1h vs 2h Backhand

[es-0]

I'm 15, and just started playing at the end of last August.

Both my 1h and 2h backhand are about equal in power, placement, and spin. I think 1h might be more consistant, but that's because I've used it more.

My new coach thinks it might be better if I stay with the 2h, more control he says.

What do you guys think?

 

[pNoyr3D]

If the 1H is more consistent and you can generate basically the same as the 2H I would say stick to whatever you feel more comfortable with, which is probably the 1H. I currently use 1H and I used to use a 2H before, I found the one handed to be better for me, I am able to add more spin and the consistency is very good.

So yeah, stick to what you feel comfortable with.

 

[pow]

Definitely agree with the above post, play with what you want to play with. There's no use in imitating others' preferences.

 

[gb.tennis.junky]

I'm 15, and just started playing at the end of last August.

Both my 1h and 2h backhand are about equal in power, placement, and spin. I think 1h might be more consistant, but that's because I've used it more.

My new coach thinks it might be better if I stay with the 2h, more control he says.

What do you guys think?

one thing you have to remember: you have to discover your own style.
nobody can impose you a certain way to hit the ball whether it's academic or not.
in other words, play with which ever bankhand you feel more comfortable with.

but this is just an advice: if you feel comfortable with both and that they're equal, you should play with the two handed backhand.
here's why:
1- today's tennis is a power game, thus returning serves and controlling a ball is easier done with two hands than one, especially if it's hit on your non dominant side.
2- with a two handed backhand, it's easier to handle today's high bouncing topspin balls, since you're not relying on the strength of your shoulder and arm like on a one hander.
3- you can use your dominant hand to orientate the ball to find great angles from the baseline or for a passing shot. since all you need to do is snap your wrists. but you can use them to create even more topspin too.

from this list, you may think the two handed backhand only has advantages, but it doesn't.
here are the downsides:
1- you lose reach, about 50 cm compared to a one hander, this can be compensated by using a stretched racquet. but still...
2- you need a better foot work than on a one hander to position yourself correctly to the ball. you have to be careful not to hit to close to you nor to far because if you don't, your ball loses a lot of mass and speed.
3- it's harder to deal with low skidding slices, you have to get low with your knees and use your dominant hand to lift the ball.
4- you would have less variety because two handers tend to hit 85% of the ball with topspin, but you don't have to be part of this majority.

so the choice is all yours and yours only.
be sure to choose one and stick with it. because if you alternate between the two, your backhand won't evolve and your style won't be define since two handers and one handers each have their own style.
your still young enough to improve quickly, so just pick a backhand and stick with it!

 

[EliteNinja]

Yup, as above, both backhands have their advantages and disadvantages. So pick one and stick with it.

One factor that stands out to me is that the 1-hander looks cooler

 

[gb.tennis.junky]

Yup, as above, both backhands have their advantages and disadvantages. So pick one and stick with it.

One factor that stands out to me is that the 1-hander looks cooler

isn't this the truth?

 

[pNoyr3D]

Haha yes indeed, the one handed backhand does look cooler. I also definitely agree with gb.tennis.junky. Each have disadvantages and advantages but, the footwork and body positioning for the 1 handed is very important too. If you don't turn your body enough and don't get in proper position, such as knee bend, shoulders, etc. You will most likely miss or over hit and I learned that the hard way.

 

[lethalfang]

I'm no expert on this, but most beginners find it easier to hit with 2-handed backhand.
If that guy has played 4 months and find a 1-hander equally comfortable, then perhaps, he has a higher ceiling with a 1-hander.

 

[pNoyr3D]

Yes beginners do find it easier to hit a 2-handed backhand, that is because that's what is usually taught when they start playing tennis, at least that's what I was taught. Two handers are usually taught to beginners in my opinion because, first their beginners and their hand/eye coordination is not up there yet which 1-handed backhands requires.

