1HBH vs 2HBH

[kangaroo1973]

Which one is better?
Pros of 1HBH
1)slice easier to learn and more effective
2) better reach
3) more power
Cons
1) bad technique and you are screwed- Tsitsipas
2) can break down unless you are Wawrinka, Kuerten or Thiem
3) more difficult to learn
4) more difficult to take high balls early

Pros of 2HBH
1) easier to learn
2) arguably more stable- you use both hands
3) better ROS
4) easier to take high balls earlier

Cons
1) smaller reach
2) less power( unless you are Safin)
3) worse slice

 

[Honza]

more power?
thats the most important argument for a 2hbh.

edit: oh and the second big argument is the point where you hit the ball.

in todays tennis, there is no argument for a ohbh.

 

[socallefty]

Best is 2HBH topspin drive plus 1HBH slice - that is how players are coached these days. You won’t see too many 2HBH players with a 2H slice coming up anymore. And you don’t see many 1HBH drives amongst young guys also.

 

[junior74]

1 HBH is for men
2 HBH is for girls

That's what we learnt in the 80s

 

[kangaroo1973]

1 HBH is for men
2 HBH is for girls

That's what we learnt in the 80s

You are that old xd

 

[Dane_is_Finnish_OJ]

more power?
thats the most important argument for a 2hbh.

edit: oh and the second big argument is the point where you hit the ball.

in todays tennis, there is no argument for a ohbh.

Maybe there is. I dont think that Wawrinka, Thiem or Guga would have been better players with a two-hander – on the contrary. Some players are just better with a one-hander, some are better with a two-hander. That's what's so great about tennis.

 

[Dane_is_Finnish_OJ]

1 HBH is for men
2 HBH is for girls

That's what we learnt in the 80s

So what? How is that relevant in this discussion?

 

[nolefam_2024]

For pros, it's settled.

 

[BallisticMissileFonseca]

2HBH less power? You must be high on Wimbledon strawberries.

 

[Honza]

Maybe there is. I dont think that Wawrinka, Thiem or Guga would have been better players with a two-hander – on the contrary. Some players are just better with a one-hander, some are better with a two-hander. That's what's so great about tennis.

No. Not in todays conditions. The power you generate with 2 hands is something you cant miss in todays competetive tennis.
I am a ohbh player myself and played higher levels in my younger years, with up to top ten players in the world.
I dont see a reason for a ohbh today, except for the esthetics.

 

[_FrankTheTank_]

OHBH has more attacking power on dead ball, but less on redirecting powerfull shots back with power, it tends to break down. In a backhand rallye it's not as sustainable with average power compared to a DHBH and the tables from offensive position to definise postion are turned to quick.

I also don't think that OHBH has the better reach. I'm always amazed when watching young energetic dhbh atp players when they strech out to the sides and hit back a very decent ball, where a OHBH could not get any weight behind the ball at all.

 

[Honza]

OHBH has more attacking power on dead ball, but less on redirecting powerfull shots back with power, it tends to break down. In a backhand rallye it's not as sustainable with average power compared to a DHBH and the tables from offensive position to definise postion are turned to quick.

I also don't think that OHBH has the better reach. I'm always amazed when watching young energetic dhbh atp players when they strech out to the sides and hit back a very decent ball, where a OHBH could get any wight behind the ball at all.

More power on low dead ball. Dead ball above belly line is one of the toughest shots in tennis imo.

 

[SpinToWin]

The decisive factor in favour of the two hander is the return of serve imo. Much more stable with the two hander.

 

[Holmes]

*Sigh* another thread where gheezers, fans of the past, or "pretty backhand" groupies are going to choose feelings over facts.

The fact is, there's a reason the 1HBH is on the decline, and that's because it's less steady, LESS (not more) powerful, less (not more) versatile, and less easily timed than the 2HBH. The fact that you *need* a slice if you have a 1HBH topspin, and will usually use it on first serve returns and high balls, if you don't decide to retreat 10 feet behind the baseline, should say it all.

This is coming from a poster who used to play at the college level with a "player racket" and a 1HBH that he was routinely complimented on. Trust me, it isn't worth it.

