calling all two-handed backhanders!

[papa]

One of the problems with the 2HBH is that inexperienced player often keep the right hand (RHP) in a power position and it has a tendency to pull the racquet out of the left hand and take over. My opinion is that the brain doesn't trust the left hand's ability to do much which is why most of us have a dominant side including to a lesser extent, our legs.

So, I prefer the right hand rotated more to an weak eastern grip for a lot of players so it can't take over.

I also prefer the butt aimed at the incoming ball like on the forehand side.

[Ross K]

Anybody else???

Originally Posted by Ross K

Right hand: conti, left hand: SW/Western?


Okay. Been here before with this topic (see earlier posts), but still an issue for me...

A bit more info/feedback then required on the grip combo of right hand in conti and left in SW/Western territory...

I understand this is slightly frowned upon/looked down on a bit for men to use this combo (isn't this the so called 'chicken wing' style or whatever? )

Yet... and not for the 1st time... I've been finding going to this grip combo - and I'll try and describe it as best I can... it's like I'm slightly turning/locking my left hand over the grip a bit more and inclining it so the grip is a tad more directly below the palm, I can now see my knuckes more, and so the hoop is less on its edge and more so you can through the strings... well, it has its benefits.

Seems to me I get far more left arm/side of body into the shot. And I think more power too.

Anyhow, any thoughts from the 2hbh experts most welcome!... is what I've described really SW/Western on my left hand or am I just doing something rather weird here??!!

Cheers,

R.

[tricky]

That grip is similar to Nalbandian's 2H BH grip. It might even BE his grip, though I'm not sure.

You might find yourself swinging in a diagonal, somewhat like a lefty golf swing. Typically you're encouraged to swing down-to-up through the contact zone (rather than the baseball swing.) But with a strong SW grip, you may find it more lefty dominant to swing in that diagonal, finishing over the shoulder.

In any case, it's still ideal to start the swing with a smile pattern. Consciously bring the racquet's butt cap "down" or "under the ball" to initiate the 2H BH takeback. The focus on the butt cap during the takeback will enhance the "wristiness" of your swing, though the wrist itself will be stable through contact.

If the above feels pretty smooth, then there's a few tweaks to help the swing. As you prepare the 2H BH, make sure . . .

1) Your right arm pit is tightly closed. This will help you extend through contact point.

2) Dip your front/right shoulder before you initiate the backswing. This will help your core drive your swing.

3) Your right elbow is tucked tight to the right side of your body. This will lengthen your stride.

[Ross K]

What is everyone's grip combos?... And are they 'pendulum'/linear hitters (baseball style, straight back, straight forward)?... 'chicken wingers' (diagonal and down to up and around)?... and are your arms straight/straight or straigh/bent, or whatever?...

BTW, the last time I was on the courts, I really thought one of the problems for me was simply I wasn't belting it with quite the authority and oomph and ease of my fh... so... and I know this sounds rather obvious... but it was good for me to practice, and for a long time I may add, trying to annihilate every single ball that came over on my 2h side. And an interesting thing began to emerge for me as and when I felt I was indeed getting that BIG POWER: my left arm/side was definitely more active and fully engaged... anyhow, it definitely feels to me that I'm getting more into the ball when that left side is more involved.

So, basically, I want to know everything about grip and stance etc that can best facilitates this. I'm also just interested in others grips/style/arms positioning, etc.

Finally, ATM I suspect I'm using elements of both linear and diagonal, but my grip is pretty much a conti/SW... but I want that consistent oomph, so I need to tighten up my mechanics.


R.

[Photoshop]

Hi Ross, I'm not familiar with all these technical terms (linear and diagonal hit... what?) but I'll try to explain my backhand best I can.

My grip combo is conti/conti. I feel just as comfortable with conti (dominant right hand) / eastern (left hand), though. 2hbh always felt natural to me so I don't think about the mechanics too much - I just bend my knees and explode into the shot, ya know? Another thing to note is my 2hbh is pretty much a lefty forehand in that I mainly use my left arm to hit the ball and my right hand is just there to hold the racket. But that's not to say that I could hit a lefty forehand; my right hand still is an essential part of the 2hbh as it guides the swing path. But again, all the power comes from my left hand.

baseball style, straight back, straight forward?? I don't know what these mean Both my arms are bent - left arm is double bend (elbow and wrist both bent 90 degrees) and right arm is slightly bent. I think my take-back is straight (kinda like Serena... I'm guessing Agassi is a good example of baseball style?). When I make contact with the ball my right elbow is almost touching my torso and my left arm (which does all the job) is bent at wrist 90 degrees and elbow is slightly more open. After the contact, though, my left arm is straight and fully extended.

and I'm sure this has been discussed to death already but IMO the most crucial part of 2hbh is the racket head drop. and the left shoulder should be positioned higher than the right. 2hbh is a really complicated motion but it should be a more natural shot than forehand for most people because the body uncoils as opposed to arm coiling around the body.

