should i switch to a 2hbh?

[fire_eaters]

Im 21 years old and have been playing tennis for almost 3 years now. I started off playing with a 1hbh because i loved federer and wanted to be just like him..lol but 3 years later and my backhand is still horrible. I can slice very well, and my forehand is very strong as well but i just cant seem to get the rythem and timing down on a 1hbh. My opponents notice it immediately and zero in on my backhand side the whole match and im getting sick of it. Ive noticed that people with 2hbh have a much more powerful shot and seem to be able to control the ball better. What do you think of me switching to a 2hbh at this point? is it too late? is it worth trying to learn a stroke all over? i should mention that i am a 3.5 level player. If it really is worth it for me in the long run i have no problem putting in the work to learn the 2 hander. Im just sick of my 1 hander being picked on so much.

 

[Dreamer]

Im 21 years old and have been playing tennis for almost 3 years now. I started off playing with a 1hbh because i loved federer and wanted to be just like him..lol but 3 years later and my backhand is still horrible. I can slice very well, and my forehand is very strong as well but i just cant seem to get the rythem and timing down on a 1hbh. My opponents notice it immediately and zero in on my backhand side the whole match and im getting sick of it. Ive noticed that people with 2hbh have a much more powerful shot and seem to be able to control the ball better. What do you think of me switching to a 2hbh at this point? is it too late? is it worth trying to learn a stroke all over? i should mention that i am a 3.5 level player. If it really is worth it for me in the long run i have no problem putting in the work to learn the 2 hander. Im just sick of my 1 hander being picked on so much.

2hbh is easier to learn and requires less time and footwork and at 3.5 it's certainly not too late. If anything you're still developing your strokes.

Just know that having a 2hbh does not instantly give you a good backhand. There are plenty of bad 2handers out there.

I think you should try it at least 2 weeks. I myself started with a 2hander for a few months. One day I slapped on that 1hander and we've been happy together ever since.

I'm glad I gave both an honest chance. 1hander was simply more natural for ME. Give both a chance. It's better to find out now than having "what ifs" at a higher level. You need to get over this dilemma and find confidence in that wing.

 

[pgreg]

I think the 2hbh is the best choice for any amateur player. I have yet to come a cross a player with a great 1hbh.....ever. Yet I see so many players where their 2hbh is their strongest/steadiest shot.



Give it a shot...you have to be willing to take some steps back before you take steps forward.

 

[fire_eaters]

yeah both of you are pretty dead on...i guess ill give it a try. a two-hander hit well looks so solid and powerful, just like a forehand. I just cant seem to find that on my one hander

 

[ProgressoR]

I think the 2hbh is the best choice for any amateur player. I have yet to come a cross a player with a great 1hbh.....ever. Yet I see so many players where their 2hbh is their strongest/steadiest shot.


QUOTE]

Sorry, but this is a ridiculous statement. Why does a 1hBH need to be great to justify using it? It can be bad, very bad, decent, good. Just like a 2hBH. I have seen great 2hBH's, doesnt mean they suit everybody.

 

[ProgressoR]

yeah both of you are pretty dead on...i guess ill give it a try. a two-hander hit well looks so solid and powerful, just like a forehand. I just cant seem to find that on my one hander

Do what works for you, if you have been trying long and hard, and have a legitimate alternative, then you must try it. Personally I tried a 2h and it felt horrible, 1h felt much better, but its pretty hard to learn and very hard to make it an effective shot, but I am enjoying the challenge.

 

[pgreg]

I think the 2hbh is the best choice for any amateur player. I have yet to come a cross a player with a great 1hbh.....ever. Yet I see so many players where their 2hbh is their strongest/steadiest shot.


QUOTE]

Sorry, but this is a ridiculous statement. Why does a 1hBH need to be great to justify using it? It can be bad, very bad, decent, good. Just like a 2hBH. I have seen great 2hBH's, doesnt mean they suit everybody.

To be more specific, I have never seen a player where the 1hbh is their strongest/steadiest shot. Every 1hbh player I have ever played has an exploitable 1hbh.

A great shot for pros....but does not translate well to the amateur level.

Now obviously, if you just can't get the mechanics of a 2hbh....then you should try the 1hbh. But I don't reccomend it the other way around.

 

[spacediver]

Sorry, but this is a ridiculous statement. Why does a 1hBH need to be great to justify using it? It can be bad, very bad, decent, good. Just like a 2hBH. I have seen great 2hBH's, doesnt mean they suit everybody.

there's absolutely nothing ridiculous with that statement. Assuming the observation is sound (the ratio of well developed 1hbh's to underdeveloped 1hbh's being lower than in the 2hbh case), then this is strong evidence that the 1hbh is significantly harder to master.

