One Handed Backhand making a comeback?

migjam

Professional
BreakPoint said:
Borg, Connors, Wilander, Evert, etc, were also very popular in the '70's and 80's so you can't really say that 1HBH's were what older people learned/used when they started playing.

Borg, Connors, Wilander, Evert are a big reason why the 2HBH really took off. I'm not sure of your age but, I'm telling you, most teaching professionals back in the 70's and early 80's were teaching the 1HBH.
 

netman

Hall of Fame
migjam said:
Borg, Connors, Wilander, Evert are a big reason why the 2HBH really took off. I'm not sure of your age but, I'm telling you, most teaching professionals back in the 70's and early 80's were teaching the 1HBH.

Agreed. I learned in the early 70's and even as a scrawny little kid swinging a 13+ oz wood stick, I was taught the 1HBH. I loved hitting it and to this day its my better shot. A couple of times instructors tried to get me to switch to a 2HBH but it felt so constricted I gave up.

Once you master a physical movement it truly is really hard to change, especially something as complex as a tennis stroke that involves the whole body in motion. So if you learned a 2HBH I guess the natural tendency is to stick with it, 1HBH the same.

-k-
 

TennsDog

Hall of Fame
Also, in my experience and, as far as I know, in general opinion as well, larger heads are better for two-handers, while smaller heads are better for one-handers. There has definitely been a trend in the past 15 years to heave larger heads. This could also play a part.
 
IMO, unfortunately no! When you are a kid, you can’t even swing a racquet properly for drive imagine for backhand. That’s why teachers encourage the kid to hit with 2H , the swing becomes lighter, stronger and more consistent. Since nowadays the players starts to play very soon, it’s a trend that hardly will be reverted.

1HBH will be a latter development that will prevail according to personal skill /power.
 

Rickson

G.O.A.T.
The one hander is what non tennis players think of when they picture a backhand. The 2 hander is an abomination and it's unfortunate that some weak fool or fools came up with such a disgusting backhand. The one hander is the king of backhands and I hope every young person starting to play tennis adopts this beautiful backhand instead of the monstrosity called a two handed backhand.
 

BreakPoint

Bionic Poster
migjam said:
Borg, Connors, Wilander, Evert are a big reason why the 2HBH really took off. I'm not sure of your age but, I'm telling you, most teaching professionals back in the 70's and early 80's were teaching the 1HBH.

I never took lessons (and most people who play tennis never did, either) but when I first started playing tennis in the mid-70's, I tried to emulate Borg and Connors by hitting a 2HBH. I soon gave it up as I realized the versatility and advantages of the 1HBH. Besides, McEnroe came on the scene and I liked the way he played better so I started to emulate his backhand. ;)
 

newnuse

Professional
Easy there 1backhand lovers... wonder if this will grow to the status of the heavy/small vs light/large racket debate...:)

The 1 hand is a beautiful stroke. I've gotten a compliment on my 1 hander before. But lets get real, the 1 hander is not vastly superior to the 2 hander. There are +/- to each style.

I think you can make an arugment about the guys with the best backhand are 2handed baseliners like Agassi, Safin..etc. You just don't hear talk about 1 handers having the best backhand.

As good as Federer is, do you talk about him as having the best backhand on tour???

As a baseliner, the 2 hander suits this style more. More power, better ability to take the ball on the rise...etc

As a S&V player, the 1 hander suits this style more. Slice approach... backhand volleys done with 1 hand...etc

Unfortunately as the # of S&V'ers drop, so will the 1 hander... so will the variety in the game
 

kaiotic

Rookie
bluescreen said:
thats a good point about topsin, alan-n. i can see many more nadal-like players in the future who will use monster topspin, making the 1hbh obsolete.
pls tell us you are joking..

and evolve into even more of a power-oriented game? jesus!
 

BreakPoint

Bionic Poster
newnuse said:
I think you can make an arugment about the guys with the best backhand are 2handed baseliners like Agassi, Safin..etc. You just don't hear talk about 1 handers having the best backhand.

As good as Federer is, do you talk about him as having the best backhand on tour???

