Anyone hit both 1H and 2H BH?

M

Muzzy

New User
I started out playing with just a 2H, as this is what my coach taught us (I'm an adult learner). I struggled a lot with the backhand and also felt some back pain, so I started to learn a 1H slice BH and got pretty decent at that, then I eventually started to learn the 1H topspin. Lately, I have found I am mixing back in 2H backhands occasionally, almost out of instinct on some shots.

Basically, if the ball is high, I 1H slice it back.
If the ball sits up in my strike zone and I've got time to go for it, I hit a 1H topspin (which probably is my most powerful shot, even faster than my FH I think).
If the ball is very low, I either slice it, or I use a 1H and sort of pick it up depending on where I am on the court and where I want it to go.
I also lob with a 1H.

But, there are exceptions - if a ball is coming at my BH with a lot of pace and I feel I don't have time for a 1H wind up, I hit a 2H. I also hit 2H in certain scenarios where I want to flatten out my shot - for example, today I had a short ball on my BH side and I wanted to rip it flat cross court - I put two hands on the racket for this shot.
Rarely, when on the run and I feel like I need the extra strength, I hit a 2H BH as well. I hit 2h "backwards lobs" too, I'm too short to ever try and learn a tweener...

Oddly enough though, I don't return serve with a 2H, even on fast serves. I either slice them back or sort of do a flat 1H drive. On slower serves to my BH I like to hit a crosscourt 1H topspin.

Essentially, I think my 1H is the more powerful shot when I can use it, but it is a harder shot to prepare for - it takes more time and better footwork to setup a good 1H topspin shot.

I have been pretty happy with this setup, and with the limited use of a 2H I am not experiencing any back pain (I think I use too much core rotation on my 2H).

Just curios if anyone else plays like this, and how it has worked out for them. I am a relatively new player, only a couple years, so if it turned out to be a flawed philosophy for others I'd rather adapt and pick just a 1H or a 2H.
 
K

kiteboard

Banned
Muzzy said:
I started out playing with just a 2H, as this is what my coach taught us (I'm an adult learner). I struggled a lot with the backhand and also felt some back pain, so I started to learn a 1H slice BH and got pretty decent at that, then I eventually started to learn the 1H topspin. Lately, I have found I am mixing back in 2H backhands occasionally, almost out of instinct on some shots.

Basically, if the ball is high, I 1H slice it back.
If the ball sits up in my strike zone and I've got time to go for it, I hit a 1H topspin (which probably is my most powerful shot, even faster than my FH I think).
If the ball is very low, I either slice it, or I use a 1H and sort of pick it up depending on where I am on the court and where I want it to go.
I also lob with a 1H.

But, there are exceptions - if a ball is coming at my BH with a lot of pace and I feel I don't have time for a 1H wind up, I hit a 2H. I also hit 2H in certain scenarios where I want to flatten out my shot - for example, today I had a short ball on my BH side and I wanted to rip it flat cross court - I put two hands on the racket for this shot.
Rarely, when on the run and I feel like I need the extra strength, I hit a 2H BH as well. I hit 2h "backwards lobs" too, I'm too short to ever try and learn a tweener...

Oddly enough though, I don't return serve with a 2H, even on fast serves. I either slice them back or sort of do a flat 1H drive. On slower serves to my BH I like to hit a crosscourt 1H topspin.

Essentially, I think my 1H is the more powerful shot when I can use it, but it is a harder shot to prepare for - it takes more time and better footwork to setup a good 1H topspin shot.

I have been pretty happy with this setup, and with the limited use of a 2H I am not experiencing any back pain (I think I use too much core rotation on my 2H).

Just curios if anyone else plays like this, and how it has worked out for them. I am a relatively new player, only a couple years, so if it turned out to be a flawed philosophy for others I'd rather adapt and pick just a 1H or a 2H.
Click to expand...
There are two anchor points for 1hbh: sideways plant step #1, and keep the hitting shoulder low #2, and if the ball is low, let it come into your body more, if high, out front more. Learn to make all these things become one thing you don't think about anymore.
 