 

[AngeloDS]

One handed backhand tends to break down a lot more easily. Seeing how deeper in matches you may be a bit fatigued and your footwork isn't at it's best. And the one handed backhand requires excellent footwork.

My problem really I'm off on my one handed backhand. I'm off and it's very hard to recover. So I just lay back and slice a lot which puts me in a defensive position quite a bit.

Also with high bouncing balls; it's difficult for me to generate a good amount of pace or offensive shot. It's completely neutral or defensive. In doubles, I really wish I had a strong one handed backhand return. It's somewhat strong but not as strong as some people who have two handed backhands who can rip those kickers that come up high.

However you'd have to see what works best for you and stick with it.

I use the one handed backhand simply because I used a one handed slice a lot when I first learned tennis. Then from there progressed slowly to learn topspin on the one handed backhand.

 

[tennisplayer]

One more thing to consider for older players...

1HBH - hard on elbow, rotator cuff
2HBH - hard on lower back

Choose your poison!

 

[dave333]

its definitely a tough choice. depends what you want to be. power baseliner or all courter?

 

[tennis_hand]

i say just go for the 1HBH.

you will be much more satisfied once you can hit a very good 1HBH than you can hit an equally good 2HBH. and it helps your volley mentally. why? go to ask Sampras.

 

[es-0]

I'd say I'm more all courter then a baseliner, but I was doing some hitting on Friday and I found my arm and shoulder were getting tired from all of the 1h.

More hitting should help from this, but I think I'm going to keep hitting around with both and see what grows on me more.

Are there any people who use both a 1h and 2h backhand?

 

[lethalfang]

Are there any people who use both a 1h and 2h backhand?

I use my 2-hander 90% of the time, but sometimes I would go to a 1-hander when there's a slow low ball that I want to hit to the corners.

 

[Swinging Simian]

I don't see why you have to give up either one. I use both forms, with almost the same precision and pace (1hbh a little more consistent for me). Choosing which one in what situation is another matter. Just learn to disguise it. I like using the 1hbh going crosscourt 2hbh down the line. I tend to use this until I see my opponent begining to adjust then I start to mix it up. It does tend to screw with people if they think they see a pattern. As stated by others both have their weaknesses and advantages. For me 1h great for slices dropshots xtra reach and volleying. Weakpoints can be control and power. 2hbh I've found to be more of a precision bludgeoning technique. I can't do much with it except wail the ball back at my opponent (power is always nice) or find the extreme angle (with varying degrees of sucess). The only real advantage to my 2hbh is the time it takes for me to swing it. Against fast paced shots it's a life saver.

 

[The Gorilla]

one hander

you can hit it harder, you can hit a greater variety of shots, you will volley better, you have more reach and are in effect faster,you can hit better angles.

with a two hander if you are forced out wide and are forced to take a hand off the racquet you will have to slice, this is a negative shot and if your opponent is out of position it might not be the correct shot.You will return with it fine if you shorten your swing as I always maintained and as blake has proven.

2 hander has nothing going for it, (if they are equally consistent and accurate of course), I think this is one of the few things myself and Dave Smith agree on so if he was to chime in here it would be great because given his position his opinion will probably carry more weight here.

 

[Mick]

If I could hit a one-handed backhand just as well as a two-handed backhand, I would use a one-handed backhand because I think it looks more elegant. But that's just me as I am sure there are other people here who would prefer to look at a beautifully struck two-handed backhand.

 

[Redflea]

I don't see why you have to give up either one. I use both forms, with almost the same precision and pace (1hbh a little more consistent for me). Choosing which one in what situation is another matter. Just learn to disguise it. I like using the 1hbh going crosscourt 2hbh down the line. I tend to use this until I see my opponent begining to adjust then I start to mix it up. It does tend to screw with people if they think they see a pattern. As stated by others both have their weaknesses and advantages. For me 1h great for slices dropshots xtra reach and volleying. Weakpoints can be control and power. 2hbh I've found to be more of a precision bludgeoning technique. I can't do much with it except wail the ball back at my opponent (power is always nice) or find the extreme angle (with varying degrees of sucess). The only real advantage to my 2hbh is the time it takes for me to swing it. Against fast paced shots it's a life saver.

