prefered forehand stance is open = prefered two-hand backhand open, too?

[1171]

I have been advised to hit one-hand forehand with my left hand to improve my two-handed backhand.

I hit my regular right hand open stance forehand with power and precision. Now this practice left hand swing is just the mirror image of my right hand forehand. I hit with both forehands with open stance.

I practiced with two rackets, one in each hand, and hit open stance forehand with them. Right hand swing, left hand swing, right hand swing, left hand swing, etc.

Now this swing had turned into muscle memory. I now hit two-handed backhand with more power and control. But my two-handed backhand has turned into an open stance shot.

I remember someone recommended prefered two-handed backhand stance is closed/ or better yet, squared stance because it involves the "Bigger muscles" of the back.

Is this true? Come to think about it, most pros hit their forehand with open stance. This mirror-image practice of left hand forehand swing should have the same effect of an open stance right forehand. Same lateral movement, same forward movement footwork.


So, if hitting open stance right forehand is the prefered stance, why should'nt the open stance two-hand backhand be the prefered stance, too?

 

[35ft6]

So, if hitting open stance right forehand is the prefered stance, why should'nt the open stance two-hand backhand be the prefered stance, too?

Just think about what it means to hit a two-handed backhand. Assuming your right handed, you can only take the backswing so far on an open stanced two handed backhand because your right hand is on the racket. Imagine, take the racket back on an open stanced two handed backhand, look how far you can take it back. Now let go with your right hand, turning the stroke into a left handed forehand. You can now take the racket back a LOT FURTHER, can't you, without the right hand/arm holding you back.

On a forehand, an open stance allows a fuller range of motion, a longer trajectory for the racket head. But on a two handed stroke, it simply doesn't. On a two handed closed stance stroke, you almost can only take the racket back less than a foot before where you should making contact with the ball, not enough distance to create enough forward momentum to hit the ball well.

There's my very confusing answer. Is it confusing?

 

[ondray]

You're right. I used to try all the two handed backhand stances. I found that the open stance doesn't allow you to have a longer swing and you need to be really strong to drive the ball. Reminds me of the Williams sisters.

These days, I try to hit my 2hbh with a semi closed stance with my planted right foot pointing straight to the net. This gives me the maximum swing distance. It's still a good thing to learn all the other stances cause some players vary their pace and spin so much that it's just difficult to find the rhythm to plant your right foot. Especially those flat balls that bounce and skid near the baseline on your backhand side.

 

[treo]

I prefer a semi-closed stance on the forehand and closed on the backhand but when playing against hard hitters there is no choice but to hit open stance on both sides because there is no time to turn. I also find myself doing reverse forehand follow throughs. If I'm playing a soft hitter I'll close my stance to get a more fluid swing.

 

[nViATi]

I prefer a semi-closed stance on the forehand and closed on the backhand but when playing against hard hitters there is no choice but to hit open stance on both sides because there is no time to turn. I also find myself doing reverse forehand follow throughs. If I'm playing a soft hitter I'll close my stance to get a more fluid swing.

If you are doing reverse forehand follow throughs then you might be hitting late because of the pace.

 

[odessa]

Just think about what it means to hit a two-handed backhand. Assuming your right handed, you can only take the backswing so far on an open stanced two handed backhand because your right hand is on the racket. Imagine, take the racket back on an open stanced two handed backhand, look how far you can take it back. Now let go with your right hand, turning the stroke into a left handed forehand. You can now take the racket back a LOT FURTHER, can't you, without the right hand/arm holding you back.

On a forehand, an open stance allows a fuller range of motion, a longer trajectory for the racket head. But on a two handed stroke, it simply doesn't. On a two handed closed stance stroke, you almost can only take the racket back less than a foot before where you should making contact with the ball, not enough distance to create enough forward momentum to hit the ball well.

There's my very confusing answer. Is it confusing?

Interesting theory.
Is your last comment about "a two handed closed stance stroke" a error ?
Did you mean open stance ?
Because one closed stance two handed backhand you can take the racket back more than 3 foot relative to contact point.
Some pros like courier hit open stance forhands with a very small takeback.

To the original poster :
What grips to you use one your one hander (right and left) and what grips do you use one the two hander ?

If you have a very extrem grip structure on the forehands and a weak grip (right hand) on the two hander you may fall in the minority group which hits mostly open stance two handed backhand (venus williams).

Hitting left handed forehands is a great strength exercise for the two handed backhand. there can be a problem if you use totaly different footwork though.
i would try to hit neutral stance forehands alot. Cant go wrong there. Also i would hit in short intervals like 10 one handed left forehands and than 10 two handed forehands to get the two technics together.

 

[ondray]

Hi Odessa,

What's a neutral stance?

I practise my left handed forehands using semi open and close stances.

 

[Punisha]

i mainly hit backhands side on... jumping towards the net (slightly) off my right foot and landing on the same foot.... other wise it from side on to open for me

 

[Sweden]

I didn't have time to read all the replies so someone might already told you but my suggestion is that you use the open stance on backhands when you are short of time. Always use open stance on forehands but don't forget to move forward the ball