the modern game

[Bach3387]

with all the new players on the tour, like Coria, Federer, and Ferrero, there is definately a new game going on. these players don't just have one great weapon, there whole game is a weapon. my question is, in this modern game, what is the best way to do it? like, a one handed BH or two hander? or S&V or rally? mainly, what backhand is the best for the modern all court tennis game. thanks

[linli101]

If there is an answer to your question then there will be only one kind of backhand which will prevail. One hand or two hand, you tell me.

[John Jung]

Here is what I think defines the "modern" game of tennis: Topspin. A lot more topspin than before. The topspin allows more pace and more pace allows winners to be hit from the baseline. Because of that the S&V is no longer dominant. One or two handed backhands haven't changed the game. Even a one handed backhand can be stronger than a forehand. So, what changed that players started to use more topspin?

[kreative]

more topspin for higher margin of error. hit all out and the ball still lands in the court. ball bounces up out of the opponents' usual "strike zone" i.e. comfort zone, and the "kick" may force the opponent backwards further behind the baseline, opening up the angles.

as for the original poster's question, either backhand variant works for the modern game. federer, henin-hardenne, and guga are good examples of the 1 hander, whereas agassi, and safin have great 2 handers. all court wise, mardy fish gets it done w/ a 2 hander, and federer w/ 1. just depends on your preference.