That's what my son does...mixes it up. Keep both of 'em!

 

[The Gorilla]

That's what my son does...mixes it up. Keep both of 'em!

didn't goran do that too?

 

[Redflea]

I believe so...I miss Goran, he was a blast to watch, no matter which Goran showed up to the match.

My son uses his one-handed BH for slice chip-n-charge approaches to the net, on some defensive shots when he's pulled wide on his BH, and on offense for cross-court shots more than DTL. He volleys better, I think, due to learning a 1HBH.

 

[colonelforbin]

I'm 15, and just started playing at the end of last August.

Both my 1h and 2h backhand are about equal in power, placement, and spin. I think 1h might be more consistant, but that's because I've used it more.

My new coach thinks it might be better if I stay with the 2h, more control he says.

What do you guys think?

You should definitely go with whichever one feels more comfortable. In my opinion, each stroke has its own advantages and disadvantages:

1-handed backhand:
-Can generate potentially more pace because you're not constrained by two arms and you can have a fuller and faster follow through (which makes it a better "winner" hitting backhand, IMO)

-But it is harder to hit well consistently since it requires superior footwork and setup, so a defensive slice is important to develop on the side. A one-handed backhand is more offensive but not a very good defensive shot.

-Harder to control consistently


2-handed backhanded:
-Has better control since you are using two hands, making it easier to use against harder shots.

-But can't generate the potential pace a one-hander could


I think most people recommend two-handers nowadays because people generally hit more powerful shots, and a two-hander makes it easier to deal with these shots. But I think if one can master the one-hander, it can potentially be a better offensive shot. But it's hard to use defensively, so you should have a good slice too. I personally use a one-hander; I love the feeling of a hitting a perfect, paced, shot down the line for a winner. I feel the one-hander's more stylish, but as I said before, go with what's comfortable.

 

[The Gorilla]

You should definitely go with whichever one feels more comfortable. In my opinion, each stroke has its own advantages and disadvantages:

1-handed backhand:
-Can generate potentially more pace because you're not constrained by two arms and you can have a fuller and faster follow through (which makes it a better "winner" hitting backhand, IMO)

-But it is harder to hit well consistently since it requires superior footwork and setup, so a defensive slice is important to develop on the side. A one-handed backhand is more offensive but not a very good defensive shot.

-Harder to control consistently


2-handed backhanded:
-Has better control since you are using two hands, making it easier to use against harder shots.

-But can't generate the potential pace a one-hander could


I think most people recommend two-handers nowadays because people generally hit more powerful shots, and a two-hander makes it easier to deal with these shots. But I think if one can master the one-hander, it can potentially be a better offensive shot. But it's hard to use defensively, so you should have a good slice too. I personally use a one-hander; I love the feeling of a hitting a perfect, paced, shot down the line for a winner. I feel the one-hander's more stylish, but as I said before, go with what's comfortable.

You should definitely go with whichever one feels more comfortable. In my opinion, each stroke has its own advantages and disadvantages:

1-handed backhand:
-Can generate potentially more pace because you're not constrained by two arms and you can have a fuller and faster follow through (which makes it a better "winner" hitting backhand, IMO)

-But it is harder to hit well consistently since it requires superior footwork and setup, so a defensive slice is important to develop on the side. A one-handed backhand is more offensive but not a very good defensive shot.

-Harder to control consistently


2-handed backhanded:
-Has better control since you are using two hands, making it easier to use against harder shots.

