are one handed backhand player. haha

I was a One-handed backhand player throughout my junior and college carrier (about 7 years). I really liked the look and feel but I struggled a lot with high backhands and return of serve. After having wrist pain I switched to the Two-handed BH but I struggled for about 10 years. It's only been a couple of years since I've been feeling confident with the Two-hander but I still lose the feeling at times.

Overall, I like the two-handed backhand for it's stability and power even though I lose the flexibility and disguise that the one-hander offers. I've tried all different types of two-handed backhands for about 10 years and I landed with the "Roddickian" BH. I was going for Agassi's BH which in my opinion was and still is one of the best two-handed BH's of all time!

 

[Limpinhitter]

Which backhand of mine do you prefer? One-handed or Two-handed? Or Both? Or Neither? Hopefully not neither. =) I'd like to know! Thanks

One-handed video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uHFwKb6unk

Two-handed video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUDLCRhUWzA

Both are excellent. The 2hb requires a bit more footwork, IMO, because you lock out your elbows in the windup. But, it also seems to have more depth control and a bit more power.

 

[LockandRollTennis]

Both are excellent. The 2hb requires a bit more footwork, IMO, because you lock out your elbows in the windup. But, it also seems to have more depth control and a bit more power.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[LockandRollTennis]

The one hander looks more technically sound/ effective.

Interesting to get feedback. My Two-handed backhand feels a lot more stable. I guess the One-hander looks better.

 

[tennis-kid]

Just a wild guess but I'm assuming you are one handed backhand player. haha

I was a One-handed backhand player throughout my junior and college carrier (about 7 years). I really liked the look and feel but I struggled a lot with high backhands and return of serve. After having wrist pain I switched to the Two-handed BH but I struggled for about 10 years. It's only been a couple of years since I've been feeling confident with the Two-hander but I still lose the feeling at times.

Overall, I like the two-handed backhand for it's stability and power even though I lose the flexibility and disguise that the one-hander offers. I've tried all different types of two-handed backhands for about 10 years and I landed with the "Roddickian" BH. I was going for Agassi's BH which in my opinion was and still is one of the best two-handed BH's of all time!

I think Marat Safin's backhand is just as good as Agasi if not better. Just IMO.

 

[SStrikerR]

Two hander, because I've found that to be tougher to learn, so the video helps.

 

[LockandRollTennis]

I think Marat Safin's backhand is just as good as Agasi if not better. Just IMO.

Agree, Safin's BH is amazing. I tried his style but couldn't get used to it. Bigger backswing and shorter follow through felt awkward for me.

 

[FedExpress 333]

You get a lot more spin on the 1 hander too, from the looks of it.

 

[TheOneHander]

Just a wild guess but I'm assuming you are one handed backhand player. haha

I was a One-handed backhand player throughout my junior and college carrier (about 7 years). I really liked the look and feel but I struggled a lot with high backhands and return of serve. After having wrist pain I switched to the Two-handed BH but I struggled for about 10 years. It's only been a couple of years since I've been feeling confident with the Two-hander but I still lose the feeling at times.

Overall, I like the two-handed backhand for it's stability and power even though I lose the flexibility and disguise that the one-hander offers. I've tried all different types of two-handed backhands for about 10 years and I landed with the "Roddickian" BH. I was going for Agassi's BH which in my opinion was and still is one of the best two-handed BH's of all time!

Actually, I hit a 2HBH I used a one hander when I first joined, but I switched and couldn't be happier! The part that you mentioned about stability and power are the things that got me to switch.

Now that you mention it, Roddick's backhand does remind me of Agassi's. The takeback is somewhat similar.

 

[0d1n]

Just by aesthetics, the one hander looks nicer. The takeback on the 2HBH looks stiff and Roddickian Out of curiosity, which one do you prefer?

The good one handers will always look better. There are very few 2 handers who also "look good". AA and Kafelnikov come to mind...maybe a flowing Nalbandian as well.

Both are excellent. The 2hb requires a bit more footwork, IMO, because you lock out your elbows in the windup. But, it also seems to have more depth control and a bit more power.

Weird. To me it seemed exactly the opposite. He seems to get better depth and more margin over the net with the one hander. I don't see the "more power" in the 2 hander either.
Can't argue with more stability and easier blocked returns though...which he's obviously favoring since he switched BH's.
Regardless...to me the one hander looks both better and more effective in these videos. However this is a "practice rally" situation with fed balls...in match play where the opponent doesn't feed the ball and actively tries to exploit his backhand (heavy loopy topspin to the bh) the perceived effectiveness might change for me as well.