S&V-not_dead_yet

S&V-not_dead_yet

Talk Tennis Guru
Practically everyone with a 2HBH also has a 1HBH slice. But most do not drive the ball with a 1HBH unless out of desperation [Tsonga seems to do it more than just out of desperation]. What we're talking about is driving the ball.

I recommend against using both BHs because when the pressure is on, which one will you choose? And will your moving back and forth between the two cause you to hesitate?
 
P

PMChambers

Hall of Fame
In doubles I sometimes use 2HBH return. I struggle to drive a 1HBH on return and if I've got an active net player and need to drive the 2HBH is much easier as a compact stroke. Under lights 2HBH return can be higher consistency as I see the ball late.
 
mikeler

mikeler

Moderator
I use both to drive the ball. If I want to take a big cut at it or put a lot spin on the ball, then I use the 1 hander. I like to hit returns and high ball drives with 2 hands.
 
M

Mark Asher

Rookie
I am hitting both. Still learning the 2Her but I hit it pretty good. The 1Her is my defensive shot, my approach shot, and sometimes just the shot I want to hit. If you drive a 1Her and hit it well, it's a tough shot.

I often find that I start a shot as a 2Her and then drop off the left hand and hit a flat 1Her because I end up reaching more for the ball.
 
MajesticMoose

MajesticMoose

Hall of Fame
I wouldn't recommend hitting both. You start to question yourself mid rally on which one to choose. Just develop a soild 2 hander or a solid 1 hander. End of thread.
 
Dartagnan64

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
I'm actually surprised more people don't have both since it's no more complicated that learning any stroke. A simple idea would be to develop each stroke for what it's best designed for: 1HBH drive for attacking and 2HBH for defending/RoS. Use the 2 Hander on returns and when far behind the baseline and the 1 hander when you are stepping in from the baseline. I can't really imagine it's much harder since in tennis you have to learn overhead smashes, volleys, topspin slice, serves of various types. What's one more stroke to the arsenal?
 
G

GuyClinch

Legend
If you want to be a teaching pro - learn both. Otherwise try to get good at either the two handler or one handed. Why not both? Opportunity cost. Only so much time in ur life. You only live 30k days.
 
S&V-not_dead_yet

S&V-not_dead_yet

Talk Tennis Guru
Dartagnan64 said:
I'm actually surprised more people don't have both since it's no more complicated that learning any stroke. A simple idea would be to develop each stroke for what it's best designed for: 1HBH drive for attacking and 2HBH for defending/RoS. Use the 2 Hander on returns and when far behind the baseline and the 1 hander when you are stepping in from the baseline. I can't really imagine it's much harder since in tennis you have to learn overhead smashes, volleys, topspin slice, serves of various types. What's one more stroke to the arsenal?
Click to expand...

How much will you get out of having both vs how much effort will it take to make both good and reliable? For most, I would think the negatives would outweigh positives. I'm having enough trouble trying to improve my 2HBH without adding a 1HBH drive to the equation.
 
L

Limpinhitter

G.O.A.T.
Muzzy said:
I started out playing with just a 2H, as this is what my coach taught us (I'm an adult learner). I struggled a lot with the backhand and also felt some back pain, so I started to learn a 1H slice BH and got pretty decent at that, then I eventually started to learn the 1H topspin. Lately, I have found I am mixing back in 2H backhands occasionally, almost out of instinct on some shots.

Basically, if the ball is high, I 1H slice it back.
If the ball sits up in my strike zone and I've got time to go for it, I hit a 1H topspin (which probably is my most powerful shot, even faster than my FH I think).
If the ball is very low, I either slice it, or I use a 1H and sort of pick it up depending on where I am on the court and where I want it to go.
I also lob with a 1H.

But, there are exceptions - if a ball is coming at my BH with a lot of pace and I feel I don't have time for a 1H wind up, I hit a 2H. I also hit 2H in certain scenarios where I want to flatten out my shot - for example, today I had a short ball on my BH side and I wanted to rip it flat cross court - I put two hands on the racket for this shot.
Rarely, when on the run and I feel like I need the extra strength, I hit a 2H BH as well. I hit 2h "backwards lobs" too, I'm too short to ever try and learn a tweener...

