As my Swiss friend, Patrick, once put it: "the two handed backhand is so bourgeois (when compared to the one which we both use)." Still cracks me up to his day. Yes, the one handed backhand when executed correctly is arguably the most beautiful stroke in the game of tennis.
I always thought it’s a lot of “the stroke chooses the player” as well - I could never work out the 2 hander, and my bro still can’t do the 1 hander after more than 10 years.
So true, and same for me. I would add that some top players, male or female, were obviously "forced" to choose the two hander, and it was clearly a bad choice for them, forcing them to use a very average shot, unable to hurt anyone. The opposite case is pretty rare instead, as one handers today tend to be far fewer.
I started with a two handed backhand in highschool. I had good power and control. But the feeling I had when I hit the ball was awful, I always felt bunched up and uncomfortable. Then after messing around with my friend and just hitting some casual one handers, I switched. The open feeling is awesome. I have the the same control and more power. I also have more feel with the ball. I also have a good disguise for slice to change up the pace of a point if I want. Plus, one handed backhands are just pretty
I’m on the same boat as you (started as 2 handed, switched to 1) and I also love the difference, but I feel like hitting those higher balls (like shoulder to head level) are just easier to hit with two hands, that’s the only thing I miss about the 2 hander
I'm in 7th grade and I use a 2 handed backhand. I am pretty comfortable but after hitting I feel uncomfortable. Do u have any tips for me at such a young age?
Makes sense! I do both one handed and two handed groundstrokes and a one handed backhand volley. I used a two handed backhand for many years. But lately, the one handed backhand helps me to stretch for wide shots and return with a fast putaway. Sometimes I start two handed to guide the backswing and let go, ending the stroke one handed.
Kevin, I too switched from 2 hander to 1 hander long time ago. I'm glad I did because I do believe that the 1 hander is more powerful and a better shot for your body. As you correctly explained, the 2 hander requires a full rotation of the hips and I believe this places too much stress on the hips and lower back. Over time, you are more likely to develop injuries in those areas. Anyone saying that the 2 hander is superior is in for some health problems later in life. Also, I totally agree about the running backhand. I crush balls hit short to my backhand side by getting low and taking a full swing. This always shocks my opponents. This is excellent analysis, thanks for the video.
To me, one hander is an offensive player whereas two hander is a defensive player. And no comparison when it comes to beauty, single hand backhand is just a piece of art.
Nice video Kevin. As a 1HBH-lefty I can relate to the pro’s and cons. I went for the 1 hander when I started for aestethic reasons. Main pro: versatility and feel. Main con: lack of consistency. When my backhand is on it is my strength when it is off I run a lot more to go for the forehand...😅. [edit:] No shot is more beautiful than the 1HBH down the line
Agree to disagree. 2hbh all day long! Having recently switched almost a year ago i cant believe what a disadvantage one handed is. My one handed was decent as well. Im almost 50 and was able to switch. Cant recommend it enough. Luckily i have a superb running one handed the "odd" time i need it. I call it my "showtime" shot!!
Great video. I think Kevin forgot to mention on ground strokes, one of the major advantages of THB - heavy topspin high bouncing balls. I'm a OHB, and the obvious solutions for these balls is taking on the rise (requires extremely good timing and fast foot work) or go back and take them down (losing a lot of court and position). For me these is definitely the major drawback of the OHB.
great explanation - I am a two hander and sometimes switch to one-handed if the short requires due to lack of reach etc or difficult low ball position.
Colin Fraser based on the situation I’ve even hit left handed forehands. Usually lose those points but the extra reach at least gets it over on a really good drop shot lol.
I agree and also switched to a one-hander years ago and took lessons to learn it properly. I wish instructors would be advocates and encourage students to learn it.
@@metesahin5319 If both are done properly IMO you do get more power from a 2 handed but not enough to choose it over the versatility of the single handed.
It takes twice as much work to have a good one-hander, but I'm sure glad I made the switch (back in '80). I've never looked back, and the one-hander down the line is always my secret point-ender. No one expects it, so I tend to score a couple free games until my opponent quits hitting into it. When I relearned the game as a lefty in 2016, I did it again and I'm just as happy the second time.
I started playing tennis with a THB,was told every lesson to always hold both hands on the raquet,constantly shown videos of Agassi,Williams exc. Then i saw Federer for the first time, I wasn't watching tennis as much before 2003 so this honestly was the first time I saw a OHB, I was surprised by how effective it was..... then fast foward 10 years later with Djokovic at one of the peaks of his career, every discussion about him having "The Greatest Backhand of all time" all of sudden getting beaten Bh2Bh by Stan Wawrinka and his beastly OHB, it was that point I switched to a OHB, I am very glad I did, more natural to me and I can hit harder with with it,plus my slice has gotten so much better. And personal thought, I don't see the big deal with high balls to OHB, I handle head height balls just fine.
Learned to play with a OHB but switched to THB as I got better and faced stronger opponents. All to make my return of serve stronger as I struggled with a OHB return. However, having played a one hander for so long I can hit slice very easily.
Yeah. 2 handed grip is v similar to the forehand grip. Against good servers it means the return can be much more powerful. With a one handed backhand you might have to just slice back if you gambled for a forehand return. Switch grip for the return is a huge disadvantage for the return. I'm surprised this was not discussed in the video
But to get more power, cant you snap the wrist a bit more? I saw Federer practice in person at eye level in the front row so I got a good view of him. His backhands are a force to be reckoned with - he whips! Can it be from the cock to neutral wrist position? Thanks +Essentials Tennis!
@@SanaAhmed its about stability, and the racket will start to deflect more when receiving a really fast serve, even if you snap the wrist. a 2 handed backhand makes the racket 2 times more stable, but it has lesser reach compared to the 1 handed backhand. but there is a way around it, it the backhand doesn't work, can always do a defensive slice to lob the ball deep into the middle of the court to neutralize the serve
Might be true that 2hbh is better and is important for serve return, but way more points during a game that includes ground strokes and volleys which is more important. One thing that he has said that is truth is the versatility. My game play is my forehand is the dominate power shots and lob. Its pretty predictable, yet my backhand is my control and placement shot. I can rip my backhand, slice drop shot, slice deep, lob better, better reach when chasing, all these shots vary and each time I win a point with my backhand I hear more frequently I did not expect that shot. The true versatility on my backhand is something I will sacrifice all day long than to hit a little better server return with a 2hbh. Someone once called my backhand a utility knife. That stuck and I could not agree more because it really does feel like a utility knife, I feel I have so much more weapons when they hit to my backhand.
Good Analysis of the BH. As a Coach (Australia) I get frustrated that we are producing a generation of 'robots' who can only hit 2 handed BH's. I appreciate the 2HBH is easier for young kids to learn but we are coaching the better BH shot out of the game. As Keven commented the 1HBH is definitely more versatile and offers more shot options. The 1HBH slice is the most accurate groundstroke in tennis & how do you attack a 2HBH?, with agressive slice X Court so the 2HBH has to dig it out & hit up. Love to see a Video on how to teach a student who uses a 2HBH to transition to a 1HBH.
