2-Handed Backhand: Straight or Bent?

[cdizzle]

For all those with a 2-handed backhand, should the left arm be more straight or more bent?
Personally, I think I have more success with the left arm being straight.

 

[aimr75]

ATP players usually have it straight, wta bent. Both obviously work, don't know why it's the case between ATP vs wta. Working on a 2hbh, I have a straight left arm/bent right arm configuration (righty)

 

[cdizzle]

Alright cool, cuz that's what I do to.
Thanks!

 

[WildVolley]

I tend to side with the more straight armed 2hbh players, such as Nadal. While it is a marginal difference, the 2hbh is already limited in power because the off hand is chocked up on the racket. Bringing it closer to the body just reduces the ability to develop racket head speed, though it may allow for more control.

The straighter left arm bent right arm (righty) is closer to a left-handed forehand, and superior for spin and power in my opinion.

 

[Magic of tennis]

I don't know HOw people can left arm straight and right arm bent? You mean left arm straight and right arm SLIGHTLY bent?
I can't bend right arm while left arm straight. I can bend both arm though while hitting balls

 

[BevelDevil]

^^^ at contact the right arm can be significantly bent while the left arm is straight.


Also, don't forget the possibility of both arms straight (at contact).

 

[Limpinhitter]

For all those with a 2-handed backhand, should the left arm be more straight or more bent?
Personally, I think I have more success with the left arm being straight.

Remember than a 2hb is the equivalent of a left handed forehand. The pros with the great 2hb's generally have a straight right arm and bent left arm on the takeback. As they swing forward, their left arms straighten and drive through the shot, like a forehand. Djokovic's right arm bends at contact.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k40zmz1uvA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIq1JwaNUbs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd4ivBeFC4o&feature=related

 

[tank_job]

Remember than a 2hb is the equivalent of a left handed forehand. The pros with the great 2hb's generally have a straight right arm and bent left arm on the takeback. As they swing forward, their left arms straighten and drive through the shot, like a forehand. Djokovic's right arm bends at contact.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k40zmz1uvA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIq1JwaNUbs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd4ivBeFC4o&feature=related

Rafa has a windshield-wiper follow-through with most of the backhands he hits in the link

 

[Limpinhitter]

Rafa has a windshield-wiper follow-through with most of the backhands he hits in the link

Nadal is unique in that he's a natural righty. My understanding is that part of his backhand practice is hitting right handed forehands. So, it makes sense that he has the most prominent WW motion on his 2hb.