I learned a one-handed backhand and have used it all my life. A friend was a kinesiology student and showed me a book that said that a backhand was theoretically more powerful than a forehand. That made me not fear the backhand. Today, I actually run around my forehand to hit a backhand.
When I first started, my teacher taught me the two-handed but I struggled with it at first, for a while I tried to switch to the one-hander, I had some success with it but it was too inconsistent for me. I just thought I had a weak backhand shot but Oddly enough, I went back to two-handed and it just clicked like magic. Now its consistently one of my best shots, I can't explain it.
As a noob the one hander is easier to learn initially however as you develop and play better players you begin to notice that defending with the two hander makes it way better than the one hander
I have a two. It is my best shot. I was taught that it is like a left handed forehand with the right hand as a guide. So mine is pretty flat and powerful. Roger FED was asked about which is better. He said he would teach a two hand because of how people can hit it with a open stance these days. Also, it is easier to hit a return with the two.
Hi from France, and thank for your great videos ! I’m 54 and I began to play d’Henin I was about 5 or 6, I felt my right wrist was weak, and naturally I put my second hand on the racket. Firstly very close to the heart of the racket. Then a pro tought me how to put the two hands close. And then I began to imitate my favourite player Jimmy Connors. I did imitate him so well that I had a great backhand but a poor forehand (because I did copy his weak forehand grip !). I was the last player in my club to play flat balls on the two sides ! Now I enjoy to play often one hand backhand even if I have less strength. I like it because the racket moves faster with the one hand. And that improved my backhand volley too. Thank you and keep safe
one hander, modeled mine specifically after Gasquet's. Great shot, lotta reach...can disguise the slice really well. Also hitting a one hander fast tracked my ability to hit the backhand volley ...I'm never changing it
Johnny Mac was my hero too so I always used a one hand backhand. He used to string his rackets at a low tension so he didn't need much of a backswing on the backhand. Works for me!!
When I started playing around 15 years old, I had a very flat two-hander, which was my best shot. Around 20, I switched to a one-hander because I've never been in great shape and could get to more balls with a one-hander. I play mostly slice but I can hit a very nice topspin backhand if needed. My one-hander is much more versatile than the two-hander, but the two-hander was better for returning. Not sure I can even hit the two-hander anymore.
@@daqueenbobo Kinda sad, yes. But very logical because I lose far less points by getting the ball back much more often. I lost the ability to hit a few more winners but gained the ability to stay in a lot more points. Plus my one-hanger is a lot more flexible and I can still hit winners with it given time or a target at net. 🙂
My son was a nationally ranked junior. He is almost 6'4". He switched to a one handed backhand and now it is a beautiful shot. There was 2 years of pain and suffering developing it for tournament play. For him the stroke was much more natural. The thing is you also have to master several different types of slice backhands to go with it. Then you also have to have better footwork since it is harder to hit a topspin one hander when it is a little out of the strike zone.
Been playing tennis for over 10 years with a one-handed backhand. After playing in 4.0 USTA League singles this season I decided I wanted more power from my backhand wing. I'm on day 3 of a two-handed backhand journey and so far I'm enjoying it. I can still use the one hander for the short volleys and slice, but get a lot of pace on the return of serve for the 2H. I'm gonna keep working with it. Ultimately, it adds a new level of excitement to the game for me. Instead of working on the "same old strokes," and getting burned out, I'm enjoying trying a new shot and seeing how I can implement it into my game. Fingers crossed it goes well. Also, I'm a visual learner, and it's much easier to learn from TV when over 90% of the players on the tour have a 2-hander. I'm studying their moves and it's been helpful.
I learned with a two hander and it was my best shot. As I learn to use the one hander (thanks to Tennis Magazine breaking down Guga's one handed backhand, even though I'm a lefty), I can't use two hands on my backhand anymore. Oh well, stick to what the one hander.
I have been asking myself this very question. I think neither is better, just preference. I am one-handed and feel i have good reach and can generate a lot of power. I was taught this way so that seems to be a pattern with everyones answers too. I like the idea of a two handed backhand though, as described by Coach Gu.
One handed backhand. When I was maybe 9 years old my mother signed me up for a summer tennis lesson camp. The vast majority of the campers were far better than me and used a two handed backhand. Being predominantly a basketball player at the time I changed to a one handed backhand to be competitive. It worked out and I’ve never looked back.