@@EssentialTennis Its the eternal discussion, 1HB or 2HB? I'm an 'old school' (very old now) :D grass court Serve/Volley player so I'm biased, but that said I get frustrated that the new gen of players (talking good club/rec players not Pros) play from the back, have no idea how to transition to the net & dont know how to finish a point with a volley. Interested in your thoughts on how to transition someone from 1HBH to 2HBH? Initially I teach them to hit the Bjorn Borg style BH where he tended to release his left hand at contact so that they get used to a full follow through with one hand without having to rotate the rear shoulder forward at contact.
I think the future belongs to using both. I hit a one handed back hand for most shots but am working on developing a two hander for the high to my backhand serves. I notice most two hander pros also go to one hand when they have to reach or for a slice.
I picked the one hander after 2 years of a two hander play. The two hander didn’t fit me at all since I enjoy velocity and I like messing around with the net, plus I feel more free with the one hander cause the two hander feels too strict to hit. A one hander is build for more agile players that like to try many things in the court while the two hander fits a more stable and consistent player that can generate rallies and depend on the others mistakes. Both make their own playstyles and it’s just a point of view
yep I agree which is why I changed. I used to be a two hander guy, but I just found the one hander so much more versatile, and the reach was much better as well when you're running the court. Two hander definitely has more power, but it's also very restrictive.
I started off with a one handed slice. Then in junior coaching I had a two hander. Later I developed a one hander. Pros and cons two hander: Two hander I really feel has more consistency Overall. You can carve up sharper angles cross court, better lob control, more topspin in general. Returning fast serves with a two hander is easy, hitting high and low balls easy. You need great footwork to hit a two hander, you lose power compared to a single hander. Single handed pros cons: More power, less positioning required to hit the ball. Down the line is much easier to hit. Less angle on cross court, high shots to the back hand are the kryptonite a lot of the time you will have to revert to slice. Returning hard serves will leave you slicing a lot, it’s hard to really drive a single handed backhand on a return that’s coming fast. Balls into the body can be tricky. You have to really follow through to get a nice topspin and avoid hitting flat.
I'm trying to add one-hand BH ability to my game for emergency situations, like for out wide balls that are hard to get to. I would always keep a 2HBH for return of serve, unless I was planning a slice return (which I'm not great at). As you get older and your speed and mobility decreases, I think the 1HBH has a lot of advantages since you can save some steps when getting to the ball.
Thanks for the video. I have an eight year old that hits with a one handed backhand and looks up after Thiem and Dimitrov. I’ve had a few coaches tell me that a two handed backhand is the way to go, because is more predictable. But my son wants to keep it as is. Your video made us stay with a one handed backhand. Thanks!!
A wonderful lesson! Fully agree with you. I moved as well from 2 handed to one handed, after 40 years! Return was most difficult indeed! I think the one handed seems to be better for your knees long term. Best regards from Hamburg, Oliver
Haha, I’m only 20 and I can def feel how much more impact my knees take when set up for a backhand. Not that it’s a problem, but I’m considering trying one handed because I think it’ll feel more natural/comfortable
I would love to see a video on two handed forehands. While it is unorthodox, players such as Peng Shuai and Su-Wei Shiesh will always go for a two hander both sides... I myself do this and everytime I try to do a 1 handed forehand it feels so unnatural! It is also nearly impossible to find any videos that give clear pros and cons for a two handed forehand!
i started with a OHB and then learned a THB. Now I use both interchangeably. I think one thing that people look is how you set up the weight on your racquet. If you look at some of the greatest THB, they tend to have a lot more weight near the head. i.e. nadal, djok, murray. This is because the stroke is shortened compared to a OHB, The extra weight is easier to handle when you have a shortened swing and two hands on it. If you look at Rogers racquet, its much more head light. For me the biggest change i had to make was setting up my racquet in a way that accommodated both strokes. I eventually got the THB down and then had to adjust my OHB to be more Wawrinka/Thiem like. I hope this makes sense.
I've never had a two hander, but now that I'm coaching high school, I've had to learn it to model it for instruction. It's been awkward and frustrating to watch the ball spin into the bottom of the net, but it feels good to have another tool in my belt.
I was taught 1 hander but because of shoulder injury and being 5ft8, i found i really struggled against heavy high balls. So i decided to convert to a double hander and i am starting to get better. Did take a lot of getting used to, technically quite different in footwork, torso turn etc.
I find that I have more power with less effort on my one hander. There is less room for error though. Taking a ball late is difficult to compensate for- thus the added difficulty in return of serve. Sometimes in those instances I resort to popping the ball up and deep.
I have both. I think it's important to be able to hit with both. I hit with a one handed backhand for the majority of my tennis life and implemented a two handed backhand in the last 4 years or so as a 40 year old. I think working on both is important for all the reasons Kevin listed. The more weapons the better!
There is a third option for the backhand. I call it the Practical Backhand. (youtube search). Bottom hand remains dominant. Top hand is the smart assistant. It's a slide hammer swing. Top hand lets go of racket after impact. Check it out.
I've always been told that I am too small to do a one handed backhand. I have a good forehand but my two handed backhand feels limited. Do you have to be big to do use a one handed backhand?
I can also hit both but I prefer my double hander. It is also my best shot and high balls on a one-hander is rough. Being mostly on clay here in the Netherlands, that is something to behold.
Rafa and Nole and Seles can attest that the double handed is a truly reliable weapon. Roger and Stan and Graff on the other side of the fence will say it's like a swiss army knife. It has its many uses and is versatile All boils down to preference.
The honest truth is that most rec players do not hit the one-handed backhand out front the way the pros do. That timing is extremely difficult, it’s almost like a half volley; bounce, hit! So yes, it does look beautiful when pros time it correctly but most players you see are late and it looks like it. If you can train your non-dominant hand On the two handed backhand, you will come to see that it is basically another forehand. That is, you can really loosen the grip on your dominant hand and feel that you are letting your left hand do the work. (For righties)
I have to say, from my point-of-view, the 1-handed backstroke appears to be vastly superior when in comparison to the 2-handed backstroke. For it appears to save time, and you can play better angles and slices. However, (and I don't think he mentioned this, directly, in the video) I think there would be one HUGE, GIGANTIC, HUMONGOUS DRAWBACK to the one-handed backhand: the skill-ceiling is probably far higher in comparison to the two-handed. Primarily because without that other arm guiding your racket to the ball, you are probably far-more prone to miss-hits. Anyways, just wanted to say one more thing: I feel very fortunate and lucky to live in such a great era for tennis. We have had FOUR generational talents Djo/Fed/Nadal/Murray playing SIMULTANEOUSLY over the last 12 years! Imagine if boxing had Mike Tyson, Muhammed Ali, Rocky Marciano, and Lennox Lewis all in the same weight-class, at the same time.
high balls can be mixed bag with one hander or if you don't have time or space. You have to be a bit more mindful with 1 hander so you can compact the stroke or use the slice if you can't get setup well.
When I started playing in the early 80s I had a two handed backhand. From 18 to 34. In my late 20s I started to slice my backhand on my approach shots trying to emulate Mats Wilander. I then started to hit slice backhands exclusively from 31 to 34. After 34 I learned to hit one handed topspin. 22 years later I feel that my one handed backhand is more reliable than my forehand. Maybe because I'm a lefty and players want to attack it so I had to make my backhand a weapon.
