Absolutely nailed it! The issue is TIMING. When I have the time I set up perfectly and my one hander is an easy winner down the line. Often I'm late and a 2 hander gives me the ability to return with a much more open stance. The question is, can I replace my safety 2 hander with a one hander slice?
I’ve been wanting to switch from 1h to 2h just for the reasons stated at the start of the video. It seems more forgiving on awkward balls or dealing with faster serves. The 1h seems best in an attacking sense for sure, but I would liken this to people saying the flat serve is the best serve to win points. Sure it’s great to blast a serve at someone but kick serves are favoured because of their consistency and margin of error 🤷🏽♂️ so I’d rather make 9 out of 10 decent shots instead of 5/10 wonder shots. Just my opinion though.
My opinion is that the 2 hander is a far superior shot as is evidenced by 9/10 ATP pro's using it. But depending how long you have been playing I wouldn't recommend switching. Realistically it will be a 2 to 3 year process before you'll be able to use it in match play.
Had a two hander as a junior Didn’t play for 17 years Returned and tried a single handed backhand, got it to a decent level. Going back to two hander now, returning is much easier, low balls easier, pace and variety easier.
I think there are pluses and minuses to both, but the 2 hander is a superior shot overall. In the end, it comes down to what you can make work best for you.
I started as a 2HBH but due to physical limitations at that time I made the switch to 1H. It took me a long time to get it decent enough. My 1st backhand is good in single matches but isn’t up to speed for doubles. I do play doubles most of the time. When I have time to prepare my shot and position myself very well, my 1H backhand gets the job done. But as soon as I have to move in or have to react faster I can’t seem to get a good backhand. Therefor I am really thinking to make the switch to a 2H. I have tested this in some free hitting sessions and I can keep up with 2H backhand against players my level. But at this moment I can do more damage with my 1H. I’m not planning on giving up one or the other. I feel there are benefits in having the ability to hit them both. Ofcourse there will always be 1 type you will use the most but in my opinion it can’t hurt to be decent at both. What are your opinions on a 1H vs a 2H backhand specifically for doubles? Curious to see what you guys think?
Like I said in the video I feel the 2 hander is superior in most ways. You have to have great footwork on the single, so if you are short on time like you are describing, it can be tricky. I feel this holds for both singles and doubles.
I've been playing ohbh since i was a kid. I have always struggled with consistency so i developed a relatively consistent slice backhand. 1 y ago i suffered a knee injury so i paused playing for 6-7 months and when i started i decided to switch to 2hbh due to my poor footwork, also i could still do slices. I am happy for now, my knee is almost good as it was but i think i will stay with my 2hbh because i feel it that way. I know i havent mastered it like my 1 hander and my attacking from backhand is worse than before, but maybe psychologically i feel safe with it and my defense is better. I cant defend with only slice. Who knows, time will show. I also find tennis more interesting bcs i have set a goal to reach. So maybe its all mentally but still its all connected - mind and body
It’s an interesting one. What can say for sure is that the 2 hander has a higher top end. The percentage of pro’s that a 2 hander is just too high for it to be a coincidence. So hopefully if you keep going with it you can surpass your previous level.
@@TennisHacker UPDATE: my last 2 matches I was struggling with 2hbh and subconsciously switched to 1hbh so the result was a comeback :D Seems like muscle memory is what has the final word in pressure situations where clean shots are almost impossible to hit. Players who feed me on medium to fast but consistent pace are comfortable for my one hander. Players who brake the pace are harder for it. That's what my observation is. I still can't decide :D
Interesting. I thought it was not at all that difficult, I did it and now my 2 hander is better than 1 hander ever was. I found that issue was not so much timing but reaching without proper adjustment, which I had not even realized until with 2 hander I was always out of position, which is why I continued with the switch. I think that fundamentally 1 hander is a better shot though, if not otherwise than for more spin and power, and of course that reach... Now, switching back to 1 hander is something I find too difficult.
Absolutely nailed it. The issue I have is TIMING. I have a great one hander if I have the time to set up a swing. I have a decent 2 hander when I'm late because I can use an open stance more effectively. The question is, should a trade the 2 hander safety shot with a one hander slice?
As you most likely know, you need both to be effective. Most 2 handed pros use the 2 hander as a staple and add in the slice as a variation or on tricky balls. So it seems that’s the way to go. Just keep working on the hand to eye and foot to eye coordination until you get the timing
@@TennisHacker i switched after playing for a few years. Started learning seriously at 42. Switched to 2hbh after 5 yrs. Best decision ever. Comfy 4.5 -5 level
I completely disagree 1HBH you get a better angle, better spin, better power, better disguise (no need to turn your torso for cross court like in 2HBH), improve your slice/volley backhand and more freedom of movement. The advantage of 2HBH is return of service and high balls. Unless you play professionally, 1HBH has a lot more advantages. And I say that being an ex 2HBH. I got tired of feeling handcuffed with 2HBH and switched to 1HBH. I will never go back to 2 hands
@@rialzito i would agree with what you said if you don't have access to strong legs. If you are old or out of shape, a 2HBH becomes a very weak and feeble shot that's more about blocking or redirecting. 1HBH takes advantage of upper body power sources so you're just going to be able to get more power and spin if you struggle to bend your knees.
