One hander at almost 57 years of age! Plus I mostly use the Wilson Pro Staffs such as the 85”, 90”, and RF97” 😎😎😎👍👍👍😅😅😅 Tennis is still FUN, and great exercise! 🎾🎾🎾
I have a one hander and modelled after Sampras and Federer. I think it is fine and works well as long as you have the strength to return serves on that side. You dont have another arm to hit it but if you get strong and exercise your shoulder its fine. It has more spin then the two, has more reach, and its tricky for where its going. It dont think either is better its just depends on the player. Most started out young with the two so thats why its pervasive now I think.
I developed a one-handed backhand after a bad blister made it hard for me to hit a forehand one day as a teen. Not having a band-aid, I'd run around my forehand and hit a backhand with the same grip the whole afternoon until it stuck. As in forever. Regarding shoulder-high balls I manage to get them somehow using something like a backhand overhead smash. My one-handed backhand is actually my preferred stroke. For the record I'm a woman. Check out Steffi Graff returning Zina Garrison's serves with her backhand at the 1988 Olympics.
I have a 1HBH but taught my teenage son the 2HBH...ease of teaching, ease of learning, more advantages for the modern game, good for generating power off the backhand if you're a kid... those were my reasons...
I blame coaches for this. The one hander is not the problem. When people started hitting with two hands the one hander was the old style stroke evolved for wood rackets and gut strings. The two hander was the modern stroke, and far superior. The one hander has since been modernized to fit the current racket and string technology, and I'd say it's superior as far as attacking tennis. More pace, more spin. The problem is modern coaches all have two handers and don't even know what grip to get the player in. When I hear you guys talk about the pro's and cons of the one hander it's clear that you're not teaching a modern one hand stroke. I've taught it to my son since he was 7, and sure, it was a commitment, but he's 15 now and it's an absolute weapon. On a side note, no body is gathering around at the tournaments to marvel at the beauty of the two handers, but he sure draws a crowd.
Yes, the one hander is better for attacking tennis, but the double hander is far better for defence. Usually, if you're hitting a backhand, you are either in a neutral or defensive position. So it's more important that the shield is rock solid than being able to use it as a bludgeoning tool. If you have the time and opportunity to attack, then you can always draw the sword and run around to hit the forehand.
If you have a one handed backhand, you better be able to hit balls on the rise which is a problem for a lot of people. Plus be able to get high balls deep when you can’t hit on the rise. Also have a killer slice.
@@GeneralRock114 I agree. That was what I was thinking with my point about coaches not even being able to even get a player in the proper grip. I think 90% of being able to hit the high ball, and balls on the rise is which grip you're in. They'll stand there and tell you the high one is tough while they're holding a continental grip. Sure is if you try to hit it like that. Just watch Gasquet or Almagro and how they hold the racket. They never met a high ball they couldn't handle.
I play with a one hander and have not had opposing players attack it much. I'm an old guy too. I do attack their two hander though. The downside for me is that your arm will tire after much use. Once that begins, I can switch to my two. It's not as good but still pretty effective, and provides more topspin. I enjoyed the discussion.