I started out with a 2-handed backhand. Initially, I was a self-taught player and the 2-hander was by far my best shot. Then, I developed chronic sciatica - I am right-handed and my left arm is shorter my right which was creating a strain on my lower back. So, I switched to a 1-handed backhand and have not looked back. My 1-handed backhand is now my best shot. I do recommend the 2-handed backhand for all new players learning the game.
I use both. Started with a one hander but wanted to exercise my left arm more so I developed a double hander too. I also changed my 1BH grip to extreme to easily generate more topspin. 2BH definitely helps me with service returns and for times when I'm jammed. But nothing feels better than ripping a 1BH winner. Just so satisfying.
I play with a one handed backhand. It’s my favorite shot besides the overhead. At first it was a weak shot. I took a few lessons from a former professional woman player. She showed me the proper grip and had me play with a head light racket. She worked on my footwork, early racket preparation, shoulder turn, hitting the ball early, and a complete follow through. She taught me to slice, drive the ball, and hit topspin on the backhand. She also helped me with my forehand and volleys. After that I used to practice with my partner. We used to workout for three or four hours three days a week. It got me on a natural high hitting that one handed backhand.
Two handed. So many people try to use one and their shots are all over the place. If they just changed to two, they'd be able to play so much better same day. In high school I was one hander though. Changed to two as an adult when I needed to teach. It makes way more sense to teach a two hander. If they want to change later, they can.
One handed--I'm ancient, having played for a few years in the early 70's. a two hander wasn't presented as a choice. I returned to tennis in 2019 as a lefthander (not by choice), and could hit two handed backhand pretty well. When I resumed playing righthanded, my 1HBH dominated--the right hand didn't wouldn't relinquish control. I worry about getting tennis elbow, so sometimes I hit 2HBH against the ball machine. During rallies and while playing points, I hit 1HBH--hitting 2HBH would require exceptional intent that I don't currently have.
I switched to a one handed in 1980 because I had instant success with it. It feels more fluid than a two handed shot. It's easier to transition to a slice with a one as well. I use the two to return hard serves coming at me. The two handed shot may be the more arm-saving option however.
I use a one hander. I started playing in high school, the coach taught two handers. I switched to a one hander in the summer between junior and senior year. My favorite players were Fed and James Blake so I wanted to emulate that. That and my two hander was really weak. Played off and on just for fun after high school, but picked up the game again in the last few months and frankly my one hander has never been better. I think it's better than my forehand at this point.
I started as a small kid in the 70’s and back then, at least here in Mexico, coaches would not teach two handed backhands, they said that the one handed was better because of the reach. Got used to that and still is the one I use.
My backhand story is similar to coach Rob's. I started off with a two-hander, but in high school my coach wanted me to develop a slice to help me get in to the net. Once I learned the slice backhand it was so much easier in terms of reach and footwork (that extra half-step makes a big difference!) that I rarely used the two-hander. Eventually I missed having the topspin from the two-hander, so I worked on rolling over with my one-hander. This was about the time Edberg, Becker, and eventually Sampras were top or rising players, so there were some great backhands to emulate. Every once in a while I will take a two-handed swing, but it feels so awkward that I drop it right away.
I use both! Agassi was/ is my idol, so I started of double backhanded, but have slowly and comfortable morphed into a single backhand! Double at the baseline, single in the inside!
The one handed is more pleasing to the eye but for club players they'll end up using slice most of the time as timing topspin is too hard to time. A 2hd is just a much easier stroke, it's technically easier and much more forgiving if you miss time it. I have a 2hd backhand, and while my forehand has more power, my backhand is so solid it probably wins me more points.
I alternate depending on where the ball is. If I can get to it close enough, and it has a pace, it is a two-hander. If I have to stretch, one-hander gives me better reach. If the ball has no pace, one hander gives it a higher speed. In general I feel that two-hander is more stable because I still cannot completely master how to put a good spin on a one-handed shot.
The great thing about onehanded back hand is the initial form you take prior hitting the ball. From the receivers side, its confusing if you are initiating an underspin slice or proceeding with a full topspin backhand swing.
