What are some advantages/ disadvantages of a 1 handed backhand in tennis?

Answer 1

I play with one. There's the textbook answer, which is that its got more reach but less consistency in terms of the depth and spin of your shots. But I'm going to give a personal opinion.
BTW I'm a right-handed player.
You really have to get into the habit of moving to the ball with a full shoulder turn. With the two-handed backhand, players seems to have a natural inclination to know to move to the ball using their left leg. You don't feel as comfortable if you're using a one-handed backhand. The good thing is that your slice is more effective and you can generate power more easily because you can swing faster and with a freer swing compared to a two-handed backhand. Its just that the ball can really sail on you sometimes, so I agree w/ the book on the consistency part.
Also, if you start at an early age, the two-handed backhand feels natural because younger players tend to feel more comfortable generating power w/ both hands (and grow up feeling the same way). If you start after 11 or 12, you might find the one-handed backhand more natural b/c you can generate lots of power without the unnatural restraining motion of a two-handed backhand.

Answer 2

If you are playing against powerful people, it is hard to return some of the shots. Serve can be very difficult to return with a one handed back hand (if the server is good). Also, if the ball is high, good luck trying to return it. Even Roger Federer has a very hard time returning high balls on his backhand side. In reality, a one handed backhand doesn't give you much more reach than a two. One handed backhands make it harder to mix up the spin. You will generally have more trouble getting power on a one handed backhand.

The plus is it does give you a bit more reach. It is much easier to learn a slice shot. Two handed backhands cannot reach every shot so you are forced to use one.

If you are a short player (I am 5'8" and I consider myself too short to use a one handed backhand) two is a much better option. Personally I think one hand is a lot more fun to do, but I use two hands.

Answer 3

The one handed backhand, as used by Federer and Maresmo, requires strength (one arm is generating all the power), and timing. On a one handed back, timing is everything because there is a certain point where you may not be able to generate enough topspin or lift the ball over the net. On the other hand a two-handed backhand, as used by Nadal and Roddick, is more flexible in the field. Power is more easily generated since there are two hands on the racket (as long as you have the right motion, this is very handy). And timing is not as crucial. your point of impact is larger and therefore allowing more control. The downside of the two handed backhand is reach, while the one-handed is extendable in reach, the two hander must stay compact. I hope this helped!!!

Answer 4

I just switched from a two hander to a one hander. If you read tennis articles... many people argue about the question which you have just asked.
For me though, my two handed backhand wasn't natural and I had had major problems with it as far as Power, consistency, control... basically everything... So... I switched and after two months its already passed up my two hander...
It really depends on the individual... You do have to be strong to really be able to get the full affects of the one handed back hand...

Answer 5

Advantages: more extension in the arm, better spin
Disadvantages: less control, less power
I would recommend a two-handed backhand for a tennis player unless you are really good. (Roger Federer uses a one-hander)

Answer 6

Advantages: one handers are able to play more tricks with their backhand, for instance, slicing and drop shots. Plus, there is more spin when u hit it, and they can have a longer reach.
Disadvantages: one handers don't have the power like a two hander. Plus it is hard trying to learn a one hand, since it is your weaker side.
Some people may say that a one hander is effective for the spin and slice. Others would say that there would be no power. Regardless, play what is more comfortable .

Answer 7

The one handed backhand typically leaves you with better reach and balance then the two handed backhand, and is able to pick up the much lower balls much easier. It is also far easier to do things like slices with a one hander. However, a one handed backhand isn't nearly as powerful as a two handed one, and its more difficult to control at first when trying to put more power in the one hander.

Answer 8

advantages-easy to maneuver your footwork
looks better as compare to double handed backhand
easy to change your grip from backhand to forehand
you have a much longer reach

disadvantages-double handed backhand is much powerful than single handed
much control if you're double handed backhand
much easy to execute as if you're using double handed backhand

Answer 9

The advantages are: better length/reach, more control (if you're used to it already), looks better
Disadvantages: Less power, harder to learn, less control at first, requires powerful arm.

Answer 10

for me there are none. I do not have enough control on the one handed back hand.

But, it is much faster.