Oddly enough though, I don't return serve with a 2H, even on fast serves. I either slice them back or sort of do a flat 1H drive. On slower serves to my BH I like to hit a crosscourt 1H topspin.

Essentially, I think my 1H is the more powerful shot when I can use it, but it is a harder shot to prepare for - it takes more time and better footwork to setup a good 1H topspin shot.

I have been pretty happy with this setup, and with the limited use of a 2H I am not experiencing any back pain (I think I use too much core rotation on my 2H).

Just curios if anyone else plays like this, and how it has worked out for them. I am a relatively new player, only a couple years, so if it turned out to be a flawed philosophy for others I'd rather adapt and pick just a 1H or a 2H.
Click to expand...

2hb when the ball is in my strike zone. 1hb when it's not.
 
fundrazer

fundrazer

G.O.A.T.
I actually do some of the same things. I'm getting a little better at adjusting my swing for higher balls, but if they're too high then I do slice them back. Also trying to work on anticipation and prep for that side, because sometimes I'm very late, and when that happens I sometimes hit a 2hbh because the ball is already too close.

It can be difficult though. Like most of the guys I hit with, they generally don't pressure me enough with fast or deep shots to my backhand side, so I'm in this comfort zone of how I expect shots to come through the court and when I start my prep for the backhand. But then the timing is totally not there when I hit with stronger players, because I don't get enough practice against them. Ball sometimes gets on me too fast. Although my one buddy has a ball machine, might have to see if I can borrow it sometime.
 
mikeler

mikeler

Moderator
Even though I use both, I also recommend getting good at one and sticking with it. My situation was that my ooach started me with 2 hands and I never liked it. Then I switched to a 1 hander. After a 10 year break, I was too weak to hit the 1 hander so I hit with two hands for a year then switched again. I've used mostly the 2 hander the last few years to ward off tennis elbow.
 
Dartagnan64

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
S&V-not_dead_yet said:
How much will you get out of having both vs how much effort will it take to make both good and reliable? For most, I would think the negatives would outweigh positives. I'm having enough trouble trying to improve my 2HBH without adding a 1HBH drive to the equation.
Click to expand...

I don't know, if my elbow and shoulder could handle it, I'd try to learn both. If I don't master it before I die, what have I lost? As an intermediate player most of the fun of tennis is just trying to get better and challenge yourself. Beating other intermediate tennis players brings little satisfaction. But developing a new skill is quite rewarding.
 
SpinToWin

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
I can hit both. I only really use the one hander on uncomfortable balls (too far in front, way on the stretch with the opponent at the net, low balls near the net).

It'd take way too much effort to make the one hander legitimately as effective as my two hander I find.
 
Wander

Wander

Hall of Fame
SpinToWin said:
I can hit both. I only really use the one hander on uncomfortable balls (too far in front, way on the stretch with the opponent at the net, low balls near the net).

It'd take way too much effort to make the one hander legitimately as effective as my two hander I find.
Click to expand...

I do the same. Sometimes especially if you didn't quite move to the right position to hit a two-hander it's just far more comfortable to drive it one-handed. I'm not saying I'm consistently great with the shot but I find it useful and haven't experienced it to be a hindrance.
 
Bender

Bender

G.O.A.T.
I like to hit both, because I started out with a one hander, but only for fun.

My one hander is too unreliable to use even as a desperation move.

I will hit half volley one handed continental backhands from time to time, a bit like those Federer wrist flick backhands, but only if I don't have the time to switch grips and hit a proper two hander, since I can hit on the rise very well for my level with my two hander.
 
MathGeek

MathGeek

Hall of Fame
My son's coaches recently had him add a 1hbh slice to his 2hbh. It seems like a good time for the addition, and he's already pretty solid with it. He's using it mostly for 1). Balls to the body where he has very little time to react 2). Balls that are too low for a good 2hbh 3). Balls on the run that he barely gets to.

So far, it seems that he has no trouble deciding. If the 2hbh is gonna be awkward, he instantly shifts to a 1hbh. As he works to improve his hb drop shot, I bet he shifts to a 1hbh for that also.