One-hand lefty here as well. Yeah, the right-handers like to attack our backhand. My backhand is my strongest and most versatile weapon. I actually still occasionally hit a two-hander if I get caught at the after I hit a forehand and before I can reset. I like the extra stability. Also, because I use the left side so much, my slice can be hard to anticipate or return. A one-handed topspin cross court winner is such a nice feeling. Like a fine wine or chilled flask of Jameson.
Stretch shots like Djokovic, cuts, slices.... are a feast to watch and comfortable on a SINGLE HAND BACKHAND... TWO HANDED BACKHAND needs a lot of movement in the court than OHB.... Massive drives are best done with OBH...
I think it's like any sport. There is the "traditional" way of doing things (like in the UK when you canoe you are taught to only be on your knees "because it's the right thing to do". But for some people myself included being on your knees hurts and makes paddling less enjoyable so we sit on the seat) I feel the same thing is with the two handed backhand, it's the "traditional / correct way of doing things" but for some people it might not work for them,
Hi! Very good analysis. I have always been a two-hands backhand player, but now due to a wrist injury I am trying to learn the one-hand backhand. I missed two very good points in favour of the two-hand backhand: hitting balls at a high point (when they come with a lot of top spin) and hitting balls on the defense when they have almost surpassed you using a lot the non-dominant hand.
Ha ha good timing ... literally. I had tennis lesson yesterday and this topic came up. Was hitting with guy who was much harder hitter and faster than me... I could not get my single backhand ready in time... instructor commented why she like two handed backhand ... since you don’t need to change your grip two bevels over.
I'm tall with a two-hander and I've been working on a slice for low shots. It feels so much better than bending my legs and getting down with the two-hander. Two hands is so much better on returns so I'm reluctant to switch to one for topspin as well. Maybe I'll be a weirdo and try two for returns, one just for ground strokes...
I really like my 1h-backhand, but sometimes, when my backhand side is pounded with high top spin balls and I have real difficulty returning them (rating 4.5), I regret I didn't go 2H-backhand, because I see so many people at my rating return those balls way easier with their 2H. A 2Her is much more forgiving on high top spin balls.
for me 1 handed backhand came naturally since it is more flexible to use and also slice to force opponent to come forward. 2 handed backhand only when i am too tired after hours of playing and need my left hand boost to push ball over net
I gained about 80 lbs since I originally learned how to play tennis as a teen, now I have significantly less movement potential and switched to a 1-hand, now I wished I had done it from the start, it's so smooth.
I'm a one hander, always have been BUT I think we one handers would be wise to try the two hander once in a while. Why? Because you never know when you might get some pain in the shoulder or elsewhere that causes weakness in the backhand. If you know you can use that non racquet arm to help you through the trouble times it can be a great asset.
This video makes me thing that maybe I should try to develop a two hander just for certain situations, especially for returning very hard serves. I have a good one hand backhand and can hit with lots of topspin. But on a powerful serve where you can't get the contact point far enough in front of your body a two hander could help provide a solid blocking return.
I dont know if this is the same for anyone else but with a two handed backhand players lose momentum and the shots tend to be softer unless you swing your body, but with a one handed you get the exact same feel as a forehand and can easily swing through shots with good pace.?
I'm very dominantly right handed and regular foot (surfing, skating). Well many decades ago I severely injured my right shoulder , shortly there after I took up Tennis, playing with my left hand. I call myself a switch-hander. There are very, very few of us, Surprisingly Nadal is one. Anyway, playing left handed as a right hander has been an amazing experiment. I almost immediately discovered that I could hit a OHB with great dexterity, control and power, it is my de facto right handed forehand. I would NEVER consider using a THB switch -hand, it can't match the OHB. High balls are effortless switch hand, power naturalness and control are truly forehand like.. I truly believe that had Nadal learned the OHB he would likely had the greatest one in history. Over the years I've had friends who are skilled players try playing for a while switch hand and they are always amazed. Unfortunately a natural OHB is not the same animal
I find that two handed backhand is easier to deal with heavy topspin forehand crosses from lefties (when you’re a righty) Even Fed had to improve his (including changing racket) to solve for Rafa.
And a one hand is just a beautiful shot. It also seems at the pro level ATP/WTA the two hand has no tactical advantage other just banging the ball back and forth. Great shots are produced but can be pretty boring sometimes. Very well said though.
@@EssentialTennis I take my racquet back like am going to hit a two handed backhand then I let go with my left hand then it is something like a one handed backhand.
Great video! Well explained! I prefer the one handed backhand and now I know why -versatility and more space/stretch. I also feel like I don't get as much of the kinetic chain follow through with 2 hands - I find it hard on my elbows vs the one hand (it could be my technique but I find better energy transfer with one handy). I wonder if that's why Djokovic had to get elbow surgery around too because of his double handed swings.
I don't agree on the reach point: with the 2 handed, as you said, you can open the legs and return a tight ball, with precision and power. With that said, I'm a 1 hand backhand! GREAT VIDEO!!
I’ve started with two hands and then switched to one and I can tell you from personal experience that having one over the other isn’t going to make a player, but if you lack proper technique/training then stick to a two handed because there’s much more margin for error. If you play tennis recreationally then don’t stress ab switching but I personally prefer the one hander, I would say that the only differences are that the ROS is better with two, but I get more topspin with one. I would definitely try both before deciding.
Essential Tennis - Lessons and Instruction for Passionate Players I started out just goofing off hitting with one hand because who hasn’t right? And then after a while I began almost exclusively hitting it, and a few weeks later it turned out that I couldn’t hit with 2 hands anymore. So I took some lessons, made the full switch and never looked back, my ROS has always been the best part of my game so it wasn’t a huge deal that it was a little worse on my backhand side but i do miss being able to crush backhand returns as frequently as I did. The shot feels more free and satisfying, and if you’re only playing recreationally, and for fun, that’s what tennis should be about. Ask anyone who has a one handed backhand, there’s nothing like hitting a nice one hander down the line.
The only reason I play THB is control, but I should agree the feel is terrible compared to OHB. I am working on my OHB and planning to switch once I have better control
I feel like the one-handers like Wawrinka, Gasquet, Thiem hit the backhand harder than the big two handers and with more spin but overall they aren't as consistent, aren't able to change directions at the last second, and not able to catch the ball as late as the two-handers can. And because of that two handers have the edge on the return as you've said.
I personally get way more power and better angles with a one hander. The power shots also take way less energy to achieve overall, compared to using a two hander.
I am lefty and I really like to play my topspin forehand on opponent one handed backhand :-) Also I think two handed backhand is much better for doubles. Kick serve on one handed backhand, it's really hard for you. If you play slice your ball is slow and I have time for volley.
I'm no tennis expert, but the two hander seems to be better because you can get more mustard on the shot and be less off balance. Most of the pros seem to use it.
I have amazing stability on my one handed backhand return... its strange the harder the serve the easier to hit through. and for my groundstrokes i almost feel like i can hit any angle with the one hander.
