Is it worth switching from 1hbh to 2hbh?

[TennisFan1337]

Hey guys!

I was thinking recently, that I need to work out my 1hbh technique, as it is not working correctly right now.

Would I rather benefit form learning how to hit a 2hbh? What are the pros and cons of both backhand styles?

 

[OldFedIsOld]

It's a player's preference, won't get into the "which backhand is better debate". If you naturally play 1 handed then play 1 handed and get proper coaching, the only reason you are not getting it working correctly is because you aren't practicing enough. I have a good 1 handed backhand, which sucked when I was first starting but I developed it into a good shot with proper coaching and a lot of practice with it.

 

[Deep]

I think the 1 HBH is quicker to execute..but to me, it depends which one showed up to dance.

 

[okdude1992]

as a general rule, i feel like it is a lot tougher to learn how to hit a good 1 hander. but do what feels best for you

 

[forthegame]

Struggling with my 1HBH, never been able to master it. Easily resort to slices..

Trying the 2HBH, seems easier but still a bit of a struggle. I really should go for the 2HBH though I understand the reach argument against it...

 

[sunof tennis]

Hey guys!

I was thinking recently, that I need to work out my 1hbh technique, as it is not working correctly right now.

Would I rather benefit form learning how to hit a 2hbh? What are the pros and cons of both backhand styles?

Most people find the two-handed backhand easier to learn. How long have you been playing? Also if you use your non-dominant hand well, a two handed backhand might work well for you, as it is, to some extent, a forehand by the non-dominant hand.

 

[pkshooter]

you look cooler if you can hit a onehander. (me-in highschool and lookin good for the ladies

 

[mightyrick]

If you're fat or if your footwork sucks, go with the one-handed backhand. It's less physical effort than the 2HBH.

 

[OldFedIsOld]

If you're fat or if your footwork sucks, go with the one-handed backhand. It's less physical effort than the 2HBH.

Agreed, hitting a one handed backhand on the run is almost impossible(for me anyway). Better have very good footwork or you will shank or hit a soft shot for your opponent to rip a winner with.

 

[Noltae]

its worth switching - technically easier to get a solid 2hb

 

[boojay]

I can't hit a 2HBH to save my life, but my opinions are as follows:

1) 1HBH is more difficult to time, so there's a higher chance of shanks and producing less quality shots

2) 1HBH is more versatile, it's easy to vary/disguise your shots, whereas with a two hander it's obvious when the opponent will attempt a slice or drop shot.

3) On average, the 2HBH is more consistent and powerful, therefore there's clear advantage on service returns because it takes less time to set up a 2HBH

4) In terms of absolute power, however, if timed and struck correctly, the 1HBH seems to generate more racquet head speed, but unless your name is Federer/Gasquet/Haas/Wawrinka/etc, most guys can't hit a big enough one-hander for it to be considered a weapon.

 

[vil]

I have my 2hbh on the list because of my injured elbow but so far (while I still can) will just keep improving my 1 hander, which is more natural to me plus I can whip a lot more topspin if I need to due to making my grip a bit looser. I have attempted 2 hander few times but it feels awful to me. I feel restricted plus I need a lot more footwork. I find 1 hander a lot more versatile shot. I don't want to get involved into a 1 vs 2 debate. 2hbh has definitely its equal advantages.
Just pick, what feels more natural to you and keep practicing. If you think it sucks, get a few coaching lessons. Other than that, if you decide to switch to 2hbh, it should be easier than vice versa.

 

[TeflonTom]

Hey guys!

I was thinking recently, that I need to work out my 1hbh technique, as it is not working correctly right now.

Would I rather benefit form learning how to hit a 2hbh? What are the pros and cons of both backhand styles?

none of this advice in this thread is any good without knowing more about what kind of player u are

most good coaches wont tell u that one backhand is absolutely better. which one is better for u depends on a bunch of factors, eg

- height
- quality of fitness/footwork
- surface u typically play on
- level of ambidexterity
- preferred style of play
- natural preference for one style or the other

n finally, even considering all those factors, once u get to a certain level of play then u will generally improve ur bh more and quicker just by workin on it rather than changing over to the other style

so this whole discussion may be moot dependin on how good a player u are

 

[InspectorRacquet]

I was always taught that it is easier to learn a one hander if you are physically stronger, while two handers are better for those of us that are on the weaker side. This isn't necessarily true, but just something that I thought might help in the decision process.