 

[nolefam_2024]

*Sigh* another thread where gheezers, fans of the past, or "pretty backhand" groupies are going to choose feelings over facts.

The fact is, there's a reason the 1HBH is on the decline, and that's because it's less steady, LESS (not more) powerful, less (not more) versatile, and less easily timed than the 2HBH. The fact that you *need* a slice if you have a 1HBH topspin, and will usually use it on first serve returns and high balls, if you don't decide to retreat 10 feet behind the baseline, should say it all.

This is coming from a poster who used to play at the college level with a "player racket" and a 1HBH that he was routinely complimented on. Believe me, it isn't worth it.

1hbh is less powerful. You can not just take rpm and say it's more.

The ability to take it in high balls and also redirect heavy strokes need a lot of power. 1hbh is less powerful.

 

[Ray Mercer]

The two hander is better in the modern game simply due to returning serve and handing higher balls because of the string technology. I love the one hander and if it were up to me I’d speed up all courts and ban poly to bring it back.

 

[SpinToWin]

*Sigh* another thread where gheezers, fans of the past, or "pretty backhand" groupies are going to choose feelings over facts.

The fact is, there's a reason the 1HBH is on the decline, and that's because it's less steady, LESS (not more) powerful, less (not more) versatile, and less easily timed than the 2HBH. The fact that you *need* a slice if you have a 1HBH topspin, and will usually use it on first serve returns and high balls, if you don't decide to retreat 10 feet behind the baseline, should say it all.

This is coming from a poster who used to play at the college level with a "player racket" and a 1HBH that he was routinely complimented on. Trust me, it isn't worth it.

I disagree slightly in the point re power. The rest is true enough I suppose. But the 1 hander has higher peak racquet head acceleration, the issue is it’s incredibly hard to find situations where you can bring that onto the ball. So in most rally situations it’s easier to find pace and depth off the two hander, due to the added stability. But off a dead ball a good one hander will produce a heavier ball (all else equal).

 

[nolefam_2024]

I disagree slightly in the point re power. The rest is true enough I suppose. But the 1 hander has higher peak racquet head acceleration, the issue is it’s incredibly hard to find situations where you can bring that onto the ball. So in most rally situations it’s easier to find pace and depth off the two hander, due to the added stability. But off a dead ball a good one hander will produce a heavier ball (all else equal).

So someone like thiem on slow clay has more power than 2hbh players. Agreed.

 

[SonnyT]

The argument for 2HBH is baseball & hockey! Have you ever seen one-handed baseball swing or hockey shot? It's legal for both, but you've never seen one, except accidentally!

 

[Holmes]

So someone like thiem on slow clay has more power than 2hbh players. Agreed.

No, not really. He may "swing faster" but that doesn't mean he actually generates more pace. I think the great 2HBHs who actually hit with power, like Novak, Kyrgios, Sinner all hit harder and get more depth with less effort and less need to stand back than he did.

 

[nolefam_2024]

No, not really. He may "swing faster" but that doesn't mean he actually generates more pace. I think the great 2HBHs who actually hit with power, like Novak, Kyrgios, Sinner all hit harder and get more depth with less effort.

Not sure if this is true so won't agree.

 

[Holmes]

Not sure if this is true so won't agree.

More rpms, but has to stand 10-15 feet back to time it well, whereas the others can stand much closer and hit just as solid pace and more depth consistently. He gets more spin, but that doesn't make up for the rest of it. Slice wasn't particularly amazing either.

 

[Holmes]

It's likely that Federer's horrendous backhand revived this debate due to its ability to generate glitzy reel winners and it's superficial beauty. Those who watched with discernment knew that it hurt, not helped the 1HBH cause. To his credit, he made up for that massive hole with a world class slice, and historic inside out forehand.

 

[Rosstour]

2HBH less power? You must be high on Wimbledon strawberries.

Do you play tennis or just watch it?

 

[Holmes]

Do you play tennis or just watch it?

It's likely he plays it, given his take.

 

[Rosstour]

1hbh is less powerful. You can not just take rpm and say it's more.

Same goes for you. Do you play or just watch?

 

[nolefam_2024]

Same goes for you. Do you play or just watch?