I used to play one-handed backhand until my elbow started to hurt frequently. I then switched to two-handed backhand and my elbow stopped hurting. I would have sticked to my one-handed backhand if it weren’t for elbow issues.
I’ve started with 1HBH and was good at it, except as I got older… a few late hit with returning BH body serve caused a few tennis elbows. So over that last few years I’ve committed to 2HBH and now it started to pay off: There were tough BH that I’m able to fight off, at least, without hurting myself. I still have one handed volley & slice. I can hit both 1HBH (on dead run) or 2HBH against high bouncing ones.
One handed. I played sporadically in my youth as I played other sports. My game was based on athletic ability and not racquet skills, so one handed gave me greater reach to run balls down. I was almost exclusively slice backhand as I was not taking lessons and never learned proper top spin techniques. When I finally started getting lessons in my 40’s and learning proper techniques, I stayed with the one hand backhand as it allows me options to disguise which spin I will utilize. I now rely on racquet skills and deception as I am now on the other end of the athletic speed spectrum.
I feel like one-handers often become slaves to the opponents ball. Where two handers can counterpunch and redirect pace way better. One-handed is way more unstable and only really useful on the offense where you can swing out. Once you are on the defense its hard to turn the point around in your favour and its hard to get the same consistency as with the two handed. If an opponent plays you right you are pretty screwed. Two-handed is a way more solid and tactically sound shot. Only play one-handed if it comes super natural to you otherwise go with the two-handed backhan.
More you get older, one hand backhand is an easier shot in my view, two hander I feel like you got to be closer to the ball so more distance to cover per game. Also two hander backhand volley don’t come naturally to most people I play with. This even applies to Nadal in my view.
I have a 2 handed backhand but always felt a nicely hit one hander was more aesthetically pleasing to watch. That is one of the reasons why I appreciate watching Federer's game over the other big 2. The two hander is overly taught in my opinion and they are more a dime a dozen now days. I think 2 handers are taught by most coaches b/c it is faster to get results going that route. One handers take time to refine unless one is naturally gifted. It just seems like two handed backhands don't look unique to me and they pretty much all look the same (except for Courier, Connors, and Borg). However, when you look at Federer's, Lendl's, Becker's, Sampras', and Edberg's one handers, they are all very unique.
In general, the one hander is better for attack and the two hander is better for defense. The double hander lets you get away with poor footwork and late preparation, so it's much more forgiving. But you can generate a lot more racquet head speed with the one hander.
I used to play two-handed but for about 30 years I"ve been playing one handed. The reason is that I feel more comfort, loose and joy. When I play two-handed I feel like I was stuck, tightened up. I think two-handed is better for slim player with long arms.
I was taught a 2HBH and I never enjoyed hitting BHs. It was not my best shot. I always liked how Stan the Man could rip a 1HBH. I wanted to hit BHs like him. So, I experimented with 1HBH. I now have both shots. I mostly return with a 2HBH and often rally with a 1HBH for extra reach and more range of motion.
I started with a self taught one hander when I was around 12yo. I think I started to use a two hander either because my favorite tennis players used a two handed or when I finally got tennis lessons (one week camp that my future H.S. tennis coach held during the summer) and was taught to use a two hander.
I'm one-handed - I'm very right-eye dominant so stepping across to hit a one-handed backhand works really well for me. I think most left-eye dominant (for a right-handed player) suit a two-handed backhand better as it allows them to stay more open to the court and keep their left eye on the ball. (similar to why I prefer to stand quite open for my forehand shot as it lets me keep my right-eye focused on the point of contact a lot easier) Also I'm very right-hand dominant, and to be honest I found it really difficult to coordinate my left-hand on the racquet when trying to hit a two-handed shot
I had a very decent two handed backhand until I was 12 when my coach said your strong enough now to hit a one hander. I don't remember struggling with the change although I must have . No regrets really as a teen it was probably my best shot. Strangely I can't hit a two hander anymore , feels really odd.
I use a one handed backhand. Have always used one. I find it easier than the 2 hander. You turn your shoulder and then let the arm away from your body. Most people have problems with the one hander from hitting the ball late and not turning their shoulder. When I was younger I had no problem with serves.