My reason for learning the 1 hander b/h was because I was told of all the shots in tennis the 1 hander was the LEAST INJURY PRONE shot in the sport. Ok everyone thinks it looks cool pretty or whatever but I still get less sore hitting a backhand as opposed to a forehand. The opening tells me you're short of material. Ok slow season but the one hander hit properly can be a devastating/hard to read missile. Changing ball direction feels easier with a 1 hander, cutting fine angles again much easier. My buddy took up the 2 handed backhand last year and picked up the worst rotator cuff tear, a year later he still can't play full throttle on any shot. Really sad he's an excellent player. There's a mockery movie about the dead one handed backhand. Wawrinka, Tsitsipas, Dimitrov, Shapovalov, Rune, Musetti, Gasquet and others star in it. Good for a laugh but here's my point. People keep wringing there hands about 1 hander extinction. How do you explain then the mercurial Tommy Paul or Frances Giovanni, Impechi Perricard. If talking GOAT one hander Federer, Wawrinka, Shapovalov are all excellent but for sure my favourite undoubtedly was a Chilean nicknamed Gonzo by his peers. You might know him as Fernando Gonzales. To me his speed, accuracy, technique (hence easy power) and consistency is still the one hander backhand I'd like to have. Yes the one hander is harder to learn and two hander is easier to execute. So why is that one hander still around. Easy, it's just better looking, better versatility, harder to read and more powerful with better consistency. It's just plain better. Hey does any 2 handed back hander shoot many backhand slices to great effect. Gentlemen the one handed backhand will be around long after I'm pushing up daisies and we'll worth taking the time to perfect. Sure it's harder than the two hander to learn and in the end very well deserving of your time and effort if you're serious about your game. In truth the two hander is a compromise of your potential as a player. If you're having difficulty learning the one hander. Firstly good footwork is crucial to pulling the ball into the slot (wheelhouse) secondly have your coach show you how to tilt your racquet head forward for more fluidity and easy power. Or just copy Fernando "Gonzo" Gonzales. In my opinion the best one hander that ever lived. Apparently Grigor Dimitrov currently holds the fastest one hander on tour.
I also moved to a one hander and i just love it! Yes, it has its cons but to each folk its own stroke. I am 2m tall and 2 hander just feels super unnatural to me though it is more stable compared to my one hander. But the one hander gives me better reach, better spin and much more power. In addition to that, it brings smile on my face :)
I use to have a two handed backhand but as I got older my shoulders got broader and broader. It became difficult to use a two handed with reduced mobility with my broad shoulders. I am relearning the back hand. So far it is not as good as my previous 2 hander. I also noticed that I now prefer a heavier racket when I hit with a 1 handed backhand.
Saw a 10 year old Japanese born American boy at Moratoglouus centre on video this week. Hits the ball amazingly. He has a fantastic one handed backhand. Reita Yamanaka was his name I think. Worth alook.
I have a one handed backhand and very proud of it can attack with it and slice is my friend but I do get picked on a lot on that side. Once I get a shot out of position I’m screwed for my backhand lol
I love my one hander. I switched from a two handed when in high school. The only issue I have is I need a heavier racket in order to plow through big service returns. Other than that, I wished I had one on both sides at times.
I drive my game with a one hander backhand (top spin and slice)only defending from the forehand side, there is noting so simple as a backhand. If i could use my left I wouldn't bother with forehands.
I came back to tennis at 52 struggled with a double handed back hand converted to single handed back hand. I find Foot work is easier and it feels balanced and flowing .
A two-handed backhand is really easier to use. It requires less timing (i.e., you can hit it late). I learned and still use a one-handed backhand, but I grew up in the Laver and Roswell era. I'm a smaller player, so high backhands are the norm. I'm actually used to it, so it comes back to practice/repetition. My kids were never into tennis (baseball, swimming), but I would have probably started them with a two-hander. May be later, if they wanted to try or I saw skill there, switch to a one-hander? I think there are other advantages to the one-hander than mentioned. Like the disguising of the shot. Running down balls is more "natural". Slice returns, if you are skilled, can put the opponent at a disadvantage. A short, low-slice return puts the server on the defensive, even if they are aggressive and like to come to the net (which a lot don't, so it's another advantage). By the way, Billie Jean King and Rosie Cassels were one-handed, if I remember correctly.
One hander for when I have time. Two hander when the ball is coming in fast. Then again i'm not looking to compete at a high level. Tennis is just for fun
You guys didn't mention the advantages of OHBHs. In many ways say Dimitrov and Musetti both in Top20 because of their incredible backhands with all the variety in the world (none of two handers have)!
That's the problem, it's easier to teach a two handed backhand, I'm 64 and I hit a one handed backhand it's all about preparation on the stroke, I do on occasion see so many players hit the ball late with a two handed background which is impossible to do if you use a one handed background, it's also about what a person prefers, both are beautiful strokes when done properly!!!
