Best Advice for Switching from a 1HBH to 2HBH

[BkK_b0y14]

Hey, so lately I've been playing a lot of tennis at the high school level. I am going to play #2 Varsity singles for my high school team this upcoming year. I have a one handed backhand but am feeling the need to switch to a two hander. I think that by having a solid 2 hander I will have less weaknesses to worry about. I find that when I face strong servers I get pushed around on my backhand side. Strong, flat serves and kick serves to my backhand wing force me to slice back a relatively weak return which the opponent can put away easily. Also, in many cases, protecting my backhand with my forehand on returns leaves a lot of court space wide open. Thus, setting me up to play defensively in the point. When I'm out of a position and forced to make an on-the-run backhand, I find it difficult to try and make an offensive shot out of a defensive position. I played a 4.5 player today and got double bageled. He picked on my backhand a lot as well as me making errors from that side as well. All of our games went to at least deuce though. He suggested that I switch to a 2 hander so that my game will be stronger. So I've been trying to practice my two hander and its ok at the moment. I'd say a 3.5 or 4 out of 10. I'm trying to find some advice on how to attack those high topspin balls with a 2 hander. I also would like to know where the contact point should be and the direction/type of swing to hit with more topspin. All and any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Bkk_b0y14

 

[WildVolley]

Well, I can only give a little advice as I, over time, went from a 2hbh to a 1hbh.

The 2hbh is almost always a flat or topspin shot at the higher levels. Most of the pros seem to be hitting the ball less in front of the body as compared to a 1hbh, but still in front. Most also seem to hold something on the order of a semi-western with the weak(off) hand.

Use your torso more than with the 1hbh and make certain to hit up the back of the ball for topspin. On high balls, the off-hand helps control the racquet face at contact and give you more support and topspin than with a 1hbh. That's why I'd advise holding a semi-western grip with the off hand.

I'd watch video of pros and model my stroke on their technique. Start slow and get the repetitions and it is sure to improve.

 

[soyizgood]

The 2HBH is typically driven by the weak arm. In a way it's a weak hand forehand. The strong arm stabilizes your stroke. Practice hitting a few weak hand forehands. Shadow swinging also helps you determine the optimal point of contact. The 2HBH is typically hit not as early as a 1HBH, but depending on your weak arm grip you can hit almost as early.

I use a continental (strong arm)/semi-western (weak arm) grip combination. Even though it's in a semi-western, I hit flat much of the time. It is rather easy to generate topspin with it though. I didn't like the continental/eastern combo as it's very flat-oriented and not great for hitting early. Just my 0.02....

Good luck!

 

[Rickson]

The best advice I can offer is, don't do it. The one hander is the superior stroke and you'd be taking a backwards step if you made the switch.

 

[soyizgood]

The best advice I can offer is, don't do it. The one hander is the superior stroke and you'd be taking a backwards step if you made the switch.

I see Rickson has finally installed his auto responder message. How's your boy Gasquet (your "community's" standard for a 1HBH) doing at the USO? ROTFLMAO

 

[Rickson]

Does not compute...

 

[Murray_Maniac]

Youre doing what I did. Way to go! Trust me, your bh will be stronger. My advice is always only swing with your non dominant arm (if your a righty, only use the left arm in the swinging, the right is only hanging on), on shorter balls always try to take the ball on the rise & dont get into the habit of slicing too much if your 2hander isnt doing so well one day, just keep at it w/ 2h.