There is no better backhand, as Federer and Djokovic seem to beat each other with their respective backhands pretty evenly.

 

[Mick]

take no chance, play both: 1 hbh (slice) and 2 hbh (drive/topspin)

 

[vil]

Hey guys!

I was thinking recently, that I need to work out my 1hbh technique, as it is not working correctly right now.

Would I rather benefit form learning how to hit a 2hbh? What are the pros and cons of both backhand styles?

Could you provide a video? It would be much easier to make a judgemet.
This 1 vs 2hbh debate can lead to a long stretch. I think there's a long thread on this somewhere here.

 

[loosegroove]

I made the switch to the 2 hander once I started playing against harder hitting players. My 1 hander was/is pretty good when I have time to set up, but it didn't hold up against faster serves or incoming groundies. Had I never stepped up in competition I wouldn't have ever felt the need to try the 2 hander. One thing that also made me switch to the 2 hander was that I like to play from the modern open stance.

 

[syke]

yes. I did. you get more power and consistency.
Hitting BH top spins have never been easier.

 

[gmatheis]

If you're fat or if your footwork sucks, go with the one-handed backhand. It's less physical effort than the 2HBH.

Agreed, hitting a one handed backhand on the run is almost impossible(for me anyway). Better have very good footwork or you will shank or hit a soft shot for your opponent to rip a winner with.

Mightyrick I have to disagree, you have to have good footwork and early prep to get in position for a 1HB, the 2HB can more easily be hit from an open stance and therefore is the better choice for someone with bad footwork or too much weight.

Dunno why oldfed agrees with you, seems he is saying the same thing I am ... 1HB requires better footwork (therefore a more fit person)

 

[TeflonTom]

Mightyrick I have to disagree, you have to have good footwork and early prep to get in position for a 1HB, the 2HB can more easily be hit from an open stance and therefore is the better choice for someone with bad footwork or too much weight.

Dunno why oldfed agrees with you, seems he is saying the same thing I am ... 1HB requires better footwork (therefore a more fit person)

yeah, this

 

[mightyrick]

Mightyrick I have to disagree, you have to have good footwork and early prep to get in position for a 1HB, the 2HB can more easily be hit from an open stance and therefore is the better choice for someone with bad footwork or too much weight.

Dunno why oldfed agrees with you, seems he is saying the same thing I am ... 1HB requires better footwork (therefore a more fit person)

Yeah, I dunno what the agreement is there. Unless he meant two-handed backhand.

Maybe it is just my body type. For me, I'm heavier and a little slower. It means that I have to run harder and reach for more balls than your average skinny guy. Hitting a 1HBH on the run allows me to hit more balls on the run. With a 2HBH, I just can't do that... I'd have to slice.

I actually can move my feet very well. So my footwork "in place" is very good. But when I'm on the run, it breaks down a bit and it is a struggle to get into position for 2HBH.

 

[Netspirit]

Yeah, I dunno what the agreement is there. Unless he meant two-handed backhand.

Maybe it is just my body type. For me, I'm heavier and a little slower. It means that I have to run harder and reach for more balls than your average skinny guy. Hitting a 1HBH on the run allows me to hit more balls on the run. With a 2HBH, I just can't do that... I'd have to slice.

I actually can move my feet very well. So my footwork "in place" is very good. But when I'm on the run, it breaks down a bit and it is a struggle to get into position for 2HBH.

If you have trouble getting to a ball to hit a 2HBH, you are in no position to hit a 1HBH either. The high-percentage shot is to slice that particular ball.

 

[mightyrick]

If you have trouble getting to a ball to hit a 2HBH, you are in no position to hit a 1HBH either. The high-percentage shot is to slice that particular ball.

I can be pretty aggressive. I don't always play high percentage tennis.

With the people I play, when I'm on the run to my backhand side, if I slice it... a lot of times... I'm instantly dead. They can see they've got me running, so they come to net. With a slice, it's an easy volley winner for them. Some might miss sometimes, but most won't.

So I will try a DTL 1HBH if I can. That isn't to say that I don't sometimes slice it back. But if I think I have a running shot at a DTL drive... I'll take it.