Actually, I think Haas has the best backhand on tour, period, one-handed or two-handed. I'd say Federer is a close second with the incredible variety he has off of that side.
 

framebreaker

Semi-Pro
monologuist said:
I don't think the 1hhbh is making a comeback necessarily, but it is true that often, players with 1hhbh's take longer to mature. Federer is an example of this. His ATP career began in 1998, but it wasn't until 2004 that he finally reached a year-end ranking of no.1. It is a more difficult shot for most people to master than the 2hhbh, but if a player is able to develop it over time, the rewards are great. Of course for most young and up and coming players, the 2hhbh is the way to go, as it is easier for yougsters to wield, and is easier to develop consistency with. That is why so many of the young "prodigies" of tennis possess 2handers. But perhaps what we are seeing is the arrival of a wave of 1hhbh players that are finally coming into their own this year. Thre players with 1hhbh's have broken into the top 10 this past year for the first time : Blake, Ljubicic, and Robredo. Their ATP careers began in 1999, 1998, and 1999 respectively. Interestingly enough, Gonzo and Acasuso both have reached their peak rankings as of yet this year, and both also began their careers in 1999. Tommy Haas began his career in 1996, and reached a career high ranking of no.2 in 2002. Gaston Gaudio began his career in 1996 as well, and reached a career high ranking of no.5 in 2005. Perhaps, 7-9 years is around how long it takes for players with 1hhbh's to reach maturity on the ATP tour?

In contrast, this past year, we have seen the likes of Roddick, Hewitt, Safin, and Coria, all with 2-handers, take nosedives in the rankings (in the case of Safin, you could argue that injury was the prevailing factor). Roddick began his career in 2000, and was no.1 in the world by 2003, but has dropped to 11 now. Hewitt turned pro in 1998 and found himself atop the ATP at no.1 in 2001, and is currently 12. Safin turned pro in 1997, and reached no.1 in 2000; currently he is 77. Coria began in 2000, and reached a career-high no.3 by 2004, but has plummeted to 42 this year. Nadal, Baghdatis, Berdych, Djokovic, Murray, and Monfils are all 21 or younger prodigies with 2-handers that skyrocketed in the ATP rankings from day 1, reaching the top 20 or 30 in anywhere between 1-3 years...will be interesting to see where their careers go compared to Gasquet and Almagro for instance.

very good point. i never realized the fact that one handers seem to need more time to mature. but its true. and, one handers can play more creative shots because of the free movement of the arm
 

framebreaker

Semi-Pro
migjam said:
Well, I guess thats where we differ. I hit with a 1HBH and have since I learned the game. The reason you see older people hitting with 1HBHs is probably that is they were taught. 2HBHs weren't as common back in the 70s and early 80s. I think the footwork has to be better with a 1HBH, which is one of the reasons people have a harder time with the stroke. The 2HBH you can get away with an open stance easier.

if the footwork fails a 1hbh can always slice the ball - defensive as well as offensive
 
D

Deleted member 4983

Guest
People see Federer hitting with it on TV so they think they can too. I'd venture that 90% of people on this board hit with a 1-handed backhand because of Federer, and they probably look really silly as well due to poor technique.
 

NamRanger

G.O.A.T.
Simon Cowell said:
People see Federer hitting with it on TV so they think they can too. I'd venture that 90% of people on this board hit with a 1-handed backhand because of Federer, and they probably look really silly as well due to poor technique.



I bet you don't even play tennis, you're just a Nadal trolling fan.
 

friedalo1

Semi-Pro
one hander players are the classic players of the past. Kids copy there favorite players. Federer is the favorite of all the boys now. All the kid want to hit a one-handed backhand. so the next generation there going to be a lot of one handed backhands. The kid that like Nadal will use two-handed backhands.
 

warreng

New User
friedalo1 said:
one hander players are the classic players of the past. Kids copy there favorite players. Federer is the favorite of all the boys now. All the kid want to hit a one-handed backhand. so the next generation there going to be a lot of one handed backhands. The kid that like Nadal will use two-handed backhands.

That's not always true. I grew up idolizing Edberg and then Sampras... I always wanted a 1HBH but realized that my 2 hander was too good to give up. (It's better than my FH, actually)

Some people just aren't built for it.
 

BreakPoint

Bionic Poster
Simon Cowell said:
People see Federer hitting with it on TV so they think they can too. I'd venture that 90% of people on this board hit with a 1-handed backhand because of Federer, and they probably look really silly as well due to poor technique.

