backhand - two-handed or one?

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Permalink Reply by SATennisguy on August 28, 2009 at 5:37pm

A two handed backhand can definitely be a power advantage vs the one handed..however I prefer a one handed backhand, both a slice and a topspin..both can become formadable weapons when used right..I think you get more touch and feel with a one handed...especially close to the net or at difficult angles...
I hit a one handed but have thought myself of adding a two handed..but its hard to teach an old dog a new trick sometimes...lol

Permalink Reply by Kyle Draisey on August 28, 2009 at 6:38pm

Honestly, the one handed backhand is a more versatile (control, spin etc.) stroke than the two handed backhand. Many people cite power as being the advantage of the two handed backhand, for beginners this is often the case, but as you get better, power comes from the shoulder turn and the hip rotation from your stroke mechanics, not from how many hands you have on your grip. Many professionals maintain the two handed backhand because it became en vogue in the 1970s and pros started to teach it to juniors, some juniors decided to go to a one hander when they got older, others however stuck with what they already knew. Regardless of which stroke you prefer, you should develop a good one handed slice backhand. Nadal, Djokovic, Murray, Agassi, Borg: all had two handers and all had fantastic one handed slice backhands. The one handed slice will give you more underspin than the two hander, which makes it a fantastic stroke to mix in during your rallies. It also acts as a wonderful method for the approach shot on faster courts, allowing the ball to skid and staying low, making your opponent hit up allowing you to set up your kill shot up at the net. Hope this helps.-Kyle

Permalink Reply by Mark / The Mayor on October 5, 2009 at 5:27pm

I agree with the other guys - except I side with Kyle that the one-hander can be just as powerful once you get good at it. I play 2-handed because your stroke seems to have less timing issues. The stroke seems more "fixed" and with less detrimental variation. My suggestion to you is to chose one soon and stick with it. You will learn much faster if you are only practicing one kind. (I play the one-hander a lot on short balls or when I'm out of position (I'm a 4.0/4.5 player.)
Have fun,
M