Knowing this is important when making a decision about which to choose. The poster never said that this observation means that using a 1hbh isn't justified. You put those words in the poster's mouth.

Personally I love the feel of a 1hbh which is why I choose it.

 

[ManuGinobili]

How bout giving the 1HBH one more try before switching. Go on the internet, seek real life lessons, put aside a lot of practice time for the shot. Reevaluate yourself after a month or two and see if the 1HBH is really not part of your destiny.

 

[ProgressoR]

To be more specific, I have never seen a player where the 1hbh is their strongest/steadiest shot. Every 1hbh player I have ever played has an exploitable 1hbh.

A great shot for pros....but does not translate well to the amateur level.

Now obviously, if you just can't get the mechanics of a 2hbh....then you should try the 1hbh. But I don't reccomend it the other way around.

I have never seen a player (non pro) (or played with one) where their 2hbh is their strongest shot either. If you are going to use a 1hbh then best to make sure it is steady and wont let you down. if you cannot do that then perhaps considering a 2hbh is the next step. The only very good 2hBH i have seen are on the TV, none on the courts, I have seen steady ones, but not where its their strongest or steadiest shot.

It (1hbh) just needs to be steady, not the strongest shot. It certainly is much harder work to learn, and more difficult to execute well, agree with that, and not for everyone.

But the 1hbh is not for everyone and the 2hbh is not for everyone either.

 

[pgreg]

I have never seen a player (non pro) (or played with one) where their 2hbh is their strongest shot either. If you are going to use a 1hbh then best to make sure it is steady and wont let you down. if you cannot do that then perhaps considering a 2hbh is the next step. The only very good 2hBH i have seen are on the TV, none on the courts, I have seen steady ones, but not where its their strongest or steadiest shot.

It (1hbh) just needs to be steady, not the strongest shot. It certainly is much harder work to learn, and more difficult to execute well, agree with that, and not for everyone.

But the 1hbh is not for everyone and the 2hbh is not for everyone either.

"Strongest" in the sense of power, no. But im talking the sense that its their strength.

Now, on TV...just about every pro (male especially) will have a more dominant forehand due to the fact that the forehand has a MUCH higher ceiling. Though there are several women with better backhands than forehands.

 

[hector]

I think the 2hbh is the best choice for any amateur player. I have yet to come a cross a player with a great 1hbh.....ever. Yet I see so many players where their 2hbh is their strongest/steadiest shot.



Give it a shot...you have to be willing to take some steps back before you take steps forward.

I have seen many rec players with very strong 1 handed backhands. Sometimes it is even the side that is flatter .... If you have a good slice to go along with it you can really mix things up, lots of variation, depth, spins.

One thing worth considering is really putting a lot of effort into improving your slice.


Its worth experimenting and seeing what suits you and the way you like to play.

 

[aimr75]

the overall mechanics of the 1 hander isnt complicated, its the footwork/movement and timing that makes it a difficult shot.. its a shot where you cant be too lazy.. to that end, amateurs will tend to have a weak 1hbh because of this aspect since we arent generally great movers and dont spend enough hours on the court..

OP its probably worth while trying the 2hbh.. cant hurt spending a few months seeing if it will work for you

 

[GuyClinch]

Stick with the one hander - a well struck one hander is the most "fun" shot in tennis. I can't really describe it other then to say its fun.

This video helped me alot..

http://www.youtube.com/user/CoachKyril#p/u/13/tpLApIuLGV4

 

[mlktennis]

Im 21 years old and have been playing tennis for almost 3 years now. I started off playing with a 1hbh because i loved federer and wanted to be just like him..lol but 3 years later and my backhand is still horrible. I can slice very well, and my forehand is very strong as well but i just cant seem to get the rythem and timing down on a 1hbh. My opponents notice it immediately and zero in on my backhand side the whole match and im getting sick of it. Ive noticed that people with 2hbh have a much more powerful shot and seem to be able to control the ball better. What do you think of me switching to a 2hbh at this point? is it too late? is it worth trying to learn a stroke all over? i should mention that i am a 3.5 level player. If it really is worth it for me in the long run i have no problem putting in the work to learn the 2 hander. Im just sick of my 1 hander being picked on so much.

I was like you, idolize fed and the beauty of the 1hbh. Years later still struggling with it. I went for the switch to a 2hbh with the intent of 'I will give it my all for a good 6months' (advice from tt members).