I use both one and two handed back hands. I have a decent backhand slice that is one handed but when I'm looking for a control shot I use a two handed. It just depends on the situation for me. When I coach middle schoolers I teach them to use 2 hands.
Very interesting video. For me I’m 1 handed, basically just because the 2 handed feels so unnatural to me. Like you said about hair, I’d love to have a 2 hander as they seem more consistent and controllable. Interestingly my friend said he uses a 2 hander because he played a lot of baseball when he was young and it feel more natural to him! 🤔 I totally agree with you about default to backhand slice return! I’m trying to find a drive/punch return but my brain doesn’t work fast enough for the grip change 🤣
I use a one hand back hand. I feel I have more power and can change directions better and gives me more reach down the line to my left to return the ball. I also feel it's better for me at the net. I don't get handcuffed on the inside.
I think it comes down to what works best for you.. one isn't Better than the other.. they both have positives and negatives... One Hander has more Range and mobility and feels easier to create different spins.. 2 Hander has better Power and stability. More ability to keep your opponent guessing with a 1 hander because you have more ability to change up the spin without giving it away so quickly... harder for a heavy hitter to overwhelm you with power if you have a 2 hander.. I'm a 1 hander and if I'm playing against someone that hits heavy and hard.. I can feel like if they are targetting my backhand I get pushed back a little bit where as if you hit the same hard stroke to a 2 hander they just seem to take it alot more like business as usual and can more easily step into it and blast it right back because it's easier to get your body with it.. but 1 hander I more easily drop shot or change up the stroke so that instead of them just having to deal with straight Topspin they have to account for backspin and side spin.. 2 hander is easier to Drive the ball.. 1 hander is easier to brush the ball..
it's a matter of give and take.. and also what feels most comfortable to how your muscle structure is built.. when I hit a 2 hander I feel cramped... but I'm also a bigger player..
I started playing back with wood racquets and learned the slice one handed. I always seem to be inconsistent with the drive one handed. When I started teaching almost 20 years ago I taught myself the two-handed backhand so I could teach it. I can use both and each one I feel has advantage. Reach with the one hand is better imo and the two hands maybe allow some increase in the speed of maneuvering the racket. ☮️
I'm the 1 guy , if you can hit the passing shorts with speed, power and lots of spin any 1 or 2 is good. But 1 needs time to reach one level for spins, keep in mind there is a small room for defensive style slice and please watch Nadal and Jokovic set up their chance for final kill on the 1 guys.
A 1 for me but wish I could do 2. I think a 2 hander easier to restrict the swing path so you don't get some wild shots. Behind the baseline, swinging backhand put away shot feels easier as I tend to go to a slice with my 1 hander so I don't over hit my 1-hander.
Mostly self-taught in the '70s, using a heavy wood Kramer racquet. I went with a 2-hander because I wasn't strong enough to hit a 1-hand backhand. Evert, Connors and Borg were hitting 2-handers so I stuck with it. My backhand is pretty steady and flat. Biggest change, modern racquets let me hit my BH open stance so I can disguise my shots better ... am I hitting line or cross?
Both are fine and have their pros and cons. None is better than the other one. That choice comes down to the player and what works for them. I have a one hander
I am a one hander. Occasionally I will hit a two hander if I get jammed. But it is only in the heat of the moment. I just feel more comfortable hitting a one hander.
I use a two hander for competitive doubles play because my one handed return is too much of a liability. In singles I use the one. More reach and variety with my one hander. More power and consistency with my two. Both have their pros and cons, return of serve being the main benefit of the two.
One handed. It’s my favorite shot to hit. I have a pretty good topspin and slice on that side. I have tried a two handed BH and it feels awful. I feel constricted. I can’t generate power or spin. Uncoordinated. It literally makes me feel sick 😂
When I played competitively years ago, I was a college athlete but not at tennis, I would know I won when a player would pull out a cheap special sporting goods racquet. I also knew I won, except a few times out of hundreds, when someone had a one hand backhand.
