1HBH or 2HBH

[Illegal_edge]

I am having trouble choosing 1HBH or 2HBH. I find myself changing between the two almost on a weekly basis. This is because of my play on random days. Somedays my 1HBH is beautiful and artistic and others it just sucks. On the other hand my 2HBH is always reliable but I lack the ability to put the ball away, plus it doesn't really fit into my serve and volley game. My coach said that I should stick with the 1HBH because its more versatile and suits my game better. I believe, however, that I should stay with the 2HBH and just develop a putaway shot. I believe that some feedback from this forum would help me with my problem.
Thanks

 

[tetsuo10]

I think you should decide which one feels more "natural" and stick with it. I don't think anyone should be telling you a 1HBH is more versatile. You can hit all the shots just as well with 1H or 2H.

 

[Rickson]

I was barely able to do a 1hbh half a year ago, but I still decided to make the switch. If I had the ability to use both backhands like you do, and I do now of course, I would have picked the 1hbh for its aesthetic value alone. I like it more because I take the ball earlier, it's easier to slice, and it's easier to do on the run for most people.

 

[thehustler]

Personally I use the 2hbh. I find that I can control it better and get more power with it. On the other hand I'm also working on my 1hbh, at least to get top spin on it. I can slice w/my 1hbh, but that's predictable. I figure if I have both my opponent won't know what to expect and it will help keep them off balance. Basically I'd say try to master both. This way you can keep your opponent guessing each time he/she hits to your backhand. Good luck.

 

[Rickson]

I figure if I have both my opponent won't know what to expect and it will help keep them off balance. Basically I'd say try to master both. This way you can keep your opponent guessing each time he/she hits to your backhand. Good luck.

I have both backhands right now, but over 90% of my backhands are 1 handed. The mechanics of a 1hbh and 2hbh are different so while I like versatility as well, your ready position has to be suited for just 1. My ready position now obviously favors the 1hbh, but like I said, versatility is nice so go ahead and learn the 1hbh drive, but remember, pick just 1 of the backhands to use on a regular basis.

 

[papa]

Although I started just today playing a little with a 1hbh, I'm basically a two hander and find thats its relatively easy to drive the ball IF its in my strike zone.

My intention (hope it works out this way) is to switch between the two - actually I've done this for some time but I've never been that comfortable with one hand.

I read BB's posts, than re-read them and re-re-read them --- I like his advice and think his stuff is well thought out and presented - just wish he'd publish a book or do some videos. He has a very recent post on the one hander with some others -- this got me thinking of giving it a try. Few mishits today but didn't have a chance to hit before or after my match.

 

[mucat]

I had the same problem before, but now I am staying firm with my one hander. My deciding fact is I choose the one that is more consistent. While my 2hbh can rip winners, I can never rally comfortably with it. On the other hand my 1hbh was weak in game, but in practice, it is very consistent in rally. Now, after more practice, I can hit good with the one hander, can put away short balls and occasionally hit winners from baseline, and most important, it is consistent and dependable.

 

[lanky]

I have a similar problem deciding between the 2 at the moment.I wonder whether to return with a 2HB (where i think it has a clear advantage) and rally etc with a 1hb which feels more natural to me

 

[kevhen]

Use both. 2 hands when in the rally and 1 hander when on the run. That is what I do. Whatever works best for you should be the answer and you will have to decide that.

 

[Exxion]

use both when you can get it in, 1 hander slice when stretched out wide or running, 1 hander at net

 

[Chanchai]

I think you should just do whatever you really want to do (or enjoy doing). We generally play tennis because we enjoy it, and enjoyment provides a lot of encouragement and motivation for improving.

I think it's fine if you want to use a two-hander, even for an all-court game. It's not unheard of, just not the most common. If you can control the point better and control more consistently with that two-hander, then imo, it is better for your all-court game anyways.

The only issue I could think of is getting used to hitting half-volleys around the service line. But even then, the half-volley (imo) isn't exactly like a one-handed backhand drive anyways. Sure, you're usually using one-hand if it's a reacting half-volley, and it's low to high, but you usually have to compromise the swing a bit if you compare it to a one-hander. Henman's one-handed backhand is still a different technique than his excellent half-volleys.

And almost any serious two-hander will have a slice shot (or chip shot at the very least) in their arsenal. The slice backhand is still very different from the one-hander as well.

Anyways... It sounds like to me that you really want to use a two-hander. And if that's the case, I say go for it. If you have more confidence with it and you are willing to improve it--then I can't fault going with the two-hander.

-Chanchai

 

[Rickson]

The 1 hander is just the better stroke for me.