 

[Netspirit]

So I will try a DTL 1HBH if I can. That isn't to say that I don't sometimes slice it back. But if I think I have a running shot at a DTL drive... I'll take it.

It is more of a DTL block then. Tsonga tries that sometimes.

A proper, powerful 1HBH requires stepping forward into the shot, with very limited body rotation. When you are chasing a ball sideways you cannot step in, so you cannot generate more power than your shoulder alone can produce.

It is sufficient for a passing shot, especially off a fast incoming ball, but that is all you can do with it. And no, Breakpoint, please do not start posting Federer-Blake youtube links. )

 

[ccmtennis]

I was always taught that it is easier to learn a one hander if you are physically stronger, while two handers are better for those of us that are on the weaker side. This isn't necessarily true, but just something that I thought might help in the decision process.

There is no better backhand, as Federer and Djokovic seem to beat each other with their respective backhands pretty evenly.

After many years of struggling with a1hb I can say that I have finally found a great shot with it. It is really not about being stronger at all... Such a henin. It's all about not being lazy and setting up right for the foot work. The reward is being more versatile and you will have definitely have a stronger slice and dice when stretched out compared to the 2hbh. Have to say the 2 hbh is easier to hit in open stance and being able to plow thought it betyter but that's a trade off

 

[mightyrick]

It is sufficient for a passing shot, especially off a fast incoming ball, but that is all you can do with it.

On my backhand side, if the ball is coming with a lot of pace... I usually can't do much more with it anyways. Other than slice, that is.

Just another part of my game to work on.

 

[OldFedIsOld]

Mightyrick I have to disagree, you have to have good footwork and early prep to get in position for a 1HB, the 2HB can more easily be hit from an open stance and therefore is the better choice for someone with bad footwork or too much weight.

Dunno why oldfed agrees with you, seems he is saying the same thing I am ... 1HB requires better footwork (therefore a more fit person)

Didn't read his post very carefully, whoops.

Though I would imagine that a person who was morbidly obese would have troubles hitting a 2hbh. Too much chest and fat in the way

 

[syke]

Didn't read his post very carefully, whoops.

Though I would imagine that a person who was morbidly obese would have troubles hitting a 2hbh. Too much chest and fat in the way

Man boobs you mean? Lol...

 

[mikeler]

I'm currently in my 2nd month of using a 2 handed backhand to relieve some stress off my elbow after using a 1 handed topspin backhand for almost a decade. Here are the pros and cons for me of the 1 hander versus the 2 hander:

1 hander pros versus 2 hander
- More topspin
- Better reach
- Easier to handle low balls

1 hander cons versus 2 hander
- Contact point is further in front, makes it more difficult on deep balls
- More difficult to time harder hit balls
- High balls are tougher to deal with especially kick serves

 

[TennisFan1337]

Wow thanks guys!

I'll take some time to read everything here now!

 

[Valdez737]

I dont know why people don't just learn both even if you never hit a 2 hand in your life it wont take to long to get a decent 2Hb

 

[TeflonTom]

cos if u focus all ur effort on learning one properly, it will serve u better than splitting ur time between both n ending up with 2 average bhs.

 

[tennischemist]

I am left handed but was a switch-hitter in baseball so I went with a 2-hander as a youth and liked it but as i got older and stronger i switched to a heavier (>12 oz) frame and now prefer a 1 hander.. i will still (unconventionally) put 2 hands on the racquet when I am hitting a ball at my shoulders or above


I also play with a very closed stance on both the forehand and backhand sides.. another carryover from hitting baseballs

 

[mightyrick]

I am left handed but was a switch-hitter in baseball so I went with a 2-hander as a youth and liked it but as i got older and stronger i switched to a heavier (>12 oz) frame and now prefer a 1 hander.. i will still (unconventionally) put 2 hands on the racquet when I am hitting a ball at my shoulders or above


I also play with a very closed stance on both the forehand and backhand sides.. another carryover from hitting baseballs

Aside from being not being a switch-hitter, you are describing me. I also was a pitcher, so the muscle memory of the pitching motion resulted in me hitting the ball on the way up during serves. Which I still do today.

Having a baseball background has been great for my tennis game... but in some ways it has been a hindrance in terms of mechanics.