Well I feel pretty strongly about this issue after this video. I didn't think it's debatable whether the 2 handed is better or not. I have used both and I can tell that although you have better reach with the one handed bh it won't be needed for the most part. Also once you get a high spiny ball on the one hander you are in trouble since you don't have a really competitive shot unless you hit an amazing slice. However I must say that it is really stupid to get all fired up about such an issue, you can choose whichever you want. One is more beautiful and the other a lot easier, everyone has an opinion and it's a sure thing that yours is not the right one since there is no wrong one. Great video even though I disagree with the final decision
I recently switched to OHB and find the return lacking stability (and often exploited). Was wondering if it's a good idea to instead use the THB for returns only. Any thoughts?
I even go two handed on volleys unless I have to reach. I’ve always found it easier to absorb pace and I’m more accurate. I just can’t do one hand no matter how much I try.
I have been playing with 1hbh for almost 14 years. But due to severe tennis elbow, I switched to 2hbh. IMO, 1hbh has its versatility, spin, unpredictability. That is if you can execute it well. 2hbh is stable and more consistent. It is also easier to hit on the rise ball, flat and powerful shot. I can't comment on 2hbh as I am still very new with it (at love it), but the problem with 1hbh is that it is hard to execute. It is also more difficult to return a powerful or high bounce shots. As a result you see many of the 1hbh do a lot of slices. You can also easily "lost" your 1hbh if you lost your confidence. I was once one of the best 1hbh players within my tennis circle, but at some point, I just lost it and couldn't get it back. Even Roger Federer suffered the some problem where at one point in his career, he simply lost confidence with his backhand. If I got to do it all over again, I will definitely go for 2hbh.
I play two handed because it feels natural to me and I can be really precise and put a lot of spin on it. It just feels right, cannot really explain why. The kinetic chain with the hips rotating work really great for me on this shot.
One hander when set up in time with the feet is a vastly superior stroke, no competition. Where two hander shines is that it is more forgiving on footwork because with the extra hand one can counter punch the ball back accurately even with a very limited unit turn etc. And what is the definition of power? I see it as a combination of speed and spin, meaning basically high racquet head speed. All one handers are at the top of the list on the combo of speed/spin, proving the point that one hander can generate far superior power. Two hander is just basically a very accurate counterpuncher stroke, which thou often is enough all upto pro level. Choice between the two depends on what you typically want to do with the ball. If you'd rather generate huge power or tight angles with spin, or hold onto great disguise with huge variety of strokes between topspin/slice/crosscourt/down-the-line done with almost the same setup and takeback, then stick to one hander. If otoh you'd rather surprise your opponent with accurate and early on the ball counterpunching, rather give their great strokes back even tougher reactively than overwhelming them with your own stuff proactively, then stick to two hander. I switched from two hander to one hander and now backhand is my greatest strength.
just concentrate on 1 of them, see which one you find more natural to you. the last thing you want is use both of them and end up not being as good compared to if you focus on using only 1 of them for all your strokes. i am a 1 hander, but i will say 2 handed backhands have the advantage. it is better when receiving fast serve because of the stability, but do take not that the 2 handed backhand have less reach compared to the 1 handed backhand though. the 2 handed backhand is also better for your wrist and arms because 2 hands means you are spreading the stress across 2 hands instead of only 1 hand.
kcazzzzz thanks for your thoughtful insight! I have been training with two since I started tennis, it found out my one hander is just as good, in some situations better. Thanks!
You get more reach and versatility with the one-hander. It is harder to generate power, and high balls are more difficult. But, I really think the advantages of a one-handed backhand far outweigh the disadvantages. And, your slice and volleys will be much better because your hand eye coordination as a one-hander is more developed. But, that depends on your style of play. I still use the rare two-hand backhand if I get caught at the end of my forehand stroke and need the extra power and stability. I'd like to say I plan it, but it's largely reflex. No one can tell you which you like best or perform best. Go with what you like and works best for you.
The 1 hander is a lot more demanding in terms of timing and placement. You can get away with a lot of things in a 2 hander, particularly hitting a bit closer to the body, and it's a lot easier to be more consistent with it. Also because of angle/leverage, it's a lot easier to handle high shots with the 2 hander. Ask Federer about how he got destroyed by Nadal so many times... He had to develop this insane incredibly demanding thing (on timing and placement) which is to consistently hit the ball on the rise. It's so hard to do consistently. Also the 1 hander requires more wrist strength. Which is why it's so rare...
I’m 14 and I use a one handed but I’d rather use a two hander because it’s much easier to use and u have less room for error but the one hand looks better and feels better for me for some reason
Which do you start a child with? Two hands because it's less work to develop, and once developed, and a general overall proficiency with tennis is achieved, introduce the one hander because you think it's a better stroke?
I think a good one-hander is the most beautiful stroke in the game.
As my Swiss friend, Patrick, once put it: "the two handed backhand is so bourgeois (when compared to the one which we both use)." Still cracks me up to his day. Yes, the one handed backhand when executed correctly is arguably the most beautiful stroke in the game of tennis.
True i tried the two hander and it feels like im swinging baseball bat... still its about winning in the end and what you need to get it
CHeck out my backhand!!!
Djoko’s twohander vs Federer’s one hander. Djoko always wins. 🏆
vidvidvid This does not make the one-hander any less beautiful.
I always thought it’s a lot of “the stroke chooses the player” as well - I could never work out the 2 hander, and my bro still can’t do the 1 hander after more than 10 years.
Totally agree, Tommy. Thanks for watching!
Many people play tennis but not really.
So true, and same for me. I would add that some top players, male or female, were obviously "forced" to choose the two hander, and it was clearly a bad choice for them, forcing them to use a very average shot, unable to hurt anyone. The opposite case is pretty rare instead, as one handers today tend to be far fewer.
@@fingersm lol
I can’t do either that well at all!
I started with a two handed backhand in highschool. I had good power and control. But the feeling I had when I hit the ball was awful, I always felt bunched up and uncomfortable. Then after messing around with my friend and just hitting some casual one handers, I switched. The open feeling is awesome. I have the the same control and more power. I also have more feel with the ball. I also have a good disguise for slice to change up the pace of a point if I want.
Plus, one handed backhands are just pretty
Sammy its how tennis should be played😂
I’m on the same boat as you (started as 2 handed, switched to 1) and I also love the difference, but I feel like hitting those higher balls (like shoulder to head level) are just easier to hit with two hands, that’s the only thing I miss about the 2 hander
@@hansbunyi4859 I totally agree
I'm in 7th grade and I use a 2 handed backhand. I am pretty comfortable but after hitting I feel uncomfortable. Do u have any tips for me at such a young age?
Ya I never liked 2 hand I felt like my hands were crammed together
I just switched to a 1hbh and I absolutely love it!!! It feels like I'm able to hit with so much more power and accuracy to me.
Another huge benefit of the one-handed for me is that I find grip changes are a lot quicker and more precise.
Makes sense! I do both one handed and two handed groundstrokes and a one handed backhand volley. I used a two handed backhand for many years. But lately, the one handed backhand helps me to stretch for wide shots and return with a fast putaway. Sometimes I start two handed to guide the backswing and let go, ending the stroke one handed.
Keep up the good work, Inkling!
Kevin - narrates entire pros and cons of OHB vs THB, tries out both.
Me: uses THB because coach told me to. 😂
I feel freeier (if that’s a word) when it comes to the one-hander. Just love the feel of it!!!