Me? I'm always use a 1hbh from the baseline. But My default bh volley is with two hands. I have much more control both of direction and speed volleying with 2 hands. I only drop my left hand off the racquet if I need to reach really low, really high, really far, or to block my head or body.
 
Notirouswithag

Notirouswithag

Professional
I can hit both, my 2HBH isn't the best as I used to be a 2 hander when I was young but the last 17 years I've been a one hander. If im on the run and I cant move in to get the ball on the rise( bh slice/ return) I'll use my two hander, otherwise it's usually my 1HBH slice/return
 
B

Bobs tennis

Semi-Pro
Just brought this thread back up because it answers lots of questions for me and maybe helps others. Keep getting pushed to hit 2h'er being told it's stronger but love the feel and spin of the 1hbh. I just seem to have lost the feel on 2h'er. Atleast I feel i'm not the only I in this position.
 
H

hurworld

Hall of Fame
Bobs tennis said:
Just brought this thread back up because it answers lots of questions for me and maybe helps others. Keep getting pushed to hit 2h'er being told it's stronger but love the feel and spin of the 1hbh. I just seem to have lost the feel on 2h'er. Atleast I feel i'm not the only I in this position.
Click to expand...
Everyone's different.

I started playing as a weekend hack with 2hbh with no coaching, because that's what felt natural to me. Then switched to 1hbh because one of my very good friends plays with 1hbh and it looks bloody cool. Stuck with 1hbh for a long time but always reverted back to 2hbh when I get into emergency situations (fast ball close to body, top spin high bounce to backhand, etc). After a few years of not playing and coming back to tennis last year, took coaching lessons, and decided to revert back to 2hbh for much better consistency. Occassionally I still hit some1hbh when with the right ball (read: slow) comes along, though.
 
Jannick

Jannick

Rookie
MajesticMoose said:
I wouldn't recommend hitting both. You start to question yourself mid rally on which one to choose. Just develop a soild 2 hander or a solid 1 hander. End of thread.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't recommend learning to hit a slice and a drive backhand, you start to question yourself mid rally on which one to choose.


See the flawed logic here?
 
Jannick

Jannick

Rookie
I like to play the one handed backhand aswell as the two handed one, I barely use the one hander competitively though, only when the ball would be out of reach or too low to get with two hands (6"3 with bad knees).

Ocassionaly it is very fun to rip a one hander full throttle, I feel it works better offensively and the two hander is better for defense. I guess that opionions about this would vary but these are just my 2 cents.
 
ChaelAZ

ChaelAZ

G.O.A.T.
And my son switches between 1hbh and 2hbh, even in matches, much to my displeasure. He does both well though.
 
ChaelAZ

ChaelAZ

G.O.A.T.
S&V-not_dead_yet said:
I haven't observed that. Have you seen it with a particular skill level?
Click to expand...

It's random lately. I have hit with several new players - some from the clubs and others that I met while they are travelling through town. Most have been 4.0/4,5 guys. And it is always that hybrid 1h/2hbh slice where it starts 2h but towards the end the second hand comes off.
 
S&V-not_dead_yet

S&V-not_dead_yet

Talk Tennis Guru
ChaelAZ said:
It's random lately. I have hit with several new players - some from the clubs and others that I met while they are travelling through town. Most have been 4.0/4,5 guys. And it is always that hybrid 1h/2hbh slice where it starts 2h but towards the end the second hand comes off.
Click to expand...

Oh, I was thinking of when the non-dominant hand stays on the handle the entire time.

What you're describing I see when someone tries to disguise a 2H drive and then goes for a drop shot: he wants to keep the non-dominant hand on the handle rather than shifting it to the throat, which would give away his shot.
 
B

Bobs tennis

Semi-Pro
hurworld said:
Everyone's different.
. Occasionally I still hit some1hbh when with the right ball (read: slow) comes along, though.
Click to expand...
I'm finding this very true. Weaker players with slower strokes I can use 1h'er and feel that's where I belong then play stronger player and find myself having to use 2h'er.I think i'm finding peace with that thinking
 
Jannick

Jannick

Rookie
ChaelAZ said:
It's random lately. I have hit with several new players - some from the clubs and others that I met while they are travelling through town. Most have been 4.0/4,5 guys. And it is always that hybrid 1h/2hbh slice where it starts 2h but towards the end the second hand comes off.
Click to expand...