 

[OldFedIsOld]

I dont know why people don't just learn both even if you never hit a 2 hand in your life it wont take to long to get a decent 2Hb

I use a 2hbh on my return of serve, I got tired of people kicking serves to my backhand. No more chipping it back into play

 

[TennisFan1337]

I dont know why people don't just learn both even if you never hit a 2 hand in your life it wont take to long to get a decent 2Hb

To think of it...

I think I will try learning 2hbh now and improving the 1hbh. Then I can make a decision which is better. Or maybe even combine both of the styles, who knows

 

[In D Zone]

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It's all comes down to what you feel more comfortable playing.

True, playing with 1hbh does requires more movement, technique and timing. Therefore, it does takes time to learn this discipline. Plus, learning to improve the slice is another thing because the 2 skills complements each other. You definitely go further and will enjoy the 1hbh if you have both skills mastered.

2hbh - offers you an immediate impact of being able to hit the ball with ease. However, being able to hit slow skidding balls or short balls can be challenging if you don't work on your footwork.

Physical attributes like being fat or thin does not have anything to do withi it. It all boils down to commitment and dedication.

 

[Wallio1125]

I used one handed backhand, because it was what first taught to me and it feels the most natural to me. I thought of changing to 2hbh but it's just not for me. So i guess a couple of things for you to consider are these (in my opinion) :

A.TIME*1hbh requires more time to prepare compared to 2hbh*, I guess to get a more optimal result in the stroke requires one to hit it with a closed stands which means it requires one to anticipate early or fast footwork.Compares to 2hbh you'll get similar or same result hitting it in an open stands which requires less time to prepare especially in a defensive position.

B. 1hbh vs 2hbh : DEFENSIVE SHOTS
for 1hbh in a defensive position we often resort too slice, because it's *for me at least* almost impossible to hit a top spin cross court when the ball is away from you and on your side in an open stands.
2hbh on a defensive position where the ball is almost on your side, you can still hit it cross court with an open stands. So you don't need to resort to slice as often as a 1hbh does.

I kinda disagree when a person says 1hbh have more variety than 2hbh because it doesn't make sense..
people that use 2hbh always switch to a 1hbh when they slice, or try to reach the ball and drop shots..

while a person with 1hbh cannot switch and hit a defensive 2hbh on the run....

For me in my opinion the most important thing to put into consideration is to stick to the one you feel most natural and comfortable. If 1hbh is your most natural shot, it's more worth it to fix your technique than learning a new stroke because it takes a considerable amount of time to master.

arr hopefully you understand what i meant cause my English sucks...

 

[forthegame]

Right, another disastrous day for the backhand. Both failed me, couldn't hit either of them well. Thought I'd decided to stick to a 2hbh but when that went pear-shaped, tried to use the 1hbh, same result.

I might just end up slicing everything on the backhand....

 

[Limpinhitter]

Hey guys!

I was thinking recently, that I need to work out my 1hbh technique, as it is not working correctly right now.

Would I rather benefit form learning how to hit a 2hbh? What are the pros and cons of both backhand styles?

If you learn to do it the right way, yes.

 

[Limpinhitter]

Mightyrick I have to disagree, you have to have good footwork and early prep to get in position for a 1HB, the 2HB can more easily be hit from an open stance and therefore is the better choice for someone with bad footwork or too much weight.

Dunno why oldfed agrees with you, seems he is saying the same thing I am ... 1HB requires better footwork (therefore a more fit person)

Not true. It takes more precise footwork and preparation to hit a 2hb. But, since a 2hb is essentially a left handed forehand, it's easier to learn to get power and control hitting a topspin 2hb than a topspin 1hb. A traditional 1hb slice, on the other hand, is one of the easiest shots to learn, and a great shot to have in your arsenal.

 

[sundaypunch]

Not true. It takes more precise footwork and preparation to hit a 2hb. But, since a 2hb is essentially a left handed forehand, it's easier to learn to get power and control hitting a topspin 2hb than a topspin 1hb. A traditional 1hb slice, on the other hand, is one of the easiest shots to learn, and a great shot to have in your arsenal.

Trust me, as someone that has tried to switch from a 1h to 2h a few times, this is true.

