TacoBellBorderBowl1946
Professional
Is it alright to hit with an open stance with a two fisted backhand? I've tried with a closed and it seems awkward, I seem to be more consistent with the open stance.
Open Stance for Two Handed Backhand
- Thread starter TacoBellBorderBowl1946
- Start date
It is definitely viable on the 2 handed backhanded to be using an open stance, however; I will always square up if I have time to get my feet in place.
WildVolley
Legend
Venus Williams does it well, but her form is considered unorthodox.
MEAC_ALLAMERICAN
Legend
Is there an orthodoxed open stance 2 fisted backhand?
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MEAC_ALLAMERICAN
Legend
As long as your technique is sound enough, you can hit with an open stance. I learnt to hit my backhand close stance, but as I started competing more I would get in positions where I would have to use an open stance or slice.
If your footwork allows you to be in position to close your stance, you will find that you get more weight and control on the 2 fisted backhand.
I prefer to hit with an opened stance two-handed backhand. I'll be honest, it's not my strongest shot in the book. I'm consistent with it but I really can't gun the ball the way I could with a closed stance two-hander. In my game, I prefer an opened stance BH on the baseline, and a closed one when I approach. I do have troubles when people hit a hard paced topspin shot to my BH. I usually will just slice it one handed and just play a patient game. It's definitely alright to hit with an opened stance though. Either way works.
Tennis4203
Rookie
if it's her than yes there is
Provided you still get a good hip and shoulder turn it is the proper technique to hit the shot and optimize court coverage/recovery of the center at the simultaneously. It is required technique at the higher levels.
<edit>
For clarity: it is the proper technique to ADD to your arsenal and employ situationally on returns, wide balls or other situations where time/positioning are at a premium.
<edit>
For clarity: it is the proper technique to ADD to your arsenal and employ situationally on returns, wide balls or other situations where time/positioning are at a premium.
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Personally, my bh REALLY improved once I began closing the stance up (I've been doing 2her for a year after switching from 1her.)
To those into attempting this though, I'd also point out that with their open stance positioning, the Williams sisters also utillise and favour a distinctive straight back and pointing down to the ground take back style before launching into the shot... plus they're also of course very powerfully built.
To those into attempting this though, I'd also point out that with their open stance positioning, the Williams sisters also utillise and favour a distinctive straight back and pointing down to the ground take back style before launching into the shot... plus they're also of course very powerfully built.
i hit my two hander from both opened and closed. when i have time i close it, which produces a lower, harder ball for me. when it is open i have to put a better swing on it with more room to clear the net. if you want a lot of pace on it i would try to close it up, and make sure you keep your weight moving forward.
TacoBellBorderBowl1946
Professional
doesn't Nadal use open stance?
Bungalo Bill
G.O.A.T.
It will feel awkward if you close off your hips too much. It will be a struggle to get any "pop" on the ball. In other words, you are most likely stepping across your body too much. Try and step more towards the net post (on an angle) if you need to hit closed. Once the hips are blocked, everything clogs up on the twohander.
The reason the 2hdr needs the hips is because it requires rotation. The reason the 1hdr can hit with the hips closed is because the rotation of a 1hdr soon holds and allows the hitting arm to pass through in a linear fashion. So in essence, the hips hold with the shoulders allowing the arm to passthrough before continuing.
Finally, one of the benefits of a 2hdr is that you can use various stances including the open stance.
This is not so on the twohander. You must rotate and the hips are key in allowing you to relax and use kinetic energy to hit through the ball.
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Mike Cottrill
Hall of Fame
I agree. What are your thoughts about 2hdr retrun of serve. Open stance a must when jamed or time limited?
Bungalo Bill
G.O.A.T.
I use open or semi-open nearly all the time unless forced into a more closed stance.
J
jjk
Guest
This is always an interesting discussion and as a result I have addressed exactly this subject on my site's blog. I hope this helps:
http://www.backhandworld.com/2007/06/16/two-handed-backhand-the-step-in-or-open-stance-debate/
Narcissist
Semi-Pro
I find open stance feels unnatural and limits my body rotation and weight shift to get the power. For service returns I often find myself hitting it with an open stance on big serves because I don't have time to switch.
Slazenger
Professional
Those who are citing Venus Williams:
She learned to hit her 2 hander closed stance first. 90% of her backhands very early in her career up till about 2001-02 were hit closed stance. As a matter of fact most of her forehands were square/closed stance as well.
In otherwords, learn both, because you will need both.
She learned to hit her 2 hander closed stance first. 90% of her backhands very early in her career up till about 2001-02 were hit closed stance. As a matter of fact most of her forehands were square/closed stance as well.
In otherwords, learn both, because you will need both.