Edit.

P.S. Yes...I am a one hander.

 

[Limpinhitter]

Actually, I hit a 2HBH I used a one hander when I first joined, but I switched and couldn't be happier! The part that you mentioned about stability and power are the things that got me to switch.

Now that you mention it, Roddick's backhand does remind me of Agassi's. The takeback is somewhat similar.

Haha! Except that Agassi's bh is one of the best backhands of all time, and Roddick's bh . . . isn't!

 

[Limpinhitter]

Thanks for the feedback.

You're welcome!

I'm a former 1hb player who started using a 2hb after a non-tennis related elbow injury. As much as I loved to rip my topspin 1hb there just wasn't the consistency or repeatability that I have with my 2hb. It took some time to get used to, in particular the additional upper body rotation and the left hand dominance needed to properly execute a 2hb. There's just a lot less room for unwanted variation in your swing when you have 2 hands on the racquet and when your swing consists of 50% upper body rotation.

I also started with locked out elbows on the backswing which required a lot more effort to execute very precise footwork (ala Connors) due to the inflexibility of locked out elbows. When I learned that a 2hb was really more of a left handed fh, I began to relax my arms in the windup which made my footwork much easier.

I still hit my 1hb slice on short/low balls, high balls and when on the stretch. My 2hb is best when the ball is between my shins and shoulders and when I'm not stretching for the ball. I hit an old school slice that I use to drive through the ball with plenty of power and penetration, not the hard chop that the all the pros seem to hit today.

 

[TheOneHander]

The good one handers will always look better. There are very few 2 handers who also "look good". AA and Kafelnikov come to mind...maybe a flowing Nalbandian as well.

I partially agree. In my post, I was comparing his backhands-his two hander isn't necessarily pretty. However, I asked him which one he preferred, regardless of aesthetics. Not quite sure if my explanation makes sense, sorry!

However, a backhand like Gasquet's or Wawrinka's would take the cake. I still llike Soderling's, for some odd reason, and Caro's is pretty as well.

Haha! Except that Agassi's bh is one of the best backhands of all time, and Roddick's bh . . . isn't!

Very true. What do you all think made the difference?

 

[FedExpress 333]

Agassi is Agassi and Roddick........is Roddick.

 

[Limpinhitter]

I partially agree. In my post, I was comparing his backhands-his two hander isn't necessarily pretty. However, I asked him which one he preferred, regardless of aesthetics. Not quite sure if my explanation makes sense, sorry!

However, a backhand like Gasquet's or Wawrinka's would take the cake. I still llike Soderling's, for some odd reason, and Caro's is pretty as well.



Very true. What do you all think made the difference?

Balance, timing, eye/hand coordination, upper body rotation, etc. etc. . . .

 

[HiroProtagonist]

I'm no expert so grain of salt please but I do fancy myself as having a pretty nice OHBH and it looks to me that you could get more power on your OHBH by closing your shoulder more before contact.

Not quite showing your back to the ball but getting more rotation and torque from your core and shoulders by twisting closed a little more on set-up then uncoiling.

 

[LockandRollTennis]

I partially agree. In my post, I was comparing his backhands-his two hander isn't necessarily pretty. However, I asked him which one he preferred, regardless of aesthetics. Not quite sure if my explanation makes sense, sorry!

However, a backhand like Gasquet's or Wawrinka's would take the cake. I still llike Soderling's, for some odd reason, and Caro's is pretty as well.



Very true. What do you all think made the difference?

IMO. Agassi's BH is a lot smoother then Roddicks and of course Agassi's timing is impeccable. Also, Roddick's backhand has improved over time. It used to be a lot stiffer then how he hits now. BTW, does anyone think Roddick looks like the character "Stifler" from the movie American Pie? haha

I also believe that many players like Soderling, Djokovic, Nadal, Ferrero, Moya and many other top pros have emulated Agassi's backhand. They all may look slightly different but have one thing in common: a straight arm (or almost straight) take back and follow through. Their wrists during the backswing also forms a mini loop (semi-circle) before contact for added acceleration.

I'd like to hear your thoughts

 

[DavaiMarat]

I disagree with most on this thread. Your 2HBH looks stable and consistent. Your take back is a bit stiff but the movement coming out of the slot flows. You may want to relax your grip a bit in the take back which will let you accelerate a little faster and smoother. I like Marat's model of a 2HBH the most. Smooth and elongated.

