Double-handed forehand/backhand issue

[generacks8]

Hi there

I'm an intermediate level player who has used double-handed forehand/backhand ever since the 1st time I held a racquet. I'm 24 years old and have been playing 8 years now. I've won and lost a lot of matches and tournament with this type of play, using an oversized racquet, most recently is my Dunlop 800g I.C.E.

But I'm really wanting to try shifting to a single-handed forehand and retain by DH-backhand, specially now that I bought my 1st non-oversize racquet, a mid-plus one, Babolat's Aero Pro Drive. My brother had the same case as mine, but he has already changed to a one-hand forehand a few months ago and he's been really whipping those balls with lots of spin and power, I mean his shots were a lot powerful, faster and had more topspin/kick than ever.

So I'm now faced with a choice of switching to a one-handed forehand because of the results my brother had. One of the reason I'm having 2nd thoughts of giving up my DH-shots is because of the consistency and angled shots that I can make with it, and how I can return almost any ball with that (I'm the counter-puncher/baseliner type). I'm wondering if I can do that with one-handed grip, and with a Mid-plus racquet. I've tried using double-handed grips with my mid-plus racquet for 1 game and it felt like I lost the power of my shots(i lost that match by the way). And with that I'm wanting to try switching to a one-handed forehand.

Could anyone give me some advice on this matter?


Thanks!

P.S. And guys, maybe you could give me some comparison or pros/cons of using one-handed forehand vs double-handed forehand, and also of using Oversize vs Mid-size/mid-plus racquets.

 

[Rickson]

The standard forehand will improve your game immensely. Give up that 2 handed forehand and set yourself free.

 

[generacks8]

The standard forehand will improve your game immensely. Give up that 2 handed forehand and set yourself free.

I'll take that in consideration sir. Thanks for the advice!

 

[generacks8]

Advices and opinions regarding this matter are welcome and will be so much appreciated

 

[seb85]

well, your 24 now. Not old by any means but also not very young either. I assume you now have commitments you didn't have when you were 16 and first starting the game. In the long run it will be worth switching to one hand, especially as you get older and slower; the added reach will be a great benefit. However you must be prepared, in the short term, to put in a great deal of effort into your new shot. You will also loose a lot of matches in the mean time.

I switched to a one handed backhand when i was 11 and it took me a good six months or so of training to get it up to any kind of useful standard. (Im 22 now so that is way behind me )

Seb

 

[user92626]

I think you'll do fine with the switching which is a must since one handed FH allows you to extend further and run to the ball faster than the 2 handed.

You've been playing for years so I assume you got most of the fundamentals. Learning one new thing is much easier for you than a newbie would.

Just learn which grip is comfortable for you, and then the set up, the stroke mechanice. Just take a few days to master. Gradually increase the intensity of the stroke. However, to do it fast and furious within a time frame you have in mind is another matter altogether.

 

[Ash_Smith]

It's a tricky one this. When i'm working with a player with this type of dilema I try to consider if their current technique is safe (as in, will it cause injury in the long run) and is it effective (can they do everything they need to be able to do with that shot). Effectiveness will depend on the level you play at and the level you aspire to get to? If you feel that you can play at your current level fine and are happy to stay there then why change. However, if your 2/hander limits you tactical options when you move up a level than you may have to look at technical changes, game style changes or physical changes. Santoro and Seles had pretty good careers hitting 2handed both sides, so it doesn't have to be a limiting factor.

Speak to a respected coach in your area, they should have a good idea what your limits may be based on your aspirations.

 

[Circa]

You can hit some great angles with a two-handed forehand. With one hand, you might have some trouble trying to recreate those same angles you can hit with two hands. So that's one thing you'd lose.

However, by switching to one hand, you'll have easier access to spin and you'll be able to reach shots that you can't reach with two-hands (unless you already go one-handed to retrieve hard to reach shots).

It depends on what you value more. If your 2HFH limits you, then try learning a 1HFH and see if it suits you better.

Monica Seles hit with two hands off both sides, and she was one of the greatest players of all time.

 

[user92626]

You can hit some great angles with a two-handed forehand. With one hand, you might have some trouble trying to recreate those same angles you can hit with two hands. So that's one thing you'd lose.

I'm curious, what are the great angles youre refering to?

 

[Rickson]

You can hit some great angles with a two-handed forehand. With one hand, you might have some trouble trying to recreate those same angles you can hit with two hands. So that's one thing you'd lose.

A 2 handed forehand gives you better angles than a standard forehand? I've never heard that before.

 

[generacks8]

Thanks for the tips and advice guys. You've given me a lot of insights regarding this matter, and I guess its all up to me to weigh the facts and things you've told me. All i really want is to improve my game, i'm playing well right now, but i still feel that I haven't reached my full potential yet. So I guess I'll be experimenting a little and maybe with a little help with some experienced players in our place, they can help me figure out what I really need.

Thanks again guys, everyone's advice and opinion matters, and I really appreciate it all!

I'll be posting my progress after a while..

 

[generacks8]

By the way, is Mr. Santoro using a midplus/midsize racquet or oversize?

Thanks!

 

[Circa]

A 2 handed forehand gives you better angles than a standard forehand? I've never heard that before.

Yes because you have your left hand to guide your racquet. You get more control of your racquet, and it's easier to hit angles. It's hard to explain in words.

I've played with a 2HFH for awhile. I could make my opponents run like crazy.

 

[Circa]

I'm curious, what are the great angles youre refering to?

Being able to flick your racquet with your left hand to hit a nasty crosscourt angle.

I am less accurate when hitting with a 1HFH if I'm trying to hit angles.

That's just me though.