Uh....I started hitting one-handed backhands in the mid-70's. When was Federer born? :eek:

BTW, I have very good technique on my 1HBH. That's why I can crush the ball even harder with my 1HBH than with my forehand. :D
 

BreakPoint

Bionic Poster
Here's the bottom line: IMO, I don't know of too many 1HBH players that wish they could hit a 2HBH, whereas, I think most 2HBH players wish they could hit competent 1HBH's. 2HBH are what you use when you are incapable of being effective with a 1HBH. That's why so many kids and women use 2HBH's.
 
Funny thing about McEnroe is that he uses his hips to generate power on the 1 hander like a 2 hander would, rather than uncoiling the arms. McEnroe's 1 hander is strange, but cool.
 

BreakPoint

Bionic Poster
stormholloway said:
Funny thing about McEnroe is that he uses his hips to generate power on the 1 hander like a 2 hander would, rather than uncoiling the arms. McEnroe's 1 hander is strange, but cool.

Yeah, that's how I used to also hit my 1HBH when I used my wooden Dunlop Maxply Forts. Those wood racquets were so low powered, getting your hips into the stroke really worked in helping you generate more power.

Nowadays, using a more powerful graphite racquet, I would say my 1HBH resembles Federer's more.
 

netman

Hall of Fame
BreakPoint said:
Here's the bottom line: IMO, I don't know of too many 1HBH players that wish they could hit a 2HBH, whereas, I think most 2HBH players wish they could hit competent 1HBH's. 2HBH are what you use when you are incapable of being effective with a 1HBH. That's why so many kids and women use 2HBH's.

Great point. But like many have said already, the footwork, angles, strike point and attack heights differ enough that changing from one style to the other is a long, tough road. So once locked into a 2HBH, its tough to change, particularly if you are under pressure to win all the time. [PURIST ALERT] Thats why in my book all beginners should be taught the 1HBH, even if it takes longer to master, reagrdless of their size or age.

In terms of physical size, Henin-Hardene stands as an example of a small stature player that can rip a 1HBH. So player size is not always a limiting factor in being able to generate power off a 1HBH.

-k-
 

skittles

Rookie
BreakPoint said:
I'd say Federer is a close second with the incredible variety he has off of that side.




Actually... Federer has the best looking backhand but he isnt 2nd best. He improved his backhand ALOT but i still wouldnt rank him in the top 10 in 1 handed backhands.
 

mctennis

Legend
Arafel said:
I don't feel that jamming a two-handed backhand is more effective than doing it to a one-hander.

I hit with both shots, and can do it pretty well. I use the one hander for slice shots in a rally as a change of pace, or on wide shots where I need a little more reach. I also use it for the half-volley and most of my volleys, though I sometimes use 2 hands on the volley if I want more power and stability.

Generally, the two-hander is what I use for topspin and flat shots. The only shot I hit one handed with topsin is the half-volley.
Then you are a two-handed backhand player. Not a BOTH player.
 

mctennis

Legend
newnuse said:
I couldn't disagree more mate. I found you can muscle the ball way more with 2 hands when you get jammed. It's simple case of having more strength with 2 arms than with 1. With 2 hands you can be late and make up for it by flicking your racket. With 1 hand, you have to be in good hitting position or suffer. I think the 1 hander is a little less prone to jamming because they don't have the other arm getting in the way.

As for who which style is better... when you ask the question about who has the greatest backhand ever... most of the candidates are 2handers. It's natural since baseliners use 2handers more and they rely on their groundstroke more than S&V'ers.
I haven't played those two-handers that have been able to muscle teh shots back. they end up flailing at the ball with no pace at all. I end up coming to the net and putting the ball away. Almost a free point.
 

grizzly4life

Professional
i think burwash was saying on canadian TV that 1HB is making big comeback, and my friend and i concurred watching the tennis live this week three times for 8 hours each.

i wonder if game is getting too fast for 2HB... although guys favor their forehand so much i wonder if it even matters much anymore.
 

alan-n

Professional
friedalo1 said:
one hander players are the classic players of the past. Kids copy there favorite players. Federer is the favorite of all the boys now. All the kid want to hit a one-handed backhand. so the next generation there going to be a lot of one handed backhands. The kid that like Nadal will use two-handed backhands.