If it's a 2H backswing but after contact becomes 1H it may be a disguised slice.

Otherwise I don't see a reason to hit a slice with two hands
 
B

byealmeens

Semi-Pro
Jannick said:
I wouldn't recommend learning to hit a slice and a drive backhand, you start to question yourself mid rally on which one to choose.


See the flawed logic here?
Click to expand...
Actually, the logic is not flawed at all … if there is any indecision or confusion with the slice then something needs to be addressed there as well. In fact, there are many teaching pros that avoid teaching a slice backhand early on for this very reason. Point being … if a new swing/stroke impacts the effectiveness or progression of another, or hinders it’s use, then it makes sense to adjust one or the other. If you’re hitting a one hander when you want to hit a two hander, or if the use of your one hander is making your two hander weaker, then a decision needs to be made. I think some posts here are also noting the difficulty of learning something new, versus the value of perfecting something existing. That is understandable. But to me, if someone fills a need within their game by adding a new stroke without damaging another, then there is too much upside to ignore. In the case of the OP, it doesn’t sound like the two hander is impacting his one hander or its use so I would agree that there may be no issue here. I do feel that in some scenarios there could be some benefit in using the one hander over the two (such as when on the run), but that is my personal preference. I have seen many improvise very well with two hands as well. In the end, we all want to improve … and additions to our games should add value without greatly impacting our other strengths.
 
TnsGuru

TnsGuru

Professional
Years ago I saw someone in a tournament who primarily hit a 1 handed backhand but used a 2 handed backhand only on service returns.

His 1 hander was pretty good but he used a large windup on his preparation that wasn't effective for returning offensively against big servers. Not sure if he continued to use it but seems like a good option if your backhand is weak.
 
movdqa

movdqa

Talk Tennis Guru
jm1980 said:
On both sides = left and right?

I only ever saw one handers from both players
Click to expand...

24:22.

More here:


Note 2:20.

He had an injury (slipped on ice) a decade ago and lost strength on the serve and 1HBH so he developed a 2HBH to compensate. He then went on to develop left-handed strokes (all of them).
 
TennisProdigy

TennisProdigy

Professional
I’ve switched between 2H and 1HBH throughout my career and I’ve tried to mix them several times to no avail. Trying to hit topspin on both of these strokes have too much difference in mechanics and contact point and just confuses/lowers my game.

If I really tried and put in the practice hours I think I would be able to interchange them in a rally or match but I don’t feel like it would ultimately help me as much as if I just chose one and really worked on mastering that single stroke.
 
H

hurworld

Hall of Fame
TennisProdigy said:
I’ve switched between 2H and 1HBH throughout my career and I’ve tried to mix them several times to no avail. Trying to hit topspin on both of these strokes have too much difference in mechanics and contact point and just confuses/lowers my game.

If I really tried and put in the practice hours I think I would be able to interchange them in a rally or match but I don’t feel like it would ultimately help me as much as if I just chose one and really worked on mastering that single stroke.
Click to expand...
That should be the normal progression for most people. Stick with one and excel with it.

Then there are rec hacks like me who decide to toy with both styles. But then I'm not aiming for 6.0 NTRP :)
 
MajesticMoose

MajesticMoose

Hall of Fame
If you are serious about competition, you would be a fool to try and switch between both. Like the above post, master one and run with it. If you don't care about tournaments, then switch all you want.
 
WestboroChe

WestboroChe

Hall of Fame
I started out with a 2HBH but switched to a 1HBH in time as the extra reach was really needed. Since I always struggled with the footwork and timing of two hands I don’t really miss it.

I will occasionally put my off hand on the racquet to help me get the angle right when I’m blocking back a hard body serve or a shot straight at me at net.
 
