1 handed bh vs. 2 handed bh: when to use which?

[hipster]

The first decent shot that I learned while playing tennis was a 2 handed backhand. I never really took lessons or anything, and it was the one shot that just came naturally to me. I have also always had a good one handed backhand slice that I use interchangeably with the 2 handed backhand, and lately I've been working on a 1 handed backhand because it feels more instinctual. So I have a 1 handed bh slice, 2 handed bh topspin, and am working on a 1 handed bh topspin. I tend to hit my 2 handed bh whenever I can jump on a ball or my opponent hits it soft, and the 1 handed one I reserve for defensive shots or throw it in once in a while to throw off my opponent. Are there certain situations that I should use each of these strokes in? Thanks,
Pete

 

[DX_Psycho]

i think you should stick to one. either go one hand or go two hand and keep the slice.

 

[SageOfDeath]

Switching between to two, imo, is not a function of more effectiveness but rather a function of not being proficient in a certain aspect of your backhand because you keep switching them for certain shots instictively.

You can hit any shot well with either backhands, higher balls are uncomfortable for a 1 hander but it can be handled just as well. Most people are taught to start off with a 2 hander because its easier, some never switch out.

Search for 1 handed backhand and I'm sure you'll see many questions on which one is better, the answer to me is it worth it to spend more time developing another backhand rather than working the one you already had.

 

[dmastous]

I went back and forth with these for a couple of years. I think that held me back. When I finally figured out what was need in a 1 hander, I stay with it and haven't change.
I do think a 2 handed backhand can be beneficial on serve returns and some times think of using one, but other than that a 1 handed has more reach, more variety, and seems more natural to me now.


Dan

 

[x Southpaw x]

The first decent shot that I learned while playing tennis was a 2 handed backhand. I never really took lessons or anything, and it was the one shot that just came naturally to me. I have also always had a good one handed backhand slice that I use interchangeably with the 2 handed backhand, and lately I've been working on a 1 handed backhand because it feels more instinctual. So I have a 1 handed bh slice, 2 handed bh topspin, and am working on a 1 handed bh topspin. I tend to hit my 2 handed bh whenever I can jump on a ball or my opponent hits it soft, and the 1 handed one I reserve for defensive shots or throw it in once in a while to throw off my opponent. Are there certain situations that I should use each of these strokes in? Thanks,
Pete

Hm from what you say... I vote ditch the 1BH topspin and keep the other two.

 

[Fuji]

I actually think that the 1H has more inherent advantages than the two hander. The two hander's main advantage is consistancy. So, if you feel like the one hander is more natural to you, then by all means go for it. However, you probably shouldn't try switching from one to the other because I made that same mistake and it hurt my game because you hesitate when you get a bh b/c you don't know which one you should hit and you end up wasting time trying to practice both.

 

[ironchef21]

I usually use a 2-h backhand. I'll use a 1-h slice on approach shots and for balls that I have to run & stretch for.

 

[gts072]

Switch and stay with the one-hander. More versatility and can be used in every situation.

 

[hipster]

hey guys, thanks for all the replies. I think the main thing I'm afraid of is that the 2 handed BH is a sure thing, I know I can already hit it. Switching to the 1 handed is not as sure and it's a shot that I still need to develop. I just don't want to lose the 2 handed and then have the 1 handed crap out on me. Thanks again for all the replies though, it's definitely something I've got to think about.

 

[Mahboob Khan]

Topspin drives and flat drives could be created off both backhands 2HBH and 1HBH. So the question should be in which situation should I hit slice BH?

-- As a change of pace shot (topspin mixed with slice .. to me this is a deadly mix).

-- To return wide balls (that cannot be returned via normal drive backhands owning to lack of time and space);

-- As a chip and/or wide return of serve;

-- As an approach shot;

-- As a drop shot;

-- A person is at the net: you hit short BH slice cross-court, forcing the volleyer to hit up, and you pass with regular topspin drive with the next (as I said it is a deadly mix)!

Regards,

Mahboob Khan

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Topspin drives and flat drives could be created off both backhands 2HBH and 1HBH. So the question should be in which situation should I hit slice BH?

-- As a change of pace shot (topspin mixed with slice .. to me this is a deadly mix).

-- To return wide balls (that cannot be returned via normal drive backhands owning to lack of time and space);

-- As a chip and/or wide return of serve;

-- As an approach shot;

-- As a drop shot;

-- A person is at the net: you hit short BH slice cross-court, forcing the volleyer to hit up, and you pass with regular topspin drive with the next (as I said it is a deadly mix)!

Regards,

Mahboob Khan

Fair enough! Another good post.

 

[ShooterMcMarco]

-- A person is at the net: you hit short BH slice cross-court, forcing the volleyer to hit up, and you pass with regular topspin drive with the next (as I said it is a deadly mix)!

Regards,

Mahboob Khan

in other words, the Roger Federer Special

 

[james_R]

I have been working on, and playing with a topspin 1HBH for the past 6months, having for 3 1/2 years used a 2HBH. I initially decided to change as I was going through a bad patch with my 2HBH. But only meeting with moderate success with my 1HBH in matchplay, I had a session just hitting 2HBH again to see what it was like and, to be honest, for me it's a stronger, more dependable shot. I am not tall (5ft7) and just feel I can drive the ball with more consistancy.
I think, like changing racquets, people can make mistakes when going through a time of difficaulty with certain shots, and, as in my situation, sometimes change when there is no need.
My 2HBH was always very solid, and I was trying to up the tempo, as my tennis was impoving generally, and got into trouble.
But now trying it after a break from it, I must admit that, now I am comfortable in other aspects of my game's 'better general standard', (movement, court awareness, smoother forehand etc) my 2HBH appears to compliment me better.
However, I dont think I lost too much out of hitting the 1HBH, as I believe part of the improvement I now see in my 2HBH, and indeed confidence, came from really having to prepare earlier and hit out more in front with the 1hander, which when applied to the 2HBH, just makes me feel like I have so much time to hit the 2HBH, as I am preparing earlier and looking more for the ball as apposed to waiting for it to come to me so much.