This will only apply to the club players. Kids with pro potential will have access to good teachers and coaches who will encourage and develop the kid to what they may be potentially better at.
 

migjam

Professional
BreakPoint said:
Here's the bottom line: IMO, I don't know of too many 1HBH players that wish they could hit a 2HBH, whereas, I think most 2HBH players wish they could hit competent 1HBH's. 2HBH are what you use when you are incapable of being effective with a 1HBH. That's why so many kids and women use 2HBH's.

That's exactly my point. The 1HBH is a harder stroke to learn and teach, especially for juniors, which is why most juniors start with a 2HBH.
 

Rickson

G.O.A.T.
Simon Cowell said:
People see Federer hitting with it on TV so they think they can too. I'd venture that 90% of people on this board hit with a 1-handed backhand because of Federer, and they probably look really silly as well due to poor technique.
Actually, my one hander looks more like Robredo's than Federer's because Roger hits with an extremely closed stance and slices more than Tommy does. I doubt 90% of the one handers here took up the one hander because of Federer and I'd bet they'd look even sillier if they used a 2 hander so you're 0 for 2 on your theories.
 

Eviscerator

Banned
bluescreen said:
im definately loving the one-handers, but i still thinking they r a dying breed. just look to the past. 15 to 20 years ago, how many players, men or women, played w/ a one-handed backhand? a lot of 'em, making it the majority backhand. now it has shrunk to a small minority and i think as tennis evolves more into a power-oriented sport the one-handed backhand will just be a thing of the past.

Sorry to disagree, but you could have made that comment in the 90's, but not any more. The 1 hbh has made a resurgence to the point that I have had a number of students/parents inquire about converting from a 2hbh.

In the older days before Connors broke the stigma of a 2hbh being a "girls shot", all of the top pros had a 1hbh. As time wore on and more pros developed a 2hbh it was believed that the 1hbh would become extinct. However with players like Sampras and now Federer dominating with a 1hbh, it has become popular again. Both 1 & 2hbh's have advantages and disadvantages, but the 1hbh has and will survive well into the future unless something radical changes the fundamentals of the game.
 
I love my one hander. I played with it last night but I still find that I'm less confident with it and tend to slice more than I do when just hitting around. The key I think is just hitting with it a lot and not being afraid to lose some matches.

It's a stroke that takes time to develop, but once it clicks it feels better than any stroke in the game IMO.
 

AngeloDS

Hall of Fame
I don't really care; two handed or one handed. They're both good strokes and have pros and cons. I've always used a one handed backhand, but I personally *feel* that todays game is better suited for a two handed backhand.

Why? I'd say mostly topspin to the backhand. Balls get so much kick they come up shoulder height and even higher. You're put on a defensive/nuetral position and can't really attack or get control of the point.

Though, one thing I do dislike seeing is people using one handed backhands incorrectly :s. So many people trying to use it but have poor mechanics. During college tennis, the team was comprised of mostly one handed backhands. Only two guys had two handed backhands heh.
 

alienhamster

Hall of Fame
AngeloDS said:
I don't really care; two handed or one handed. They're both good strokes and have pros and cons. I've always used a one handed backhand, but I personally *feel* that todays game is better suited for a two handed backhand.

Why? I'd say mostly topspin to the backhand. Balls get so much kick they come up shoulder height and even higher. You're put on a defensive/nuetral position and can't really attack or get control of the point.

Though, one thing I do dislike seeing is people using one handed backhands incorrectly :s. So many people trying to use it but have poor mechanics. During college tennis, the team was comprised of mostly one handed backhands. Only two guys had two handed backhands heh.
I still don't understand why you can't be taught both backhands, especially if you use one as a primary shot and the other for specialty shots (like a one handed slice for a two hander, or a two handed backhand for high balls for a one hander so you don't have to slice it all the time).
 

AngeloDS

Hall of Fame
It takes time away from you when you play up higher levels. When you have to make decisions quickly. You can learn both, but stick with one for match play.

"Do I hit this with a two handed... or a one hander..." If there's any doubt in place or hesitation it's not going to be that hot.
 