-But can't generate the potential pace a one-hander could


I think most people recommend two-handers nowadays because people generally hit more powerful shots, and a two-hander makes it easier to deal with these shots. But I think if one can master the one-hander, it can potentially be a better offensive shot. But it's hard to use defensively, so you should have a good slice too. I personally use a one-hander; I love the feeling of a hitting a perfect, paced, shot down the line for a winner. I feel the one-hander's more stylish, but as I said before, go with what's comfortable.

you left a lot out, I dealt with the benefits and drawbacks of each more thoroughly in my post so I'm going to repost it:

one hander

you can hit it harder, you can hit a greater variety of shots, you will volley better, you have more reach and are in effect faster,you can hit better angles.

with a two hander if you are forced out wide and are forced to take a hand off the racquet you will have to slice, this is a negative shot and if your opponent is out of position it might not be the correct shot.You will return with it fine if you shorten your swing as I always maintained and as blake has proven.

2 hander has nothing going for it, (if they are equally consistent and accurate of course), I think this is one of the few things myself and Dave Smith agree on so if he was to chime in here it would be great because given his position his opinion will probably carry more weight here.

I should have mentioned that because of the earlier contact point the 2 hander is more generally effective for a dtl backhand.This can be overcome with a closed stance with a 1 hander which allows you to hit wide angles and dtl shots.

I think it's worth repeating that he stated that the 2 shots were equally accurate and consistent.

The only thing the 2 hander has going for it is it's easy to learn, very easy.

 

[NamRanger]

one hander

you can hit it harder, you can hit a greater variety of shots, you will volley better, you have more reach and are in effect faster,you can hit better angles.

with a two hander if you are forced out wide and are forced to take a hand off the racquet you will have to slice, this is a negative shot and if your opponent is out of position it might not be the correct shot.You will return with it fine if you shorten your swing as I always maintained and as blake has proven.

2 hander has nothing going for it, (if they are equally consistent and accurate of course), I think this is one of the few things myself and Dave Smith agree on so if he was to chime in here it would be great because given his position his opinion will probably carry more weight here.

It's way easier to hit a 2HBH on the rise. Plus it's easier to deal with high topspin balls with the 2HBH because you can hit a jumping 2HBH if necessary (ala Safin). Both of these are much more difficult with a 1HBH, as the timing is much more difficult (as you have to hit slightly out in front).


Also with the 2HBH you can return much easier, as you can hit the 2HBH from an open stance and still get alot of power and some accuracy.


Plus, once you get pinned back behind the baseline, and you have a 1HBH, it's very difficult to get back into the point, as your opponent can just loop balls to the BH corner and pin you there, forcing you to cough up a short ball. Not so with the 2HBH, as you can just flatten the ball out and drive the ball with both shoulders/arms.


On the run 1HBH's are difficult to hit, requires excellent footwork and timing. Sure you have extra reach, but it's difficult to get pace on the ball if you are being stretched anyways. 2HBH, although you don't have reach, you do have an extra wrist to work with, allowing you to utilize modern technology and some unorthodox tennis and just flick your wrists, using your opponent's pace against him. This has been demonstrated by many professional players, such as Nadal, Hewitt, Chang, etc.

 

[Peter Szucs]

I'm 15, and just started playing at the end of last August.

Both my 1h and 2h backhand are about equal in power, placement, and spin. I think 1h might be more consistant, but that's because I've used it more.

My new coach thinks it might be better if I stay with the 2h, more control he says.

What do you guys think?

I started playing tennis with 1HB and stayed with it until i have grown to the 3.5 level. That was the time when my opponents started to regularly play to my backhand and it started to be too short and inconsistent.. especially for return and against top spin. I could not keep my 1hb improving as fast as my other strokes did. I usually lost on my backhand. I switched to 2hb and now i am a 4.5-5 and my backhand is not a weakness anymore. It also helped me to develop my game strategy to be more aggressive then before. It also enabled me to use a heavier frame which gives me some extra stability and pace, with the 1hb my arm got tired with the heavier frame. I have no problem with the 1 handed bh slice and volley, probably because I have some experience with 1hb, just like you. If I were you I would not mix the two though.