Kevin, I too switched from 2 hander to 1 hander long time ago. I'm glad I did because I do believe that the 1 hander is more powerful and a better shot for your body. As you correctly explained, the 2 hander requires a full rotation of the hips and I believe this places too much stress on the hips and lower back. Over time, you are more likely to develop injuries in those areas. Anyone saying that the 2 hander is superior is in for some health problems later in life.
Also, I totally agree about the running backhand. I crush balls hit short to my backhand side by getting low and taking a full swing. This always shocks my opponents. This is excellent analysis, thanks for the video.
To me, one hander is an offensive player whereas two hander is a defensive player.
And no comparison when it comes to beauty, single hand backhand is just a piece of art.
I'm old skool and began tennis with a one handed backhand. Now I've harnessed phenomenal power on tap! Long may the one hander remain! 💪
Nice video Kevin. As a 1HBH-lefty I can relate to the pro’s and cons. I went for the 1 hander when I started for aestethic reasons. Main pro: versatility and feel. Main con: lack of consistency. When my backhand is on it is my strength when it is off I run a lot more to go for the forehand...😅. [edit:] No shot is more beautiful than the 1HBH down the line
Agree to disagree. 2hbh all day long! Having recently switched almost a year ago i cant believe what a disadvantage one handed is. My one handed was decent as well. Im almost 50 and was able to switch. Cant recommend it enough. Luckily i have a superb running one handed the "odd" time i need it. I call it my "showtime" shot!!
Exactly what he says. Easier for people to learn.
Great video.
I think Kevin forgot to mention on ground strokes, one of the major advantages of THB - heavy topspin high bouncing balls.
I'm a OHB, and the obvious solutions for these balls is taking on the rise (requires extremely good timing and fast foot work) or go back and take them down (losing a lot of court and position).
For me these is definitely the major drawback of the OHB.
Thats why nadal always gave federer a hard time.
Nadal: I hit to the backhand and i win!
@@B..P.. *Laughs in 2017 Federer
U can slice dtl, now who is laughing. Lol
Thank you, Kevin, for reassuring me once again that being one hander is not a mistake 😊
Thanks for watching, Alfando!
Depends on who s hitting =)
Great answer, Becker!
And technique
great explanation - I am a two hander and sometimes switch to one-handed if the short requires due to lack of reach etc or difficult low ball position.
I think 2 handed is superior as long as you also develop one handed skills properly to do as you have just described
Colin Fraser based on the situation I’ve even hit left handed forehands. Usually lose those points but the extra reach at least gets it over on a really good drop shot lol.
I agree and also switched to a one-hander years ago and took lessons to learn it properly. I wish instructors would be advocates and encourage students to learn it.
one-hander: looks cooler
two-hander: more stability and power at recreational level.
I have more power with one-handed
I would say, two hander has more consistent power, not more overall.
@@modernwarfare468 I think you are doing something wrong, no way one hand more powerful than two hand bh
@@metesahin5319 If both are done properly IMO you do get more power from a 2 handed but not enough to choose it over the versatility of the single handed.
It takes twice as much work to have a good one-hander, but I'm sure glad I made the switch (back in '80). I've never looked back, and the one-hander down the line is always my secret point-ender. No one expects it, so I tend to score a couple free games until my opponent quits hitting into it. When I relearned the game as a lefty in 2016, I did it again and I'm just as happy the second time.
I started playing tennis with a THB,was told every lesson to always hold both hands on the raquet,constantly shown videos of Agassi,Williams exc.
Then i saw Federer for the first time, I wasn't watching tennis as much before 2003 so this honestly was the first time I saw a OHB, I was surprised by how effective it was..... then fast foward 10 years later with Djokovic at one of the peaks of his career, every discussion about him having "The Greatest Backhand of all time" all of sudden getting beaten Bh2Bh by Stan Wawrinka and his beastly OHB, it was that point I switched to a OHB, I am very glad I did, more natural to me and I can hit harder with with it,plus my slice has gotten so much better.
And personal thought, I don't see the big deal with high balls to OHB, I handle head height balls just fine.
I usually do a forehand for high bslls
If you were playing vs pros...you would not say that LOL
Learned to play with a OHB but switched to THB as I got better and faced stronger opponents. All to make my return of serve stronger as I struggled with a OHB return. However, having played a one hander for so long I can hit slice very easily.
2 handed better return.. that's extremely important
Yeah. 2 handed grip is v similar to the forehand grip. Against good servers it means the return can be much more powerful.
With a one handed backhand you might have to just slice back if you gambled for a forehand return.
Switch grip for the return is a huge disadvantage for the return. I'm surprised this was not discussed in the video
But to get more power, cant you snap the wrist a bit more? I saw Federer practice in person at eye level in the front row so I got a good view of him. His backhands are a force to be reckoned with - he whips! Can it be from the cock to neutral wrist position? Thanks +Essentials Tennis!
@@SanaAhmed its about stability, and the racket will start to deflect more when receiving a really fast serve, even if you snap the wrist. a 2 handed backhand makes the racket 2 times more stable, but it has lesser reach compared to the 1 handed backhand. but there is a way around it, it the backhand doesn't work, can always do a defensive slice to lob the ball deep into the middle of the court to neutralize the serve
Agree if all you are doing is driving the return. BH Slice return is a 'Bread & Butter' shot that the 2HBH cant hit effectively under pressure.
Might be true that 2hbh is better and is important for serve return, but way more points during a game that includes ground strokes and volleys which is more important. One thing that he has said that is truth is the versatility. My game play is my forehand is the dominate power shots and lob. Its pretty predictable, yet my backhand is my control and placement shot. I can rip my backhand, slice drop shot, slice deep, lob better, better reach when chasing, all these shots vary and each time I win a point with my backhand I hear more frequently I did not expect that shot. The true versatility on my backhand is something I will sacrifice all day long than to hit a little better server return with a 2hbh. Someone once called my backhand a utility knife. That stuck and I could not agree more because it really does feel like a utility knife, I feel I have so much more weapons when they hit to my backhand.
Good Analysis of the BH. As a Coach (Australia) I get frustrated that we are producing a generation of 'robots' who can only hit 2 handed BH's. I appreciate the 2HBH is easier for young kids to learn but we are coaching the better BH shot out of the game. As Keven commented the 1HBH is definitely more versatile and offers more shot options. The 1HBH slice is the most accurate groundstroke in tennis & how do you attack a 2HBH?, with agressive slice X Court so the 2HBH has to dig it out & hit up.
Love to see a Video on how to teach a student who uses a 2HBH to transition to a 1HBH.
Appreciate your thoughts, Coach!
@@EssentialTennis Its the eternal discussion, 1HB or 2HB? I'm an 'old school' (very old now) :D grass court Serve/Volley player so I'm biased, but that said I get frustrated that the new gen of players (talking good club/rec players not Pros) play from the back, have no idea how to transition to the net & dont know how to finish a point with a volley.
Interested in your thoughts on how to transition someone from 1HBH to 2HBH? Initially I teach them to hit the Bjorn Borg style BH where he tended to release his left hand at contact so that they get used to a full follow through with one hand without having to rotate the rear shoulder forward at contact.