TennsDog

Hall of Fame
alienhamster said:
I still don't understand why you can't be taught both backhands, especially if you use one as a primary shot and the other for specialty shots (like a one handed slice for a two hander, or a two handed backhand for high balls for a one hander so you don't have to slice it all the time).
There is no reason why you can't do this. I do it all the time. I like the one-hander better, but use two hands for half volleys at the baseline, high balls, and particularly heavy shots to my backhand. If you can make it work, I see no reason not to. The reason I don't have any problems with deciding is because the two-hander only comes out for those three specific shots, which I can identify well before I need to know which hand to use. I have also used both independently for years in a row in the past, so I am perfectly comfortable with each of them and don't question my shots.
 

alienhamster

Hall of Fame
AngeloDS said:
It takes time away from you when you play up higher levels. When you have to make decisions quickly. You can learn both, but stick with one for match play.

"Do I hit this with a two handed... or a one hander..." If there's any doubt in place or hesitation it's not going to be that hot.
I dunno, though. Federer had a version of this problem early on because he had so many shots to choose from from pretty much everywhere in the court, and he's figured stuff out pretty well now. My point earlier is that you can condition yourself to specialize one shot for specific moments so that you don't have to think about it--maybe learn that 2 hander for the high balls so you can control it well.

But maybe you're right. Not a pro, so I have no idea if this could ever work.
 

flymeng

Semi-Pro
I started playing with a 2 handed backhand. After a few years, I learnt to hit the backhand slice when I took some lessons. I gradually moved to 1 handed backhand. For me, I started developing tennis elbow because I over extended my right arm to get shots which were a streched. I know I should have moved my feet to better position myself. This is due to my laziness. I lay off tennis longer in between plays to let my tendonitis heal. So far, it is getting better but still hurts abit sometimes. :(
 

Breaker

Legend
alienhamster said:
I still don't understand why you can't be taught both backhands, especially if you use one as a primary shot and the other for specialty shots (like a one handed slice for a two hander, or a two handed backhand for high balls for a one hander so you don't have to slice it all the time).

Doesn't Blake sometimes do this? I think I've seen him use the two hander to return fast serves from Roddick and Karlovic when he can't control it with his one hander. Also nearly all two handers have a one handed slice shot on them, some better than others of course but it seems like a slice backhand is standard for a two hander to own.
 

tennismike33

Semi-Pro
I started out hitting the 2hb becasue when I started playing tennis that was the shot, but I quckly learned to hit the 1hb, becasue I felt more comfortable coming to net. I developed a slicing BH to come in behind. By the way, MIGJAM knows what he is talking about, he hits a nasty 1HB with either topspin or backspin. His son is a good young player who hits with a 2HB.
 

migjam

Professional
tennismike33 said:
I started out hitting the 2hb becasue when I started playing tennis that was the shot, but I quckly learned to hit the 1hb, becasue I felt more comfortable coming to net. I developed a slicing BH to come in behind. By the way, MIGJAM knows what he is talking about, he hits a nasty 1HB with either topspin or backspin. His son is a good young player who hits with a 2HB.

Thanks tennismike33, and you probably meant to say that my son hits a 1HB also right?
 

AngeloDS

Hall of Fame
I forgot who it was; there was a match with Federer or was it against Andy Roddick in 2004 in Wimbledon I believe. A guy in the last set went two handed serve returns and one handed backhands.

Either way, it worked out great because he started to get a lot of those backhand serve returns in. Granted, he still lost lol :p. Forgot who it was.

Andy Murray has a pretty versatile two handed backhand and uses the one handed backhand just for slicing. Sometimes for his jumping half volley lol. But as you see, Gasquet had a better backhand :p. It's better to have one really solid backhand compared to two that are mediocre.
 
I reckon juniors start with a double hander because you can get away with not changing grips. Juniors often just pick up the racquet and swing it. I know thats what I did until I was told about the almighty grip change.I wish you didn't have to change grips and it just worked.
 

Warriorroger

Hall of Fame
skittles said:
Actually... Federer has the best looking backhand but he isnt 2nd best. He improved his backhand ALOT but i still wouldnt rank him in the top 10 in 1 handed backhands.

Agree, I am amazed that he can get away with some of the slices he hits midcourt. And people don't tell about the spin, his slice his sloppy at times.
 