A lot depends on how ambidextrous folk are, I'm very right hand dominant, so I find it very hard to lead with a left handed double backhand, so I play right handed single backhand. I do think a double handed backhand is better though, it's more solid with off center hits and stronger against hard hitters.
started with one-handed but can't properly return serves and not much consistency so switched to double-bh where I can return serves much better and get better angles too.
started with a 2 hander back in the Borg era. Then ... Mac and Lendl and Becker. The game was different and the one hander was maybe more versatile with the option for slice. I think back know and wish I had developed a two hander. That being said, it is very gratifying to hit a heavy one hander. It gives me a bit more joy in stroking. The two hander is more practical and controlled but its really not as fun to hit. At least not for me.
I personally like the one handed but I find it harder to practice with alone and I find it harder to scoop low balls it was also what I started playing with first
I'm one handed transitioning into two. Two hander I feel my whole body needs to be more integrated to get the power and flow. I'm thinking maybe eye dominance has something to do with it also. Maybe right eye dominance favours one hander for a right hander.
Very good Harry, I'm a one-handed backhand. Why? Roger Federer, Richard Gasquet, Stan Wawrinka and the best Brasilian player ever Gustavo "Guga" Kuerten.
Watched Wimbledon women's doubles and did not see a single slice shot in the whole match by any of the four players. But did see an awful lot of unforced errors, serves not returned. That is the main problem with two-handed-many can't slice to save their lives.
I am 74 years old and live in South Australia. I pay our local Masters Games for ages thity five + and we have players upto 80 years old turning out. About 200 players turn out all told and they ALL have one handers.....only the last few years have we had a couple of double handers come out. I believe a lot of this double handed nonsensecame from coaches saying racquets were too heavy back in our dya, the old wooden ones, to learn a single hander. There are more one habders on the ATP circuit lately and even a couple on the WTA doing quite well. Of course Roger and Pete were not too shabby either.
Tennis has lost to the sheer amount of fun sports that simply were not there back in the days. And all kids start two handed, only few change to one hand. Modern racquets supprot the two handed enough to keep it. One handers have become rare these days.
I was taught the two handed but even then on it felt too tight, not being able to follow through. I had a huge argument with my coach back then, 8 or 9 years old, and he "punished" me a whole week with nothing but single handed backhands.
If a kid wants to have a successful junior tennis career, then 2-handed-backhand works better. For adults who want longevity for top level recreational tennis, 1-handed-backhand works better, especially in doubles..🎾🎾
Two reasons for single backhand for me 1. No need to change any grip, semi western for both forehand and backhand 2. Footwork demand is little bit less
My backhand was terrible, clunky and had few good shots. After demoing rackets my two hand backhand somehow came in. It’s not the best but I’m working on it.
Has 2HBH now, after changing from 1HBH. I started with 1hbh and felt i skipped some steps, because i could hit hard & slap it, but can't do the defensive drive or even loopy backhand with it. Beside, it's hard to get the right timing. When i transitioned into 2hbh, i felt i have more consistency,though it isn't as hard as my fastest 1hbh. Maybe now im a 4.0 but with a 2.5 backhand 🤣🤣
Stef against kyrgios yesterday showed why a 2 hander is better. Stef as a world number 5 struggled to defend with his one hander. Another reason why federer struggles against nadal high shots to a one hander can lead to trouble
Maybe it's just me but I feel the one hander puts a little more stress on the shoulder. I've always played a one hander but being over 30 now I'm wary of injuries so I'm gradually trying to switch to a two hander.
Can I suggest you put Ivy on the cover shot (whatever that's called). Everyone will click on this. :-) That said, I agree with Infinite: From watching the pros, it seems like the two-hander is more consistent. And Alcaraz can certainly use it as a weapon. I, regrettably, have a one-hander. It's much weaker and less consistent than my forehand.
Considering Nadal is right handed, why does he not play with a left and right forehand? Have seen many players using double handed on both sides, why not single handed?
I learned two handed backhand just because I wanted to be stable for my hand. I was worried about injuries because I don't have big arm muscles and strength. I wish I had a one handed but my DNA and job won't let me.
I physically cannot hit a 2H backhand. I play golf lefty and bat lefty but play tennis righty so you'd think a 2H would be natural. Nope. Literally can't do it. 1H feels much more natural so I'm stuck with it. I've tried to learn a 2H but within 5 minutes I switch back.
It's so weird so many people have 2HB but want to develop a 1HB. I guess the 1HB has more reach and grace, but if you have a 2HB look at the company you are in among the top pros.