I think the future belongs to using both. I hit a one handed back hand for most shots but am working on developing a two hander for the high to my backhand serves. I notice most two hander pros also go to one hand when they have to reach or for a slice.
I picked the one hander after 2 years of a two hander play. The two hander didn’t fit me at all since I enjoy velocity and I like messing around with the net, plus I feel more free with the one hander cause the two hander feels too strict to hit. A one hander is build for more agile players that like to try many things in the court while the two hander fits a more stable and consistent player that can generate rallies and depend on the others mistakes. Both make their own playstyles and it’s just a point of view
yep I agree which is why I changed. I used to be a two hander guy, but I just found the one hander so much more versatile, and the reach was much better as well when you're running the court. Two hander definitely has more power, but it's also very restrictive.
I started off with a one handed slice.
Then in junior coaching I had a two hander.
Later I developed a one hander.
Pros and cons two hander:
Two hander I really feel has more consistency
Overall. You can carve up sharper angles cross court, better lob control, more topspin in general. Returning fast serves with a two hander is easy, hitting high and low balls easy.
You need great footwork to hit a two hander, you lose power compared to a single hander.
Single handed pros cons:
More power, less positioning required to hit the ball. Down the line is much easier to hit.
Less angle on cross court, high shots to the back hand are the kryptonite a lot of the time you will have to revert to slice. Returning hard serves will leave you slicing a lot, it’s hard to really drive a single handed backhand on a return that’s coming fast. Balls into the body can be tricky. You have to really follow through to get a nice topspin and avoid hitting flat.
I'm trying to add one-hand BH ability to my game for emergency situations, like for out wide balls that are hard to get to. I would always keep a 2HBH for return of serve, unless I was planning a slice return (which I'm not great at). As you get older and your speed and mobility decreases, I think the 1HBH has a lot of advantages since you can save some steps when getting to the ball.
Ready to hit the court? Grab your free, step-by-step PDF to help you toward a better backhand: www.backhandactionplan.com
Thanks for the video. I have an eight year old that hits with a one handed backhand and looks up after Thiem and Dimitrov. I’ve had a few coaches tell me that a two handed backhand is the way to go, because is more predictable. But my son wants to keep it as is. Your video made us stay with a one handed backhand. Thanks!!
Glad it helped
A wonderful lesson! Fully agree with you. I moved as well from 2 handed to one handed, after 40 years! Return was most difficult indeed! I think the one handed seems to be better for your knees long term. Best regards from Hamburg, Oliver
Keep up the great work, Oliver!
Haha, I’m only 20 and I can def feel how much more impact my knees take when set up for a backhand. Not that it’s a problem, but I’m considering trying one handed because I think it’ll feel more natural/comfortable
I would love to see a video on two handed forehands. While it is unorthodox, players such as Peng Shuai and Su-Wei Shiesh will always go for a two hander both sides... I myself do this and everytime I try to do a 1 handed forehand it feels so unnatural!
It is also nearly impossible to find any videos that give clear pros and cons for a two handed forehand!
i started with a OHB and then learned a THB. Now I use both interchangeably. I think one thing that people look is how you set up the weight on your racquet. If you look at some of the greatest THB, they tend to have a lot more weight near the head. i.e. nadal, djok, murray. This is because the stroke is shortened compared to a OHB, The extra weight is easier to handle when you have a shortened swing and two hands on it. If you look at Rogers racquet, its much more head light. For me the biggest change i had to make was setting up my racquet in a way that accommodated both strokes. I eventually got the THB down and then had to adjust my OHB to be more Wawrinka/Thiem like. I hope this makes sense.
I've never had a two hander, but now that I'm coaching high school, I've had to learn it to model it for instruction. It's been awkward and frustrating to watch the ball spin into the bottom of the net, but it feels good to have another tool in my belt.
I was taught 1 hander but because of shoulder injury and being 5ft8, i found i really struggled against heavy high balls. So i decided to convert to a double hander and i am starting to get better. Did take a lot of getting used to, technically quite different in footwork, torso turn etc.
I feel like 2 handed backhands are better at hitting high balls
I find that I have more power with less effort on my one hander. There is less room for error though. Taking a ball late is difficult to compensate for- thus the added difficulty in return of serve. Sometimes in those instances I resort to popping the ball up and deep.
I have both. I think it's important to be able to hit with both. I hit with a one handed backhand for the majority of my tennis life and implemented a two handed backhand in the last 4 years or so as a 40 year old. I think working on both is important for all the reasons Kevin listed. The more weapons the better!
I think, one handed backhand has a disadvantage though, when deep, high balls with a lot of topspin need to be returned (see Nadal vs Federer)
Federer does not have the best 1hbh; furthermore, as far as deep high balls are concerned- the 3 options do not change for 1hbh versus 2hbh
My coach hits 1 handed backhands but he REFUSES to allow us to hit 1 handlers and it’s kinda annoying... maybe I’ll show him this video.
Great Vid but you also have to keep in mind a lot of 2 handers have 1 handed slices and are very comfortable with the slice.
I have never seen a 2handed slice
There is a third option for the backhand. I call it the Practical Backhand. (youtube search). Bottom hand remains dominant. Top hand is the smart assistant. It's a slide hammer swing. Top hand lets go of racket after impact. Check it out.
I've always been told that I am too small to do a one handed backhand. I have a good forehand but my two handed backhand feels limited. Do you have to be big to do use a one handed backhand?
I can also hit both but I prefer my double hander. It is also my best shot and high balls on a one-hander is rough. Being mostly on clay here in the Netherlands, that is something to behold.
I use one handed normally, but two handed when I'm late 😅
isn't it the opposite?two handed backhand requires more footwork and proximity to the ball
Two handed has an advantage of hiding the slice shot suddenly changing to one hand.This is key for Novak playing style.
you can hide the slice with the one hander as well because you never have two hands on the racquet
Rafa and Nole and Seles can attest that the double handed is a truly reliable weapon.
Roger and Stan and Graff on the other side of the fence will say it's like a swiss army knife. It has its many uses and is versatile
All boils down to preference.
Stan has the best and the most dangerous backhand in the world. It is not an army knife.
The honest truth is that most rec players do not hit the one-handed backhand out front the way the pros do. That timing is extremely difficult, it’s almost like a half volley; bounce, hit! So yes, it does look beautiful when pros time it correctly but most players you see are late and it looks like it. If you can train your non-dominant hand On the two handed backhand, you will come to see that it is basically another forehand. That is, you can really loosen the grip on your dominant hand and feel that you are letting your left hand do the work. (For righties)
I have to say, from my point-of-view, the 1-handed backstroke appears to be vastly superior when in comparison to the 2-handed backstroke. For it appears to save time, and you can play better angles and slices.
However, (and I don't think he mentioned this, directly, in the video) I think there would be one HUGE, GIGANTIC, HUMONGOUS DRAWBACK to the one-handed backhand: the skill-ceiling is probably far higher in comparison to the two-handed. Primarily because without that other arm guiding your racket to the ball, you are probably far-more prone to miss-hits.
Anyways, just wanted to say one more thing: I feel very fortunate and lucky to live in such a great era for tennis. We have had FOUR generational talents Djo/Fed/Nadal/Murray playing SIMULTANEOUSLY over the last 12 years!