TennsDog

Hall of Fame
tennis_eel said:
I reckon juniors start with a double hander because you can get away with not changing grips. Juniors often just pick up the racquet and swing it. I know thats what I did until I was told about the almighty grip change.I wish you didn't have to change grips and it just worked.
Don't change grips with a two-hander?? I used to use a two-hander and did have to change grips. Now I use a one-hander and love it partially because I don't have to change grips. I am not sure what grips you would use to not change between forehand and two-handed backhand. My two-hander grip with my right hand was somewhere near continental, a grip I highly don't recommend for a forehand.
 
2HBH is ALOT easier to learn and perform
1HBH takesa lot of time to get the timing right and etc
but in the end 1HBH is superior for its spin access, power, and reach
 

NamRanger

G.O.A.T.
AngeloDS said:
I don't really care; two handed or one handed. They're both good strokes and have pros and cons. I've always used a one handed backhand, but I personally *feel* that todays game is better suited for a two handed backhand.

Why? I'd say mostly topspin to the backhand. Balls get so much kick they come up shoulder height and even higher. You're put on a defensive/nuetral position and can't really attack or get control of the point.

Though, one thing I do dislike seeing is people using one handed backhands incorrectly :s. So many people trying to use it but have poor mechanics. During college tennis, the team was comprised of mostly one handed backhands. Only two guys had two handed backhands heh.



That depends on your one hand backhand grip. Most people use mainly an eastern backhand grip to hit with. However, there are a few people (namely people who play on claycourt, or are just more comfortable with an extreme grip) who utilize a more western backhand grip. These people have no problems with high balls, as it's relatively easy to hit a high ball with a westernish grip. Just look at Gasquet or Kuerten, they are never bothered by high bouncing balls to their backhand.
 

TennsDog

Hall of Fame
Quick question: when I was seriously developing my game and learning grip names, I was using a two-handed backhand. Now I use a one-hander and am not really sure which grip I use for it. I just know it's the exact same as my western forehand grip. What is this called for the backhand?
 

Mick

Legend
darknight08 said:
2HBH is ALOT easier to learn and perform
1HBH takesa lot of time to get the timing right and etc
but in the end 1HBH is superior for its spin access, power, and reach

i thought a 2HBH would allow the player to hit with more power.
 

BreakPoint

Bionic Poster
TennsDog said:
Quick question: when I was seriously developing my game and learning grip names, I was using a two-handed backhand. Now I use a one-hander and am not really sure which grip I use for it. I just know it's the exact same as my western forehand grip. What is this called for the backhand?

TennsDog,
Do you use the same side (face) of the racquet to hit your 1HBH as your forehand? Or else, I don't see how one can hit a backhand with a western forehand grip.

I use a conventional eastern grip on my 1HBH and my forehand grip is somewhere between an eastern and semi-western, so I have a hard time relating to any other grip on the backhand. I also have big grip change which sometimes causes me to get jammed when my opponent is at the net and nailing volleys left and right.

I've always thought that people who only use one side of the racquet on all strokes to look very awkward and are doing it "wrong". But who knows these days with all the extreme grips out there.
 

AngeloDS

Hall of Fame
My grips are around what Federer uses; you get a lot of kick & topspin. Heh, I hold the racquet relatively low too. About 1/2 of pinky is barely on the butt cap. The grips require an educated wrist release & strong wrist for the wrist flick passing shots, good timing and other various things. I can hit with so much variety as long as I'm in total control of the point.

The variety mostly comes from the swing paths you take. For me reverse forehand for the dipper cross-court, taking air out of the ball taking it early and going from low to high just dips so quickly, kicking forehand going from low to high but taking it about chest height or higher. So much variety due to the swing paths.

The problem for most is the wrist release on the backhand. I had this problem of releasing too early so my balls would be sailing to the right, or I'd wiff the ball. And I wasn't getting solid contact. But now I have it down and it works well.

Forehand:
forehand.jpg


Backhand:
backhand.jpg


Backhand Knuckles:
backhand_knuckles.jpg
 

Rickson

G.O.A.T.
BreakPoint said:
TennsDog,
Do you use the same side (face) of the racquet to hit your 1HBH as your forehand? Or else, I don't see how one can hit a backhand with a western forehand grip.
According to the video he posted, he uses the opposite side during forehands and backhands.
 
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