Your 1HBH has whip and you can accelerate a little faster (being your dominant hand) but your simply not getting the same 'sound' structure that you have on your 2HBH. More balls are flying long and your placement isn't as precise. Can you fix this? Of course. You just need to tame your shoulder and waist rotation to work more in a linear fashion (more forward movement less rotational movement).

Why fix your 1HBH (fix is a strong word) if your 2HBH is effective in getting the job done?

Edit: Muster is a prime example of a structure 1HBH, staying low through the contact with heavy spin and control. Edbergs was prettier, Muster's was deadlier.

 

[LockandRollTennis]

You're welcome!


I also started with locked out elbows on the backswing which required a lot more effort to execute very precise footwork (ala Connors) due to the inflexibility of locked out elbows. When I learned that a 2hb was really more of a left handed fh, I began to relax my arms in the windup which made my footwork much easier.

Interesting, never thought about the straight arm affecting the footwork. I too agree that the two-handed backhand is more of a left handed forehand. The locked out elbow or straight arm (like a pendulum) really helps my two-handed BH remain consistent. Relaxing my arm doesn't work for me for some reason.

 

[LockandRollTennis]

I disagree with most on this thread. Your 2HBH looks stable and consistent. Your take back is a bit stiff but the movement coming out of the slot flows. You may want to relax your grip a bit in the take back which will let you accelerate a little faster and smoother. I like Marat's model of a 2HBH the most. Smooth and elongated.

Your 1HBH has whip and you can accelerate a little faster (being your dominant hand) but your simply not getting the same 'sound' structure that you have on your 2HBH. More balls are flying long and your placement isn't as precise. Can you fix this? Of course. You just need to tame your shoulder and waist rotation to work more in a linear fashion (more forward movement less rotational movement).

Why fix your 1HBH (fix is a strong word) if your 2HBH is effective in getting the job done?


Edit: Muster is a prime example of a structure 1HBH, staying low through the contact with heavy spin and control. Edbergs was prettier, Muster's was deadlier.

Edberg and Muster, two names I haven't heard in a long time! Both amazing 1HBH. One is graceful the other's a brute.

Thanks for the feedback. IMO, I don't think a two handed backhand should be linear like the 1HBH. Perhaps the less shoulder rotation will help with the precision of the shot.

 

[Limpinhitter]

Interesting, never thought about the straight arm affecting the footwork. I too agree that the two-handed backhand is more of a left handed forehand. The locked out elbow or straight arm (like a pendulum) really helps my two-handed BH remain consistent. Relaxing my arm doesn't work for me for some reason.

Very true. It's a trade-off. My straight arm 2hb was very consistent and reliable even if it required a little more effort to get in to position. Further, bending your arms does add a small variable. But, don't you bend your right arm in the wind-up of your forehand? It seems to me that it's a more natural, relaxed swing to bend your left arm (and by necessity your right arm, which is passive anyway), in the wind-up of your 2hb. You're still going to straighten it (or mostly straighten it), at contact and bend it again on follow through, similar to the right hand fh.

 

[mad dog1]

both backhands look very good. i'd love to have either one.

 

[wickedfps]

I like your 1hbh. The hip rotation, back swing and follow through. The footwork however is a little too open for me. Our contact point is slightly different. Oddly enough when I'm in that position my "natural" 1hbh backhand either goes to the center or inside out unless I purposely hit it cross court. Thank you for sharing the video, the quality is great too. I'm the opposite. Used to have a 2hbh switching to 1hbh

Sent from my HTC Glacier using Tapatalk

 

[DavaiMarat]

Edberg and Muster, two names I haven't heard in a long time! Both amazing 1HBH. One is graceful the other's a brute.

Thanks for the feedback. IMO, I don't think a two handed backhand should be linear like the 1HBH. Perhaps the less shoulder rotation will help with the precision of the shot.

That's exactly my point. 2hbh is a rotational shot. Arms lift hips hit. 1hbh should roll from shoulder out toward the target not around the head. Hence how a close stance is a perfectly acceptable for a 1hbh.

Sorry I must of confused you somehow.

 

[LockandRollTennis]

That's exactly my point. 2hbh is a rotational shot. Arms lift hips hit. 1hbh should roll from shoulder out toward the target not around the head. Hence how a close stance is a perfectly acceptable for a 1hbh.

Sorry I must of confused you somehow.

Ok, thanks for clarifying I did miss understand you.

 

[ProgressoR]

nice strokes, being a 1h myself, I looked at this a bit more closely than the 2h.

I did note the 2h just seemed to produce a little more consistency for you.