Jannick

Jannick

Rookie
WestboroChe said:
I started out with a 2HBH but switched to a 1HBH in time as the extra reach was really needed. Since I always struggled with the footwork and timing of two hands I don’t really miss it.

I will occasionally put my off hand on the racquet to help me get the angle right when I’m blocking back a hard body serve or a shot straight at me at net.
Click to expand...

Very good way to use both, my coach/trainer always says: you should stick to one, but it never hurts to be able to play both.

There will always be a situation where one of them won't work the best. I usually play a two-hander but if I lack time and reach I will play a one hander instead. (the opposite of what you do)

I think Kei Nishikori does this aswell.
 
H

hurworld

Hall of Fame
I find I can hit shorter angled backhands with 1hbh due to better top spin. With 2hbh I tend to drive the backhand shots more. So there's that situational use case, at least for me.
 
Jannick

Jannick

Rookie
hurworld said:
I find I can hit shorter angled backhands with 1hbh due to better top spin. With 2hbh I tend to drive the backhand shots more. So there's that situational use case, at least for me.
Click to expand...

I'm assuming you hit the 1hbh with a very closed racquet face.
You should try to do the same with the 2hbh so you can generate more spin if that is what you like.

I can generate almost as much spin with the two hander as with the one hander.
Angles don't have to be super tight anyway, you don't have to finish the point right away. If you can pressure your opponent sometimes that's enough to set up for a winner.
 
D

dominikk1985

Legend
I can hit a decent one hander but I think there is a reason why there are no good (5.0+) players who do switch between 1h and 2h topspin backhand.

Muscle memory is important and you want to pick a shot and work on it as much as you can. It is possible to hit both decent but to play at a really high level you need reps and having two backhand means you need to maintain 3 different groundstrokes.
 
H

hurworld

Hall of Fame
Jannick said:
I'm assuming you hit the 1hbh with a very closed racquet face.
You should try to do the same with the 2hbh so you can generate more spin if that is what you like.

I can generate almost as much spin with the two hander as with the one hander.
Angles don't have to be super tight anyway, you don't have to finish the point right away. If you can pressure your opponent sometimes that's enough to set up for a winner.
Click to expand...
On the contrary, I tend to use more drive through swing path for 2hbh and low-to-high swing path + supination for 1hbh, with flat to slightly closed racquet face for both strokes. I guess that's why I get more top spin and less drive for 1hbh.

Nowadays I tend to stick to 2hbh for more consistent play and I think my 1hbh has reduced to just for slice now.

But point taken, I need to work on getting more top spin on my 2hbh.
 
ByeByePoly

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
dominikk1985 said:
I can hit a decent one hander but I think there is a reason why there are no good (5.0+) players who do switch between 1h and 2h topspin backhand.

Muscle memory is important and you want to pick a shot and work on it as much as you can. It is possible to hit both decent but to play at a really high level you need reps and having two backhand means you need to maintain 3 different groundstrokes.
Click to expand...

It's not just muscle memory reps ... it's clarity during points. I played with a guy that hit both 1hbh and 2hbh that were both 5.0 quality. He didn't seem to have much problem with technique mixing them in, but the "when" for each. He could hit quality topspin drives with both ... so both were always valid during a point. I think what he lost is that autopilot mode you need when playing your best tennis.

Since I am way past any competition that matters to me, I have the luxury of hitting what is most fun/satisfying. I have kept the flat 1hbh dtl (when in perfect strike zone) ... and 2hbh for everything else (that isn't a 1hbh slice or drop shot). That can be pretty autopilot ... only hit 1hbh when all the stars align. :-D
 
D

dominikk1985

Legend
It is definitely possible to hit both at 5.0 quality but I'm sure the 5.0 will pick one if he is in a really tight match. If you want to just do some hitting you can do both of course.
 
B

Big Bagel

Professional
I primarily hit a one-hander, but if I'm facing somebody with a good kick serve that bounces high then I'll switch to a two-hander when I want to drive one of those returns rather than slicing it since I don't like stepping way back. I will also occasionally pull out the two-hander on short hops/pickups both at the baseline and at the net. I can hit a normal two-hander, but outside of those special conditions, I'll always take my one-hander.
 
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