The two handed forehand - a story of success

[Inken]

I am playing tennis for several years and I nearly never won a match during all these years.
From the begin on I had problems with my forehand, it was my weakest stroke and always failed. I had tennis lessons for a long time but it seemed that I just wasn't able to pick up the right technique. Everyone else seemed to improve, but I sticked on a low level.

At late summer 2010 I read the book "Tennis Mastery" and all the information here at tennis warehouse about the two handed forehand and changed to a two handed forehand. And suddenly everything fitted. After the short learning phase I could hit forehand winners for the first time, which still is a great feeling. I can rely on the forehand now and I just love the stroke. It feels so natural to me, and much much better than the one handed forehand.

This spring/summer season 2011 I had to play six single matches for my team and I have won all the six. And I know, this is only because of the change to the two handed forehand.

I write this, first to encourage other players with a weak forehand to give the two handed forehand a try, and second to thank David Smith for all the free information about the two handed forehand he provided at tennis warehouse, it was very helpful for me, thank you very much.

 

[BevelDevil]

What kind of grip do you use for the top and bottom hands? Also, what kind of backhand do you use?

 

[CoachingMastery]

Inken,

First off, let me thank you for publicly posting your experience with the two-handed forehand and my book. It is always rewarding for me to hear from someone who gained insights from my books or what I've tried to share here.

Also, congratulations on your current success! I wish you continued progress and enjoyment in your game!

While I'm obviously a strong proponent of the two-handed forehand, it isn't for everyone. I've found that many take to it as you have and others find it isn't a great fit. But, most importantly, I've seen through my 20 years of teaching the shot, it can be both an eye-opener (as in finding something new about the forehand for those having difficulty), as well as a weapon and confidence builder, as you have found.

Certainly, the recent success of Bartoli and Peng has brought the shot a little bit more to the forefront of tennis. I hope others who might be having difficulty, and pros who have an open mind, may find the shot a possibility.

Regardless, I again thank you for expressing your experiences here and wish you all the best in the future!

 

[Inken]

BevelDevil, I started, as David Smith recommends, with an eastern grip both hands. After a while, without doing it intentionally, I felt more comfortable with a semi western grip right hand, and conti grip left hand.
I also play a two handed backhand.

 

[BevelDevil]

What grips do you use on your backhand?

One of my players used to use that exact setup on the forehand and a cont/sw on the backhand. The problem though was that both hands needed to shift on the gripchange from one to the other.

What's your grip change procedure and your ready grip?

Also, do you use a stretch racket?

 

[Inken]

BevelDevil, I use the 'normal' double handed backhand grip, so grip changing is no problem. You only need to turn the racket slightly in both hands for either backhand or forehand grip. There is plenty of time for that slight turning.
I always have both hands on the racket in a forehand position (because I play more forehands than backhands, or at least it feels like that)

I play with a Head Flexpoint Instinct Team racket which I personally find fantastic, and I like the big racket head.

 

[1st Seed]

Hey Inken,&Coach Dave.^^^
How are you handling the higher balls,Inken"Topspin"above shoulder height.?For me it can cause some issue's on the BH side.

How are your angles coming along?Most players don't have a clue where im hitting it...Be good to see a vid so we could shoot a few freebie tips for you to work on.
Be sure to have good footwork, and early racquet prep, and stay low,Keep them flat and skidding.
I love my game been hitting 2hands since "who Knows"Now at 33yrs I'm playing the best I ever have.Congrat's in finding the confidence in the strokes.Stay on your front foot and you'll be fine.Here's a clip a with me against a topspin hitter,I'll step in instead of waiting for it to get to me..Easier than above your neck..http://www.youtube.com/user/MrFirstSeed?feature=mhum#p/a/u/1/b3EGw5p_3W4
http://www.youtube.com/user/MrFirstSeed?feature=mhum#p/u/3/kQY6GyRenTAIs your stoke any similar to mine?

 

[CoachingMastery]

Hey Inken,&Coach Dave.^^^
How are you handling the higher balls,Inken"Topspin"above shoulder height.?For me it can cause some issue's on the BH side.

How are your angles coming along?Most players don't have a clue where im hitting it...Be good to see a vid so we could shoot a few freebie tips for you to work on.
Be sure to have good footwork, and early racquet prep, and stay low,Keep them flat and skidding.
I love my game been hitting 2hands since "who Knows"Now at 33yrs I'm playing the best I ever have.Congrat's in finding the confidence in the strokes.Stay on your front foot and you'll be fine.Here's a clip a with me against a topspin hitter,I'll step in instead of waiting for it to get to me..Easier than above your neck..http://www.youtube.com/user/MrFirstSeed?feature=mhum#p/a/u/1/b3EGw5p_3W4
http://www.youtube.com/user/MrFirstSeed?feature=mhum#p/u/3/kQY6GyRenTAIs your stoke any similar to mine?

As with all two-handed players, there are obvious exceptions as well as situational shots that demand some adjustments.

High shots for two-handed players have often been difficult. However, we are seeing more and more players develop their two-handers for these shots. The high, swinging topspin volley hit with two hands is an example of this evolution.

The other point is that often players who don't like hitting these shots will use their feet to move back or forward to take balls at a different height. Or, some will go to a conventional one-handed swing if they can't do that.

So, like all shots in tennis, there are going to be situations that require some compensation by using different shots. A skilled player will have already experienced those shots many times and should already have a practiced response.

This takes time to establish and some experimentation too, to see what works best for the individual.

 

[5263]

I am playing tennis for several years and I nearly never won a match during all these years.
From the begin on I had problems with my forehand, it was my weakest stroke and always failed. I had tennis lessons for a long time but it seemed that I just wasn't able to pick up the right technique. Everyone else seemed to improve, but I sticked on a low level.

Sounds like you made a great move for your game and thanks for showing me a good reason to make this choice. I have long wondered why a player would give up the best shot in the game (outside of a first serve) to go to more limited shot.

Your reason of poor performance on the Fh makes sense if the two hander is better, because making shots is what this game is about. If the 2 handed Fh helps you to execute more of the right shots, then by all means, go with what works for YOU.
congrats

 

[Inken]

1st Seed, I try not to let the balls come too high, this is, I step forward and take them early, more on the rise. This is what I never before could do with a one handed forehand, but I now like to take high balls early - which often has a nice surprising effect to the opponent, because players in my league normally let the ball come down before hitting it back. You just must not miss the right second.
Higher balls on backhand side I take with an one handed slice.

I just have to practice on the forehand inside-out strokes. Is there a special technique to play inside out with two hands? I always play them with a close (side) stance.

1st Seed, what is your grip? Is it eastern-eastern on both sides? Or are you changing the grips? Are you also playing two handed volleys?

 

[1st Seed]

Hey Inken,As far as a special technique for" inside outs" I'll leave that for Coach Dave.For me Good Footwork and proper weight distribution on every shot allow me to be able to literally hit the ball whereever I choose.I'll Fool my opponents by having my feet,Body position, set up to go down the line and then shock them as I blast it cross.
I'dd say im eastern-eastern on BH.I don't change grips but if you notice in my video's I'll flip the racquet around once or twice between each ball.Didn't have a clue I was doing it until a spectator at 1 of my matches noticed.
No 2hand Volleys here.Have always had conventional volleys.
How are you handling the lack of reach.Players will tend to try to push you out into the alleys.