 

[TeflonTom]

i think thats simplistic

footwork to hit ur standard/garden variety 2hbh is harder than ur standard/garden variety 1hbh cos its less forgiving reach/stability wise if u dont get into position

hittin a really powerful n effective 1hbh really requires the most dynamic footwork n prep of all though. its why a great 1hbh is so admired

 

[Hi I'm Ray]

I had a 2HBH when I learned tennis and used it through college. After about 9 years not playing I started over with a 1HBH. This is how I personally feel about the two and how they work for me:

1HBH - easier power and spin, better reach, especially when moving forward towards a ball that lands shorter than expected. More difficult to time. On days when I feel off none of the power is there. Breaks down easier when timing is pressured: skidding shots, sudden change of pace.

2HBH - more consistent and handles changes in timing better, probably because you can muscle the stroke in emergencies, just like a forehand. Limited reach requires faster footwork, power not as effortless as 1HBH.

My advice is to try both and see which one feels better for you, I think this is the only way to really find out. But be prepared to put in a lot of work learning both. I've been doing this lately myself - a total change in timing, footwork, contact points, etc., can be frustrating.

 

[gocard]

I used to play with a 2hbh, then switched to a 1hbh because of Henin (I'm female) and Federer. I rarely see any females with 1hbh on the court and because most of my tennis friends are guys, they hit much harder and faster. Most of them use a 2hbh anyway.

I think a 2hbh tends to be more capable of holding up against hard hitters because you have a bit more room for error (can hit open stance, easier to punch back a heavy ball, bit more flexibility in timing).

However, I love my 1hbh - how the swing feels and the versatility of it. So far I've stuck with it even though it is my weaker stroke because when I get the timing right, it feels amazing. I use a 2hbh for the return of serve because it is more stable.

Up to you as to which one feels better to you. It may be my stubborness to stick to the 1hbh...I am going to keep working on it!

 

[doobiedoodoo]

Sort of in the same boat as you. I have a natural 1hbh and wanted to switch to 2hbh due to the added consistency and stability.

 

[monsterkicker79]

I just switched recently and I'm never looking back! For me I guess it's for consistency and reliability. I've been using 1hbh ever since (10yrs on and off). Maybe because I wasn't playing regularly that's why I never got the 1hbh down to a point where I can rely on it hence always resorting to a slice. But on good days, it's better than my forehand pace wise. It's so good that I really wanted to own it. But alas I gave up.

This was my 3rd attempt this year of switching to 2hbh. First 2 attempts failed because it's so alien for me. I couldn't even hit the sweet spot. This time around something just clicked then another and then another. You know the feeling of learning something new and it becomes so addictive when your getting good results? That's where I am right now and I'm loving it!

Even at this early stage of my 2hbh, I honestly think my overall game improved because of the switch. And it's only getting better. So yes, for me it was worth it.

 

[FrisbeeFool]

I think you can be successful either way. The key is learning the proper technique, whether it's 2 handed or one. In the short term, a private lesson with an experienced coach might seem pricey. It will be worth it it the long run, to fix whatever is going wrong.

I think the one advantage of a two hander is on returns and angled shots. The extra hand really helps for stability when you're blocking the ball back. On the one hander, if you're late and not taking the ball early, it's a little harder to bunt the ball back.

If you're more of an all court player, one handed topspin drives could work better for you. Some people feel they have more feel for their one handed backhand volleys and one handed backhand slice, when they're hitting their their topspin backhand with one hand. Other players like Yevgeny Kafelnikov, and Jonas Bjorkman have excellent one handed slices and volleys and two handed topspin drives.

Variety is the spice of life. Figure out what works for you

 

[Deep]

During longer baseline rallies..I'll go to the 2 HBH..I'll tend to hit the 1 HBH when my opponent comes in and I feel the Roger in me. I definitely think the 1 HBH is quicker to execute though and has more zip.

 

[Nadalgaenger]

none of this advice in this thread is any good without knowing more about what kind of player u are

most good coaches wont tell u that one backhand is absolutely better. which one is better for u depends on a bunch of factors, eg

- height
- quality of fitness/footwork
- surface u typically play on
- level of ambidexterity
- preferred style of play
- natural preference for one style or the other

n finally, even considering all those factors, once u get to a certain level of play then u will generally improve ur bh more and quicker just by workin on it rather than changing over to the other style

so this whole discussion may be moot dependin on how good a player u are

By height, do you mean that the 0ne-handed BH is better for taller players?