Also I came across this video the other day and Nalby's backhand is here just a thing of beauty. My coach always told me not to "fall back" (see what Nalby does with 1st bh) when hitting a backhand and let your left leg come around, but I don't think that's very important in 2hbh. Maybe someone can comment on this?

[Ross K]

Yep. Let's all just forget this technical talking mumbo jumbo... it's all so simple really eh?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PvSJP7CRZM

And whatever is good enough for Marat Safin, is certainly good enough for me - LOL!


R.

Originally Posted by Hot Sauce

I have a 2h bh which works pretty well, but I don't think I'm qualified to give you advice.

Idem, and do not worry about pestering, our goal here is common: improvement!!!
I can only tell you I am doing pretty much the same, but I think about finishing high on right shoulder....

[Ross K]

Photoshop,

Also I came across this video the other day and Nalby's backhand is here just a thing of beauty. My coach always told me not to "fall back" (see what Nalby does with 1st bh) when hitting a backhand and let your left leg come around, but I don't think that's very important in 2hbh. Maybe someone can comment on this?

Cheers for cool vid. Re your comment, absolutely, yes, don't collapse back on the shot. I think the tip of keeping your left shoulder slightly raised higher than your right on the shot is particular noteworthy here. Also, for me, when positioning allows, I find anchoring and planting that back foot on the toes or ball of your foot just works very well in helping to create the correct base or shape.

[tricky]

And whatever is good enough for Marat Safin, is certainly good enough for me

Worth noting how all the male players reposition their front foot as they take the racquet back. It's perhaps obvious, but you'd be very surprised how people forget to do this.

[Wilander Fan]

I used to have a very good 2hb when I was 17 but it was the hardest stroke to reacquire when I picked the game up again. I was constantly misjudging the distance in that I was always jammed or reaching for the ball. Oddly, this problem instantly and completely went away when I started hitting 1hb.

I assumed the problem was a loss of flexibility and speed but I wonder now if there was something mechanical going on. I am still conflicted about the 1hb although I have been using it pretty exclusively for a year now. The footwork and stroke feels natural but it can go wild. Also, short balls which were easily put away with top spin 2hb and much more difficult to deal with using a topspin 1hb and I find myself slicing those balls and approaching. And of course, the high balls are a strength for the 2hb and a real weakness for the 1hb.

[Chalk Flew Up!]

Originally Posted by Ross K

Yep. Let's all just forget this technical talking mumbo jumbo... it's all so simple really eh?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PvSJP7CRZM

And whatever is good enough for Marat Safin, is certainly good enough for me - LOL!


R.

Try actually applying yourself...you might get it.

[Ross K]

Originally Posted by Chalk Flew Up!

Try actually applying yourself...you might get it.

Er... yes... that is exactly what I was referring to with my ironic and self-mocking remark... thanks though for your contribution.

[Morgan]

Originally Posted by Photoshop

Hi Ross, I'm not familiar with all these technical terms (linear and diagonal hit... what?) but I'll try to explain my backhand best I can.

My grip combo is conti/conti. I feel just as comfortable with conti (dominant right hand) / eastern (left hand), though. 2hbh always felt natural to me so I don't think about the mechanics too much - I just bend my knees and explode into the shot, ya know? Another thing to note is my 2hbh is pretty much a lefty forehand in that I mainly use my left arm to hit the ball and my right hand is just there to hold the racket. But that's not to say that I could hit a lefty forehand; my right hand still is an essential part of the 2hbh as it guides the swing path. But again, all the power comes from my left hand.

baseball style, straight back, straight forward?? I don't know what these mean Both my arms are bent - left arm is double bend (elbow and wrist both bent 90 degrees) and right arm is slightly bent. I think my take-back is straight (kinda like Serena... I'm guessing Agassi is a good example of baseball style?). When I make contact with the ball my right elbow is almost touching my torso and my left arm (which does all the job) is bent at wrist 90 degrees and elbow is slightly more open. After the contact, though, my left arm is straight and fully extended.

and I'm sure this has been discussed to death already but IMO the most crucial part of 2hbh is the racket head drop. and the left shoulder should be positioned higher than the right. 2hbh is a really complicated motion but it should be a more natural shot than forehand for most people because the body uncoils as opposed to arm coiling around the body.

Also I came across this video the other day and Nalby's backhand is here just a thing of beauty. My coach always told me not to "fall back" (see what Nalby does with 1st bh) when hitting a backhand and let your left leg come around, but I don't think that's very important in 2hbh. Maybe someone can comment on this?

I've been using 1hbh for years, but tried the 2hbh this a.m. because of some severe TE, painful on backhand shots.

And you describe the shot perfectly, Found success w/ the left hand taking over the shot and trying to keep the right hand/arm along for the ride.
The uncoiling description was spot on, too.

I've got to find the right grip, though. Found that the balls were sailing, long.