Ok, so i know there have been a ton of threads about the one or two handed backhand. But i am just simply asking, is it too late to switch to a one-handed backhand? I have a couple seasons left of college tennis, roughly less than one year to try and be seeded in a pretty competitive group. I have struggled with this decision ever since i started playing, and actually switched to the one hander for a few months a couple years ago. It just seems like i can never go to the next level with either. i love the stability of the two-hander and my ability to change direction by using my left hand. But i can generate much more pace with my one-handed backhand and hit much better approach shots. So from this information, which one should i switch too? I currently use a prince diablo but am switching to the wilson k90 very soon.
Switching Backhands
- Thread starter BU-Tennis
- Start date
Whenever i make the one handed backhand motion i feel like my arm will rip off because there is no clear follow through. With the forehand and two-hand BH you can finish over your shoulder but the 1HBH you're supposed to finish with a straight arm but mine still wants to go so what should i do?
joe sch
Legend
I agree. The 2hander has really changed the return of serve into a weapon in modern tennis. The single is great for approaches and blasts in your comfort zone.
lostintravise
New User
Stick with the 2HBH. I mean, look how awkward the finishing stance is on a 1HBH: http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/2579/20060421onehandedbackha.jpg
lol! jk..but I mean, like someone else said, why not use a hybrid? Use the one-hand for approach and pace shots and then the two-hand for your consistency shots.
lol! jk..but I mean, like someone else said, why not use a hybrid? Use the one-hand for approach and pace shots and then the two-hand for your consistency shots.
er... by hybrid, do you guys mean slice one handed backhand and topspin two handed? Because as far as I know, trying to execute both topspin shots becomes soooo confusing you'll screw up both of your strokes. Pick one and stick to one. Don't try and muddle with both. Unless you're talking about one handed slice, then that's ok.
SystemicAnomaly
Bionic Poster
Have you mastered the 1-handed slice yet? Most 2-handers learn to hit a 1-handed slice for situations where they cannot (or have not) get (gotten) into the optimum position to hit their 2-handed BH.
Once you've mastered the slice, then you can consider developing a 1-handed topspin BH.
Once you've mastered the slice, then you can consider developing a 1-handed topspin BH.
Josherer
Professional
^^^^ Yeah. For people who aren't skilled enough to hit a solid one hander.
You mean way EASIER not way BETTER
mikeler
Moderator
I am surprised that you switched for a couple of months and then switched back. Most 2 handers will try a 1 hander for a few matches and then give up. With that being said, it took me at least 6 months, maybe longer until my 1 hander was at least as good as my 2 hander. I was so fed up with my 2 hander that I knew I had to stick it out and take my lumps. If anybody hit a soft ball to my 2 hander I could generate no power and hardly any spin. I can get a lot of power and spin from my 1 hander.
SystemicAnomaly
Bionic Poster
It is possible but I believe that it would be much better to develop a good 1-handed slice instead. That is what most 2-handed pros do.
naylor
Semi-Pro
I asked the same question about my son (11) to his coach. Like all kids, he started playing DHBH, but now has started reaching for and slicing wider balls one-handed, and is also experimenting hitting some "normal" backhands one-handed. He's also got good hands and likes to come up to the net, so he's working on SHBH volleys, and also playing more sliced approaches in the transition to the net.
The coach's answer was that kids make the switch naturally, after they've been playing for 6/7 years, when they feel they're still not quite comfortable with playing DHBH. By that he meant not just not comfortable with slicing double-handed (most people go SHBH for that), but things others have mentioned above - like not being able to inject power and topspin on slow/short balls, etc.
It does take time (to change) - you have to work a lot on timing and most particularly footwork. And it has some limitations (higher balls are difficult to hit with decent topspin, so either you cut them down with heavy slice or you let them drop to the hitting zone). But if your game preference is towards all-court and aggressive, being able to step inside the court to take slightly shorter and/or lower balls on your backhand, and then being able to whip them with topspin to either corner and follow in towards the net, is a very good forcing shot to have.
The coach's answer was that kids make the switch naturally, after they've been playing for 6/7 years, when they feel they're still not quite comfortable with playing DHBH. By that he meant not just not comfortable with slicing double-handed (most people go SHBH for that), but things others have mentioned above - like not being able to inject power and topspin on slow/short balls, etc.
It does take time (to change) - you have to work a lot on timing and most particularly footwork. And it has some limitations (higher balls are difficult to hit with decent topspin, so either you cut them down with heavy slice or you let them drop to the hitting zone). But if your game preference is towards all-court and aggressive, being able to step inside the court to take slightly shorter and/or lower balls on your backhand, and then being able to whip them with topspin to either corner and follow in towards the net, is a very good forcing shot to have.
Beastforearm
New User
Whether switching from 2HBH to 1HBH or sticking to 2HBH, you'll need a ton of practice. A decision should be depending on your playing style. However, I suggest you to stick to 2HBH as it seems that you were using 2HBH for the most of your tennis games. Your ability to generate good pace with 1HBH does not go anywhere else from using 2HBH because you'll still have to hit one-handed slice. You can adapt that ability to your one-handed slice since you have trained how to hit 1HBH. Practice 2HBH, although it's up to you in the end.
