Comments on: One or Two-Handed Backhand?

By: Tennis Grips Dilemmas

Tennis Grips Dilemmas — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 16:15:58 +0000

[...] I personally hold a forehand grip since I find changing to backhand grip easier and faster than vice versa. And I play a one-handed backhand. [...]

By: Steven H

Steven H — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 07:39:57 +0000

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.

By: J.L.

J.L. — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 03:08:28 +0000

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.

By: Tomaz

Tomaz — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 12:21:34 +0000

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.

By: Xavier

Xavier — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 09:51:03 +0000

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

By: PSUgirl

PSUgirl — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 16:18:29 +0000

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).

By: Elizabeth G.

Elizabeth G. — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 22:23:39 +0000

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.