Why do some people hit their backhand with just one hand?

Question

I see that alot of people hit their backhand with just one hand and i've noticed that to be very interesting.....because i've always hit my backhand with both hands and found it to be very well but when i watch the pros play or even other people play i see some hit with one hand.....why is that?

thank you for your time

Answer 1

It all comes down to what is more comfortable for you. I know when I played tennis (I started in HS way back in the 80's and got back into it about a year ago or so) I was one of two players who only hit a 1-handed backhand and that's because the players I grew up watching (McEnroe, Lendal, Sampras, Becker) all hit one-handed backhands and because I was 'self taught', that's what I learned.

I tried to learn the two-handed backhand, but my footwork wasn't the best back in those days to where I could hit cleanly and accurately on a regular basis.

As for what "slick21" said.."...it is harder to hit high shots well with a two handed Backhand..." I disagree! All good players, whether they hit one/two handed backhands, SHOULD be hitting the ball ON THE RISE or at the highest point BEFORE gravity starts pulling it down. Look at Andre Agassi for example! That man could hit any type of shot when hitting the ball at its highest peak. Plus, if you're a taller player, then hitting the ball at its high point allows you to get more power and control! Case in point, how many baseball players have you ever seen hitting a towering homerun when they hit the ball at or below their knees? Not many and those who do, have great hand/eye coordination...Not that tennis players don't have good hand/eye mechanics, but when it comes to how the body reacts during the swinging motion, you're better off learning to hit the ball at its highest peak, as opposed to waiting until its lower to the ground, because then you've got to hit a harder 'top spin' shot just to get the ball to clear the net easier.

Answer 2

This question is funny and interesting, because the reality is that in the past history, tennis was played with the majority of people doing one-handed backhands. There was no other backhand. The two-handed backhand is still fairly new. It only really started to become a real backhand method in the 70s with Chris Evert, Jimmy Connors and that great era.

Answer 3

Both styles have pro and cons.

The singlebackhand can give you disguise in shots, added range. But poor singlehand backhand technique is the easiest way to get tennis elbow.

You also need proper swing preparation for the single backhand (get shoulders right around) & great strength if you want to hit tigh angles cross court.

Also highbouncing backhand balls are hard to hit because they are above your strike zone, so you either have to back track or hit it early which most often means hitting late for most people due to the preparation requirements. Obviously you could slice it back as well.

It really depends on which you feel more comfortable with, although I know of junior teams selecting double handed BH players over single BH players due to stability issues at young ages.

Personally I can't hit the double BH well as I'll just "club" the ball without a clean hit sometimes. Whereas the single BH is an easier stroke for me.

Answer 4

I actually hit both ways. The two handed backhand is easier to teach and to be honest actually has more disquise on passing shots. However, the main draw back is you have to move your feet really well. Plus, as said earlier, it is harder to hit high shots well with a two handed Backhand.

The one handed back hand gives you much more variety. Underspin, topspin, and sidespin can be hit with a one handed. Two hands, you really only have topspin and flat. In addtion, it gives you more of a reach on wide shots and is an easier transition to the net. I would advise you to be able to hit at least a slice backhand. It will improve your game a lot...give you more options...and to be honest make the game more fun. :)

Answer 5

To me, doublehand backhand is uncomfortable. Plus I feel like it impedes me even for a split second for the next shot. I like the feel of single backhand and I feel I have more control of the ball and where I can hit it. Much more smooth.

Answer 6

Well, I suggest to master the 2 handed backhand first then you just have to follow through with your opposite hand.

Answer 7

if you are running for the ball and it is out of reach for a two handed backhand then a one handed backhand gives you more length also its what a slice basically is and that is what most of the pros do

Answer 8

I teach my students both. There are some shots that just need two hands, and others only one.

I like to ask my students that if you were lost in the woods would you like just a pocket knife, or a bag of tools, cell phone and a cooler of food?

This is what a well rounded game looks and feels like. When you have a wide selection of shots to confront your opponents you feel more confident and it show in your game!

I encourage every player to take on a new shot! Good luck

Answer 9

for one thing a one handed backhand will give you better reach,next give you more variety with your shot selection,but mainly the stronger you are you use one hand,if you're not that strong then two hands are better give you more power

Answer 10

some are left handed