I play. But not recently due to tendon issues.

When I was learning it my coach said to use 1hbh but I declined. I won't use the outdated technique.

 

[Honza]

Same goes for you. Do you play or just watch?

I play with a ohbh and the 2 hander has way more power, especially the higher you take the ball.

 

[kangaroo1973]

It's likely that Federer's horrendous backhand revived this debate due to its ability to generate glitzy reel winners and it's superficial beauty. Those who watched with discernment knew that it hurt, not helped the 1HBH cause. To his credit, he made up for that massive hole with a world class slice, and historic inside out forehand.

Horrendous bh? Only 1 player on 1 surface did exploit his BH. Fed s backhand is an all time shot, almost on par with Edberg- Thiem

 

[kangaroo1973]

I play with a ohbh and the 2 hander has way more power, especially the higher you take the ball.

I dunno. I use 2HBH an have seen many players who prefer 1HBH and they are able to generate more pace with 1HBH
From neutral and low balls at least.

 

[Rosstour]

I play with a ohbh and the 2 hander has way more power, especially the higher you take the ball.

Yeah I play primarily with 2H and I don't agree with this at all. There is a reason shapo and Grigor are usually at the top of the BH speed rankings year after year.

 

[Rosstour]

Horrendous bh? Only 1 player on 1 surface did exploit his BH. Fed s backhand is an all time shot, almost on par with Edberg- Thiem

Don't engage, he is a Djoko fan who pretends to be a Federer fan offering constructive criticism and lots of it

 

[nolefam_2024]

Yeah I play primarily with 2H and I don't agree with this at all. There is a reason shapo and Grigor are usually at the top of the BH speed rankings year after year.

Speed average is wrong. Grigor slices a lot of balls when they are high up. Not even very high.

Like I said , to change direction, to hit with depth and return a blow with another blow , that's what power looks like.

Which is why I always felt so comfortable when Nole played grigor and even thiem out of clay. Bully the backhand.

 

[Honza]

I dunno. I use 2HBH an have seen many players who prefer 1HBH and they are able to generate more pace with 1HBH
From neutral and low balls at least.

I do generate more power with the ohbh as well, because I played it since I am 4.
That doesnt mean you can generate more power with a ohbh in general.
As mentioned in todays slow and high bouncing conditions, the 2hbh is always superior and rankings shows it very clearly.

 

[heavyD]

As a person that's gone back and forth over the years, the one handed backhand is much more satisfying of a stroke when executed properly. There's just something about the feeling of smoking a 1HBH winner or passing shot.

 

[Aabye5]

OHBH has more attacking power on dead ball, but less on redirecting powerfull shots back with power, it tends to break down. In a backhand rallye it's not as sustainable with average power compared to a DHBH and the tables from offensive position to definise postion are turned to quick.

I also don't think that OHBH has the better reach. I'm always amazed when watching young energetic dhbh atp players when they strech out to the sides and hit back a very decent ball, where a OHBH could not get any weight behind the ball at all.

No, it definitely allows for greater reach, but you have to have excellent footwork to take advantage.

Federer and Thiem, and especially Wawrinka, could recover better because of that reach.

 

[Aabye5]

I do generate more power with the ohbh as well, because I played it since I am 4.
That doesnt mean you can generate more power with a ohbh in general.
As mentioned in todays slow and high bouncing conditions, the 2hbh is always superior and rankings shows it very clearly.

But do the rankings show that? Or is it that the majority of players use it?

 

[tjanev]

IMO - 1hbh is more powerful, and more rpm looks much prettier too
2hbh - is more stable, more consistent and better for ROS

the current racquet and string tech allows the 2h to get close to 1h when it comes to rpm and power.

 

[Rosstour]

Speed average is wrong. Grigor slices a lot of balls when they are high up. Not even very high.

Like I said , to change direction, to hit with depth and return a blow with another blow , that's what power looks like.

Which is why I always felt so comfortable when Nole played grigor and even thiem out of clay. Bully the backhand.

Problem is, when you remove slice from the equation, Grigor's numbers go UP not down. The speed average that has him near the top actually includes the slice (and he hits a lot of slice).