I am only 3-4 months in and already close to being as good as my topspin 1hbh. More consistent. Better return of serve. I am playing harder and harder hitters and my 2hbh holds up. I realize I will never have the timing to ever get it to a very high level. All this and I have a great slice from my 1hbh days!

I'm not saying to change but if you are questioning it then seriously think about giving it a good 6 month try. Esp if you are willing to put in the work.

 

[user92626]

pgreg's response is sound and reasonable. 2hbh is more intuitive, has a much higher ceiling in term of consistent and power, especially for us amateur players, than 1hbh. Thus, it's more recommended if you just start out to learn.

 

[sureshs]

Im 21 years old and have been playing tennis for almost 3 years now. I started off playing with a 1hbh because i loved federer and wanted to be just like him..lol but 3 years later and my backhand is still horrible. I can slice very well, and my forehand is very strong as well but i just cant seem to get the rythem and timing down on a 1hbh. My opponents notice it immediately and zero in on my backhand side the whole match and im getting sick of it. Ive noticed that people with 2hbh have a much more powerful shot and seem to be able to control the ball better. What do you think of me switching to a 2hbh at this point? is it too late? is it worth trying to learn a stroke all over? i should mention that i am a 3.5 level player. If it really is worth it for me in the long run i have no problem putting in the work to learn the 2 hander. Im just sick of my 1 hander being picked on so much.

At your age, you are still young and flexible to make the switch. The 1 hander seems never to be mastered by people who started tennis as adults, and even at the professional level, it is becoming extinct, see the results of Gasquet and Dent in the French Open now, or how Rafa can take apart Federer's backhand at will.

 

[Chanto]

there's absolutely nothing ridiculous with that statement. Assuming the observation is sound (the ratio of well developed 1hbh's to underdeveloped 1hbh's being lower than in the 2hbh case), then this is strong evidence that the 1hbh is significantly harder to master.

Knowing this is important when making a decision about which to choose. The poster never said that this observation means that using a 1hbh isn't justified. You put those words in the poster's mouth.

Personally I love the feel of a 1hbh which is why I choose it.

No, it's not harder to master. It's just that no one uses it, so bad form won't get criticized as much. Get a good coach that knows how to do it right, and you'll get it. They can be weapons, provided you have the right form.

 

[PinkTennisNinja]

I'm 22 and have been using my 1hbh for 4 years now and there is NO WAY I could switch. However it probably isn't the easiest way to play. What does your grip look like? I used to have the WORST grip for a backhand and when I walked into the local tennis shop, the owner asked me if I was a 1hander or 2hander and then asked me to show her how I swing....and then she laughed at me I basically moved my knuckles more to the top and it gives loads more power and control. And I used to just swing at the ball whereas now I pull back, catch it with my left hand (to steady it) and then then release and push forward. I'm pretty sure I am the only girl in the whole Northern Central part of my state that uses a 1hbh.............and I'm winning


Practice makes perfect!

 

[Donny0627]

Ive noticed that people with 2hbh have a much more powerful shot and seem to be able to control the ball better.

If this was true then nobody would hit a 1hander...

My thoughts:

1HBH: Takes much longer to develope, but in the long run will work out better

2HBH: Developes in a short period of time, but will never give you the same amount of reach and spin a 1 hander will...

 

[LeeD]

My take....
If you adopt a topspin 2hbh, then both sides are similar, giving your opponent a good opportunity to groove into your shots, and pound away.
If you use a one handed slice quite often, and a topspin forehand, you can vary your shots and keep your baseline bashing opponent off balanced and somewhat confused. Of course, you need a 1hbh topspin passing shot too, just for variety.
Variety can be the spice of life.

 

[PinkTennisNinja]

If this was true then nobody would hit a 1hander...

My thoughts:

1HBH: Takes much longer to develope, but in the long run will work out better

2HBH: Developes in a short period of time, but will never give you the same amount of reach and spin a 1 hander will...

I SECOND THAT!

 

[LeeD]

My take...
1hbh takes longer to learn, and how good you get depends on how good you get with it.....
2hbh...instant gratifications, how good you get in the long run depends how good you actually get with it...
In other words, if you can get good, you can with either style....but different strengths and weaknesses.

 

[PinkTennisNinja]

My take...
1hbh takes longer to learn, and how good you get depends on how good you get with it.....
2hbh...instant gratifications, how good you get in the long run depends how good you actually get with it...
In other words, if you can get good, you can with either style....but different strengths and weaknesses.

I Agree