Imagine if boxing had Mike Tyson, Muhammed Ali, Rocky Marciano, and Lennox Lewis all in the same weight-class, at the same time.
high balls can be mixed bag with one hander or if you don't have time or space. You have to be a bit more mindful with 1 hander so you can compact the stroke or use the slice if you can't get setup well.
When I started playing in the early 80s I had a two handed backhand. From 18 to 34. In my late 20s I started to slice my backhand on my approach shots trying to emulate Mats Wilander. I then started to hit slice backhands exclusively from 31 to 34. After 34 I learned to hit one handed topspin. 22 years later I feel that my one handed backhand is more reliable than my forehand. Maybe because I'm a lefty and players want to attack it so I had to make my backhand a weapon.
One-hand lefty here as well. Yeah, the right-handers like to attack our backhand. My backhand is my strongest and most versatile weapon. I actually still occasionally hit a two-hander if I get caught at the after I hit a forehand and before I can reset. I like the extra stability. Also, because I use the left side so much, my slice can be hard to anticipate or return.
A one-handed topspin cross court winner is such a nice feeling. Like a fine wine or chilled flask of Jameson.
@@IamnotJohnFord a flask of Jameson...NICE
Stretch shots like Djokovic, cuts, slices.... are a feast to watch and comfortable on a SINGLE HAND BACKHAND... TWO HANDED BACKHAND needs a lot of movement in the court than OHB.... Massive drives are best done with OBH...
I think it's like any sport. There is the "traditional" way of doing things (like in the UK when you canoe you are taught to only be on your knees "because it's the right thing to do". But for some people myself included being on your knees hurts and makes paddling less enjoyable so we sit on the seat)
I feel the same thing is with the two handed backhand, it's the "traditional / correct way of doing things" but for some people it might not work for them,
Hi! Very good analysis. I have always been a two-hands backhand player, but now due to a wrist injury I am trying to learn the one-hand backhand. I missed two very good points in favour of the two-hand backhand: hitting balls at a high point (when they come with a lot of top spin) and hitting balls on the defense when they have almost surpassed you using a lot the non-dominant hand.
Amazing video. I'm really grateful 👍🏻
One handed backhand is THE BEST BACKHAND (for me). ❤️
Ha ha good timing ... literally. I had tennis lesson yesterday and this topic came up. Was hitting with guy who was much harder hitter and faster than me... I could not get my single backhand ready in time... instructor commented why she like two handed backhand ... since you don’t need to change your grip two bevels over.
That's definitely a strength of the two hander, Wong. Thanks for watching and keep up the good work on your game!
I'm tall with a two-hander and I've been working on a slice for low shots. It feels so much better than bending my legs and getting down with the two-hander. Two hands is so much better on returns so I'm reluctant to switch to one for topspin as well. Maybe I'll be a weirdo and try two for returns, one just for ground strokes...
I really like my 1h-backhand, but sometimes, when my backhand side is pounded with high top spin balls and I have real difficulty returning them (rating 4.5), I regret I didn't go 2H-backhand, because I see so many people at my rating return those balls way easier with their 2H. A 2Her is much more forgiving on high top spin balls.
for me 1 handed backhand came naturally since it is more flexible to use and also slice to force opponent to come forward. 2 handed backhand only when i am too tired after hours of playing and need my left hand boost to push ball over net
I gained about 80 lbs since I originally learned how to play tennis as a teen, now I have significantly less movement potential and switched to a 1-hand, now I wished I had done it from the start, it's so smooth.
I'm a one hander, always have been BUT I think we one handers would be wise to try the two hander once in a while. Why? Because you never know when you might get some pain in the shoulder or elsewhere that causes weakness in the backhand. If you know you can use that non racquet arm to help you through the trouble times it can be a great asset.
This video makes me thing that maybe I should try to develop a two hander just for certain situations, especially for returning very hard serves. I have a good one hand backhand and can hit with lots of topspin. But on a powerful serve where you can't get the contact point far enough in front of your body a two hander could help provide a solid blocking return.
If you're able to hit a good one hander, it just feels amazing.
It's hard to hit high balls with the one haded bh
Coming in from badminton, one handed strokes came lot more naturally to me. You can play a very wide range of shots and tricks one handed
I dont know if this is the same for anyone else but with a two handed backhand players lose momentum and the shots tend to be softer unless you swing your body, but with a one handed you get the exact same feel as a forehand and can easily swing through shots with good pace.?
I'm very dominantly right handed and regular foot (surfing, skating). Well many decades ago I severely injured my right shoulder , shortly there after I took up Tennis, playing with my left hand. I call myself a switch-hander. There are very, very few of us, Surprisingly Nadal is one. Anyway, playing left handed as a right hander has been an amazing experiment. I almost immediately discovered that I could hit a OHB with great dexterity, control and power, it is my de facto right handed forehand. I would NEVER consider using a THB switch -hand, it can't match the OHB. High balls are effortless switch hand, power naturalness and control are truly forehand like.. I truly believe that had Nadal learned the OHB he would likely had the greatest one in history. Over the years I've had friends who are skilled players try playing for a while switch hand and they are always amazed. Unfortunately a natural OHB is not the same animal
I find that two handed backhand is easier to deal with heavy topspin forehand crosses from lefties (when you’re a righty) Even Fed had to improve his (including changing racket) to solve for Rafa.
And a one hand is just a beautiful shot. It also seems at the pro level ATP/WTA the two hand has no tactical advantage other just banging the ball back and forth. Great shots are produced but can be pretty boring sometimes. Very well said though.
There's definitely something really aesthetically pleasing about a quality one hander. Thanks for watching, Keiser!
I have a two handed backhand but I do a one handed backhand sometimes when I'm late on the ball
Meaning a one handed drive or slice when you're late, Bianca?
@@EssentialTennis I take my racquet back like am going to hit a two handed backhand then I let go with my left hand then it is something like a one handed backhand.
Great video! Well explained! I prefer the one handed backhand and now I know why -versatility and more space/stretch. I also feel like I don't get as much of the kinetic chain follow through with 2 hands - I find it hard on my elbows vs the one hand (it could be my technique but I find better energy transfer with one handy). I wonder if that's why Djokovic had to get elbow surgery around too because of his double handed swings.
I don't agree on the reach point: with the 2 handed, as you said, you can open the legs and return a tight ball, with precision and power. With that said, I'm a 1 hand backhand! GREAT VIDEO!!
I’ve started with two hands and then switched to one and I can tell you from personal experience that having one over the other isn’t going to make a player, but if you lack proper technique/training then stick to a two handed because there’s much more margin for error. If you play tennis recreationally then don’t stress ab switching but I personally prefer the one hander, I would say that the only differences are that the ROS is better with two, but I get more topspin with one. I would definitely try both before deciding.
Awesome thoughts, Kenzie! Why did you end up switching to the one?
Essential Tennis - Lessons and Instruction for Passionate Players I started out just goofing off hitting with one hand because who hasn’t right? And then after a while I began almost exclusively hitting it, and a few weeks later it turned out that I couldn’t hit with 2 hands anymore. So I took some lessons, made the full switch and never looked back, my ROS has always been the best part of my game so it wasn’t a huge deal that it was a little worse on my backhand side but i do miss being able to crush backhand returns as frequently as I did. The shot feels more free and satisfying, and if you’re only playing recreationally, and for fun, that’s what tennis should be about. Ask anyone who has a one handed backhand, there’s nothing like hitting a nice one hander down the line.