Changing direction and counterpunching, those are different attributes. Fact is that if you're set up and hitting a neutral ball, you can swing the racquet much faster with a 1H swing.

I do generate more power with the ohbh as well, because I played it since I am 4.
That doesnt mean you can generate more power with a ohbh in general.
As mentioned in todays slow and high bouncing conditions, the 2hbh is always superior and rankings shows it very clearly.

Not sure this is correct sir

 

[nolefam_2024]

Problem is, when you remove slice from the equation, Grigor's numbers go UP not down. The speed average that has him near the top actually includes the slice (and he hits a lot of slice).

Changing direction and counterpunching, those are different attributes. Fact is that if you're set up and hitting a neutral ball, you can swing the racquet much faster with a 1H swing.



Not sure this is correct sir

Who says that.

The speed average don't include slices as far as I know.

 

[TMF]

Do you play tennis or just watch it?

Sounds like he play table tennis

 

[Bill Lobsalot]

This is Pro Player board, so yes, two hander is superior. Most pros can and will hit a one hander when necessary. For rec doubles players, one hander is better.

 

[Rosstour]

Who says that.

The speed average don't include slices as far as I know.

The numbers are hard to find but the commentators have them. Pretty sure it was Courier who said it the last time I heard it.

 

[austintennis2005]

Which one is better?
Pros of 1HBH
1)slice easier to learn and more effective
2) better reach
3) more power
Cons
1) bad technique and you are screwed- Tsitsipas
2) can break down unless you are Wawrinka, Kuerten or Thiem
3) more difficult to learn
4) more difficult to take high balls early

Pros of 2HBH
1) easier to learn
2) arguably more stable- you use both hands
3) better ROS
4) easier to take high balls earlier

Cons
1) smaller reach
2) less power( unless you are Safin)
3) worse slice

Can you say which specific aspect of Tsitsipas technique is bad?

 

[nolefam_2024]

The numbers are hard to find but the commentators have them. Pretty sure it was Courier who said it the last time I heard it.

Nope nope. It's wrong. I will need time to find out but we have it. Maybe on gg podcast the tennis insights guy came.

You can't use slice speed and be at the top..make it make sense .slice is very slow.

 

[Rosstour]

Nope nope. It's wrong. I will need time to find out but we have it. Maybe on gg podcast the tennis insights guy came.

You can't use slice speed and be at the top..make it make sense .slice is very slow.

2H players also slice. So unless you're isolating topspin, all of the players' speed measurements will include slice balls.

 

[nolefam_2024]

2H players also slice. So unless you're isolating topspin, all of the players' speed measurements will include slice balls.

Yes but grigor can't top speed chart if you are including slice at all.

Everyone uses slice but that is not part of the speed calculation.

 

[nolefam_2024]

No, a slice backhand is typically not included when calculating the speed of a backhand in tennis. A slice backhand is a shot that imparts backspin on the ball, causing it to slice through the air and bounce lower than a normal backhand. It's often used for defensive or strategic purposes, rather than for aggressive, fast shots.
Here's why slice backhands are not typically considered "fast" in the same way as a regular backhand:
Purpose:
Slice backhands are primarily used for defense, slowing the ball down and making it difficult for the opponent to attack.
Technique:
The technique for a slice backhand involves a different grip and swing path, resulting in less power and speed compared to a regular backhand.
Speed Measurement:
When measuring the speed of a backhand, one typically focuses on the speed of the ball, which is higher for a regular backhand due to the topspin imparted.

 

[Rosstour]

Yes but grigor can't top speed chart if you are including slice at all.

Everyone uses slice but that is not part of the speed calculation.

I understand you don't want to believe this, but it's true.

https://www.reddit.com/r/tennis/comments/1hbpkx7/2024_atp_forehand_backhand_speed_x_spin_via

 

[am1899]

Pros and cons to each. All else created equal OHBH probably offers a higher ceiling for spin and top end pace. More reach with one hander too. Just about everything else is probably a nod to the two hander.

By the by, I’ve been waiting to see this for YEARS…and I finally did this past weekend. Coaching a collegiate match, I saw a player who hit ROS with 2 hands and the rest of his BH’s with 1. It was awesome!