Changing from Single to Double Handed Backhand - core fundamentals

[hereforthepopcorn]

After having a major wrist injury and coming back to tennis around 18 months ago, I just cant any longer hit a single handed topspin backhard, it was never my best shot but my slice was very good, that is still ok and i dont suffer any pain or lack of strength that affects the slice.

I am a lefty that plays all sports that require 2 hands like golf, baseball etc right handed so always figured I should be able to hit double handed backhands. I actually can hit right handed forehands pretty good.

Have been trying for last 2 weeks in practice and considering getting some lessons, I am a 10 UTR so play decent level tennis.

Keen to hear from anyone that has converted or professional coaches what are the key fundamentals or technical things I need to change as its a very different stroke I am feeling already.

 

[zoingy]

Here's some that I've found important -

• On the 1hbh, the wrist needs to be fixed and supportive. But on the 2hbh, the bottom hand should be flexible and loose to allow for some range of motion at the wrist. The top hand can take the role of bringing the racquet around, since it has more leverage to do so anyway. This'll also help keep the load off of your injured side.
• It's different from a forehand (on the non-dominant side) in that the body should not open up as much. Maybe closer to a old-school closed stance forehand, except still with a bit of out-in-front-contact and extended wrist, to allow for windshield wiper motion. Personally it feels very strange to have my top arm come across my body so much at contact. But it's necessary since the body can't open up as much with the right hand on the racquet.
• Loading the back foot is even more important than on single handed strokes. On off-balance forehands, I can get by with throwing my hitting arm forward by throwing the rest of my body back. But on the 2hbh my entire upper torso has to stay with the racquet.

Hope this helps!

 

[ey039524]

Maybe you should just hit two forehands, if your right FH is already better than your 2hbh.

 

[Dragy]

I have switched to 2HBH after many years with OHBH, being 37 — 10 month ago. It’s coming along more and more, but I could probably have had more court time this year to expect more from it. Can play competitively though, so all good.

1 is getting right grips and not trying to carry over the OHBH feel initially.

2 is getting familiar and comfortable with new contact point — less spacing to the side, less in front.

3 is getting used to much stronger uncoil, and overall full body involvement. Quite different from long lever OHBH or even FH swing.

4 after you can generally get behind the ball, uncoil and connect the sweetspot with the ball, I actually find it of great help to re-introduce “BH” aspect to it, where you accelerate by pulling with your dominant hand rather than pushing with the off-hand. I’ve been struggling with getting enough juice, and now something just unlocked.

As you work on it, be mindful about your stances and footwork. Don’t get too closed, neutral stance is basic. Open stance is also important with reaching laterally.

There are great videos on 2HBH by Karue Sell an by Nick of Intuitive tennis — watch and implement

 

[hereforthepopcorn]

I have switched to 2HBH after many years with OHBH, being 37 — 10 month ago. It’s coming along more and more, but I could probably have had more court time this year to expect more from it. Can play competitively though, so all good.

1 is getting right grips and not trying to carry over the OHBH feel initially.

2 is getting familiar and comfortable with new contact point — less spacing to the side, less in front.

3 is getting used to much stronger uncoil, and overall full body involvement. Quite different from long lever OHBH or even FH swing.

4 after you can generally get behind the ball, uncoil and connect the sweetspot with the ball, I actually find it of great help to re-introduce “BH” aspect to it, where you accelerate by pulling with your dominant hand rather than pushing with the off-hand. I’ve been struggling with getting enough juice, and now something just unlocked.

As you work on it, be mindful about your stances and footwork. Don’t get too closed, neutral stance is basic. Open stance is also important with reaching laterally.

There are great videos on 2HBH by Karue Sell an by Nick of Intuitive tennis — watch and implement

Thanks Dragy, your points 2 and 3 are on the money for me so far, i did start off by using the wrong grip but that's sorted and made a huge difference as expected.

Probably the other thing I have struggled with is getting the racket head to drop below the ball before contact, but that will come with repetition I think