Though to look at, the 1h wins every time in every place, in my book.

Unless its mine.

 

[LockandRollTennis]

I like your 1hbh. The hip rotation, back swing and follow through. The footwork however is a little too open for me. Our contact point is slightly different. Oddly enough when I'm in that position my "natural" 1hbh backhand either goes to the center or inside out unless I purposely hit it cross court. Thank you for sharing the video, the quality is great too. I'm the opposite. Used to have a 2hbh switching to 1hbh

Sent from my HTC Glacier using Tapatalk

Thanks! Do you think I open up too much at contact point and follow through? It feels natural for me. There was a comment made on my other 1HB video and someone mentioned that my backhand was flawed because I wasn't sideways enough.

I would like to hear peoples thought.

 

[Limpinhitter]

Thanks! Do you think I open up too much at contact point and follow through? It feels natural for me. There was a comment made on my other 1HB video and someone mentioned that my backhand was flawed because I wasn't sideways enough.

I would like to hear peoples thought.

IMO, at contact you should be just past sideways to your target on both topspin 1hb's and 2hb's. At the end of your follow-through, your chest should be about 3/4 to square to the target on on a 1hb, and square to the target on a 2hb.

On a 1hb slice, in which contact is a bit further back in the stance, I think you should be a little short of sideways to the target at contact, but, your chest should still be 3/4 to square to the target at completion of the follow through.

 

[Dreamer]

Your 2 hander looks so much more natural to me. I would go with that.

preparation of the 1hander isn't bad at all, but the swing is not as stable as your 2hander. This would be the harder stroke for you to master.

 

[mad dog1]

There was a comment made on my other 1HB video and someone mentioned that my backhand was flawed because I wasn't sideways enough.

I would like to hear peoples thought.

why are you soliciting thoughts here? you're so much better than the majority of the members here that you'd blow most of us off the court.

i doubt any of the folks who thought your bh was flawed have ever played at the level you've played and attained the results you've attained.

 

[Limpinhitter]

why are you soliciting thoughts here? you're so much better than the majority of the members here that you'd blow most of us off the court.

i doubt any of the folks who thought your bh was flawed have ever played at the level you've played and attained the results you've attained.

Perhaps L&R is just trying to politely fascilitate discussion. Besides, there are some very good players with a lot of knowledge here.

 

[LockandRollTennis]

why are you soliciting thoughts here? you're so much better than the majority of the members here that you'd blow most of us off the court.

i doubt any of the folks who thought your bh was flawed have ever played at the level you've played and attained the results you've attained.

Haha. Not trying to solicit any thoughts. Thanks for your comment, I really appreciate it. I'm sure there are some good players on this Forum who can give me constructive criticism as well. I'm always willing to learn more and improve on my game to be a better coach.

 

[Noaler]

your a pusher

 

[Fuji]

It seems as though that your 1HBH has a lot more clearance and penetration into the court while your 2HBH has a few more hitches in the motion, which robs you in depth.

I much prefer your one hander, but your two is definitely solid none the less!

-Fuji

 

[basil J]

I must be one of the few players that actually moved form a 2 hander to a 1Hand backhand. I always felt too stiff with two hands on the takeback and migrated very naturally to a onehander. I think both look great and I find it quite impressive that you can switch back & forth and mainatin a high level of play with both shots. Bravo.

 

[LockandRollTennis]

I must be one of the few players that actually moved form a 2 hander to a 1Hand backhand. I always felt too stiff with two hands on the takeback and migrated very naturally to a onehander. I think both look great and I find it quite impressive that you can switch back & forth and mainatin a high level of play with both shots. Bravo.

Thanks for the compliment! I initially started with the 2HB then switched to the 1HB when I was thirteen because the 2Hb felt very stiff. When I look back, I was never taught the 2HB correctly. No one showed me that the 2HB was like hitting a lefty forehand. I actually like the stiffness of the 2HB now which helps with control. It's also a nice contrast to the forehand that is loose and whippy!

My coach who I met at thirteen, David Breitkopf, explained to me that the forehand is like the CEO(president) of a company and the Backhand is like the CFO (financial officer). CEO, Visionary and Risk taker and the CFO, Calculating and Safe. Of course there are exceptions, but there is something very true about my coach's statement especially when you see professionals run around their backhand to hit inside out/in forehands. Just thought I'd share.

 

[FedExpress 333]

^^^^^^^^^^

most of the time, yes, unless your last name is gasquet, wawrinka, or edberg!

 

[Manus Domini]

1hander, more stable imo

and yes, I am a 1hander