Using left hand forehand/ 1hbh/ 2hbh

[thatguymattin]

Just curious, is here anyone else who alternates backhands/ ad-side ground strokes? I mainly use a one-handed backhand, but originally learned with a two-handed backhand; albeit, it was not a good two-handed backhand. My game developed as I learned to hit a better one-handed backhand, and I'm relatively stable with it. But there are certain shots in which I cannot get to in time due to my overall fitness and bad footwork. So on very wide shots, I sometimes hit with my left hand or a two-handed backhand. I could probably play better with a two-handed backhand, but I don't get any satisfaction from using it.

So basically, instead of slicing a wide shot going towards the left with my one-handed backhand, I could use a two-handed backhand to return it either down the line or cross court. I would mainly use both left and right handed forehands, but transferring the racquet to either hand takes too long.

I feel that some of you guys would ask, "Why would you use something that limits you?" or say that what I can do is stupid... but I enjoy it. It may be unorthodox, but it's enjoyable. And that's why I do it, it's fun. I have been working on my fitness and footwork, so I'm progressing slowly on getting better.

 

[2forehands]

Hi thatguymartin

I have a very similar playing background and use a left handed forehand during points to change things up a little. Ive found partially covering my right hand with my left in the ready position with my left index finger and thumb on the racket makes transfer easier. I also use a 28inch racket so that even if my left hand isnt all the way to the butt its still close to a normal length.

like you said it's fun to experiment and find different solutions to challenges.

 

[dominikk1985]

there have been a good Players doing it and maybe 1 or 2 had a world ranking at some Point (a friend told me he saw one at a FO qualifier about 10 years ago) but I think there is a reason why not more Players have started doing it in 120 years of Tennis history.

 

[2forehands]

Link to nice video clip of Nicolas Rosenzweig (highest ranking680ish) playing with two forehands. I couldn't find the clip which shows a close-up of his grip change.

http://www.frequency.com/video/tennis-rosenzweig-lambidextre/97220191/-/5-614

Serves and smash both too.

 

[dominikk1985]

Link to nice video clip of Nicolas Rosenzweig (highest ranking680ish) playing with two forehands. I couldn't find the clip which shows a close-up of his grip change.

http://www.frequency.com/video/tennis-rosenzweig-lambidextre/97220191/-/5-614

Serves and smash both too.

that is probably the guy my friend saw at the FO qualifier.

 

[MisterP]

Don't know if any great players play with both. I know Tsonga occasionally switches it up. That's not really all that relevant in my opinion, though since none of us will ever reach that level.

I originally had a 1hbh, then switched to 2hbh because that is what you're "supposed" to do according to the modern game. Now I have both strokes and both are strong and reliable. I like to use the 2 hander for high balls and really wide shots that I need to hit with open stance, and the 1 hander for medium/low balls. I also prefer the 1 hander for balls that I need to put away (sitters near the service line).

Again, I don't know if this is good or bad. I just know it works for me.