The only reason I play THB is control, but I should agree the feel is terrible compared to OHB. I am working on my OHB and planning to switch once I have better control
Thanks. This video answers a lot of my questions.
This reminds me of the ol' total tennis domination days
I feel like the one-handers like Wawrinka, Gasquet, Thiem hit the backhand harder than the big two handers and with more spin but overall they aren't as consistent, aren't able to change directions at the last second, and not able to catch the ball as late as the two-handers can. And because of that two handers have the edge on the return as you've said.
I personally get way more power and better angles with a one hander.
The power shots also take way less energy to achieve overall, compared to using a two hander.
1-handed for fluidity and beauty
2-handed for better control(even if you are a beginner)
Botto-line, both give power
I am lefty and I really like to play my topspin forehand on opponent one handed backhand :-) Also I think two handed backhand is much better for doubles. Kick serve on one handed backhand, it's really hard for you. If you play slice your ball is slow and I have time for volley.
watching this because on late shots I go to one hand. It lacks stability and control, but I don't always have time to set up for two handed backhand.
I'm no tennis expert, but the two hander seems to be better because you can get more mustard on the shot and be less off balance. Most of the pros seem to use it.
Simple fix: use both
I have amazing stability on my one handed backhand return... its strange the harder the serve the easier to hit through. and for my groundstrokes i almost feel like i can hit any angle with the one hander.
Interesting! Glad its working well for you, Strong.
Same thought i was the only one who could hit it well
Thats depends on the level of opponents youre playing against.
Well I feel pretty strongly about this issue after this video. I didn't think it's debatable whether the 2 handed is better or not. I have used both and I can tell that although you have better reach with the one handed bh it won't be needed for the most part. Also once you get a high spiny ball on the one hander you are in trouble since you don't have a really competitive shot unless you hit an amazing slice. However I must say that it is really stupid to get all fired up about such an issue, you can choose whichever you want. One is more beautiful and the other a lot easier, everyone has an opinion and it's a sure thing that yours is not the right one since there is no wrong one. Great video even though I disagree with the final decision
I recently switched to OHB and find the return lacking stability (and often exploited). Was wondering if it's a good idea to instead use the THB for returns only. Any thoughts?
Using ohb means you have to prepare earlier then thb
I even go two handed on volleys unless I have to reach. I’ve always found it easier to absorb pace and I’m more accurate. I just can’t do one hand no matter how much I try.
I have been playing with 1hbh for almost 14 years. But due to severe tennis elbow, I switched to 2hbh. IMO, 1hbh has its versatility, spin, unpredictability. That is if you can execute it well. 2hbh is stable and more consistent. It is also easier to hit on the rise ball, flat and powerful shot. I can't comment on 2hbh as I am still very new with it (at love it), but the problem with 1hbh is that it is hard to execute. It is also more difficult to return a powerful or high bounce shots. As a result you see many of the 1hbh do a lot of slices. You can also easily "lost" your 1hbh if you lost your confidence. I was once one of the best 1hbh players within my tennis circle, but at some point, I just lost it and couldn't get it back. Even Roger Federer suffered the some problem where at one point in his career, he simply lost confidence with his backhand.
If I got to do it all over again, I will definitely go for 2hbh.
thought this would be a Change Over episode follow up
Haha.....you've been watching a long time! Glad you're still with us 😀
Thanks for the great analysis
thank you, very nice in-deep explanation
I play two handed because it feels natural to me and I can be really precise and put a lot of spin on it. It just feels right, cannot really explain why. The kinetic chain with the hips rotating work really great for me on this shot.
Yeah I use a one hand but I can see why someone would use a two hand
I have a two handed backhand but for some reason I can do a one handed backhand slice like federer
Well that's a good thing
That's for sure, haha
Proximity YT same, and I also have 1 handed backhand volleys.
At what age should children be taught 1 handed backhand if they started with red balls and move to orange to green to yellow?
One hander when set up in time with the feet is a vastly superior stroke, no competition. Where two hander shines is that it is more forgiving on footwork because with the extra hand one can counter punch the ball back accurately even with a very limited unit turn etc.
And what is the definition of power? I see it as a combination of speed and spin, meaning basically high racquet head speed. All one handers are at the top of the list on the combo of speed/spin, proving the point that one hander can generate far superior power. Two hander is just basically a very accurate counterpuncher stroke, which thou often is enough all upto pro level.
Choice between the two depends on what you typically want to do with the ball. If you'd rather generate huge power or tight angles with spin, or hold onto great disguise with huge variety of strokes between topspin/slice/crosscourt/down-the-line done with almost the same setup and takeback, then stick to one hander. If otoh you'd rather surprise your opponent with accurate and early on the ball counterpunching, rather give their great strokes back even tougher reactively than overwhelming them with your own stuff proactively, then stick to two hander. I switched from two hander to one hander and now backhand is my greatest strength.
i agree with everything you said. but there's argument with power. Stan Wawrinka. enough said.
I can hit both well and don’t know what to do. Advice? Thanks.
just concentrate on 1 of them, see which one you find more natural to you. the last thing you want is use both of them and end up not being as good compared to if you focus on using only 1 of them for all your strokes. i am a 1 hander, but i will say 2 handed backhands have the advantage. it is better when receiving fast serve because of the stability, but do take not that the 2 handed backhand have less reach compared to the 1 handed backhand though. the 2 handed backhand is also better for your wrist and arms because 2 hands means you are spreading the stress across 2 hands instead of only 1 hand.
kcazzzzz thanks for your thoughtful insight! I have been training with two since I started tennis, it found out my one hander is just as good, in some situations better. Thanks!
You get more reach and versatility with the one-hander. It is harder to generate power, and high balls are more difficult. But, I really think the advantages of a one-handed backhand far outweigh the disadvantages. And, your slice and volleys will be much better because your hand eye coordination as a one-hander is more developed. But, that depends on your style of play. I still use the rare two-hand backhand if I get caught at the end of my forehand stroke and need the extra power and stability. I'd like to say I plan it, but it's largely reflex.
No one can tell you which you like best or perform best. Go with what you like and works best for you.
Brad Smith thanks, great comment.
The 1 hander is a lot more demanding in terms of timing and placement. You can get away with a lot of things in a 2 hander, particularly hitting a bit closer to the body, and it's a lot easier to be more consistent with it. Also because of angle/leverage, it's a lot easier to handle high shots with the 2 hander. Ask Federer about how he got destroyed by Nadal so many times... He had to develop this insane incredibly demanding thing (on timing and placement) which is to consistently hit the ball on the rise. It's so hard to do consistently. Also the 1 hander requires more wrist strength. Which is why it's so rare...
I’m 14 and I use a one handed but I’d rather use a two hander because it’s much easier to use and u have less room for error but the one hand looks better and feels better for me for some reason
Which do you start a child with? Two hands because it's less work to develop, and once developed, and a general overall proficiency with tennis is achieved, introduce the one hander because you think it's a better stroke?