One or Two-Handed Backhand?
If you are considering one or a two-handed backhand either as a tennis beginner or an advanced player, then you are probably trying to figure out what are the pros and cons of one and two-handed backhand.
In my experience, most children learn a two-handed backhand very quickly.
They are still weak for a one-handed backhand and can still develop good feel on the non-dominant side.
Adults learn a one-handed backhand faster since they are stronger and their non-dominant side improves slower.
The reason why I mention non-dominant side is because when you hit a two-handed backhand (right-hander), you need to drive forward mostly with your left hand.
You can improve the feel of the non-dominant arm with this simple drill for a two-handed backhand.
Pros and Cons
| One-Handed Backhand | Two-Handed Backhand |
| More reach | Less Reach |
| Easier to learn a one-handed backhand slice | One handed slice is typically learned slower and with more corrections needed |
| Good feel and control for a one-handed backhand volley | Not such a good feel for a one-handed backhand volley |
| More difficult to handle high bouncing balls | Easier to handle high balls |
| More difficult to handle fast balls and returns | Easier to handle fast balls and returns |
| More variety on the baseline, approach shots, returns … | Less variety |
| Difficult to play in open stance | Easier to play in open stance |
| Strengthens only the dominant side of the body and children need to perform corrective exercises to prevent damage of the spine | Equally strengthens both sides of the body |
| Not enough power when off balance | Still enough power since both arms drive the racquet |
| More difficult to play extreme topspin and short cross court shots | Easier to play extreme topspin and short cross court shots |
The decision which type of backhand to choose also depends on your personality and playing style.
Players who prefer playing from the baseline and longer rallies will benefit more from a two-handed backhand.
And players who like to play at the net and vary their game a lot will find a one-handed backhand a much better stroke.
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August 12th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
Enjoyed reading about the backhand 1 or 2 hands.
found your site through Darren at Problogger.net
I will send you an email.
Elizabeth G.
August 13th, 2007 at 11:18 am
As a fan, I completely favor the one-handed backhand, as it, generally, goes with a serve-and-volley styled game (assuming there is such a thing any more).
August 23rd, 2008 at 4:51 am
I have an 11 year old daughter who is currently learning the one handed backhand. could you please explain in more detail the problems kids have with the spine and the corrective exercises performed. Are these preventative exercises or performed after a problem has been detected?
Thank You
Xavier
August 23rd, 2008 at 7:21 am
Hi Xavier,
The problem with the spine happens because the child is developing the muscles only on one side of the body if she plays a one-handed backhand. These stronger muscles then “pull” the spine towards them since they are stronger than the muscles on the other side of the spine. Thus, the spine gets under a lot of pressure and begins to curve.
Yes, the exercises need to be practiced before the problem. If the child is training regularly (competitive player) then it’s almost certain that the spine would eventually curve and become problematic.
The main purpose of the preventative exercises if to strengthen the other side of the body so that the muscle pull on the spine is equal from both sides.
October 30th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
The one handed backhand has become more of a past-time now that tennis pros typically begin playing tennis at such a young age. The two handed backhand’s reach might’ve kept it from becoming popular when it was first introduced. But when pros found that it had the advantages of deeper and more powerful shots, the short reach disadvantage didn’t seem that big of a deal. Due to the one-handed backhand’s disadvantage of being unstable, it is a hard stroke to play on the defense. The is the side that Nadal attacks on Federer all the time. Making Federer play defense on the backhand side will force Federer to think of something very creative. Although Federer comes up with the most stupendous shots I’ve ever seen, it’s not something he pulls off every time he plays defense on that side. The other thing about the two handed backhand that seemed a disadvantage of the two hander is that it didn’t have a good slice. As the stroke developed, pros began to learn a one handed slice, and a two handed topspin backhand, which was “the best of both worlds” according to tennis analysts (whom I can’t remember).
Just a personal opinion, the one handed backhand is a more beautiful shot to watch on TV. Obviously, it’s a lot harder than what it looks. The two handed backhand is not as beautiful to me. It looks more like a very wild shot as most modern players hit it. Regardless, both are very effective in their own ways.
March 13th, 2009 at 2:39 am
It is true that one hand is less stable but the BH volley is better if you are a one hander and you can it it harder with a one hander. In serve volley days one handers were supreme. Ask Borg about McEnroe’s sliding left handed serve at Wimbledon. The slower courts and the increased precision of the modern racquets and strings will see one handers fade away soon. Nadal for example would not be able to have played with the old wooden racquets on grass the way he does now. If you are teaching a kid to play – two hands is the way to go. If exceptionally strong later they can try one handed later.