Justin Henin for the women had the best one hand and I liked Pete and Roger for the men. I'm 69 and have always used a one hand and I have more control with it that my forehand. I use it because it gives me more reach. I also have a one hand slice and drops. I have it many that have hit on the other side and came back over. I tried a two and could put myself in traction.😄
I think McEnroe simply bunted the ball back. He never really let loose with that backhand. Fed's neo-backhand is the pinnacle of one-handers. He had just massive power and control. He took the ball so early and his timing was incredible. He really showed the world how to beat Nadal and neutralize his topspin forehand. He could return the ball on the baseline and hit through that ball and not chip or slice like every other one-hander. The real issue for the ATP is do you have to have Fed's talent to win with a one-hander cos everyone's two-hander looks nearly identical, robotic and ugly. If the one-hander is gone with Fed, does that signal the end of tennis as a spectators sport? I for one, am not following Tennis as much as I did when Fed was playing and I know of others that feel the same.
Didn't tennis change specs of the ball at some point? Racquet and string technology hasn't hit a ceiling yet so isn't it inevitable that the ball will need to be tweaked? It's almost a matter of feasibility. That could keep the ohbh in play hopefully. All thbh's is boring honestly.
Back in the women's game in the 70's one-handed backhands was more the norm. Billie Jean King, Rosie Casals, Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong all had great and classic one-handed backhands both slice and topspin. Chris Evert was one of the only top players that I remember that used two-handed backhands during that time. And one-handers mentioned could use slice with pace from backcourt and great approach shots for net play and cutting off the ball, not always defensive as people think it is in this current generation.
Eubanks, Dimitrov, Shapovalov, Musetti etc, all have incredible one handed backhands.!
One hander at almost 57 years of age! Plus I mostly use the Wilson Pro Staffs such as the 85”, 90”, and RF97” 😎😎😎👍👍👍😅😅😅 Tennis is still FUN, and great exercise! 🎾🎾🎾
I have a one hander and modelled after Sampras and Federer. I think it is fine and works well as long as you have the strength to return serves on that side. You dont have another arm to hit it but if you get strong and exercise your shoulder its fine. It has more spin then the two, has more reach, and its tricky for where its going. It dont think either is better its just depends on the player. Most started out young with the two so thats why its pervasive now I think.
I developed a one-handed backhand after a bad blister made it hard for me to hit a forehand one day as a teen. Not having a band-aid, I'd run around my forehand and hit a backhand with the same grip the whole afternoon until it stuck. As in forever. Regarding shoulder-high balls I manage to get them somehow using something like a backhand overhead smash. My one-handed backhand is actually my preferred stroke. For the record I'm a woman. Check out Steffi Graff returning Zina Garrison's serves with her backhand at the 1988 Olympics.
I have a 1HBH but taught my teenage son the 2HBH...ease of teaching, ease of learning, more advantages for the modern game, good for generating power off the backhand if you're a kid... those were my reasons...
I blame coaches for this. The one hander is not the problem. When people started hitting with two hands the one hander was the old style stroke evolved for wood rackets and gut strings. The two hander was the modern stroke, and far superior. The one hander has since been modernized to fit the current racket and string technology, and I'd say it's superior as far as attacking tennis. More pace, more spin. The problem is modern coaches all have two handers and don't even know what grip to get the player in. When I hear you guys talk about the pro's and cons of the one hander it's clear that you're not teaching a modern one hand stroke. I've taught it to my son since he was 7, and sure, it was a commitment, but he's 15 now and it's an absolute weapon. On a side note, no body is gathering around at the tournaments to marvel at the beauty of the two handers, but he sure draws a crowd.
Yes, the one hander is better for attacking tennis, but the double hander is far better for defence. Usually, if you're hitting a backhand, you are either in a neutral or defensive position. So it's more important that the shield is rock solid than being able to use it as a bludgeoning tool. If you have the time and opportunity to attack, then you can always draw the sword and run around to hit the forehand.
Agree 100%. If you look at the big picture, the very few one hander manage to reach the top, means that they are quite versatile!
If you have a one handed backhand, you better be able to hit balls on the rise which is a problem for a lot of people. Plus be able to get high balls deep when you can’t hit on the rise. Also have a killer slice.
@@sebastientoussaint5461 That's a great observation!
@@GeneralRock114 I agree. That was what I was thinking with my point about coaches not even being able to even get a player in the proper grip. I think 90% of being able to hit the high ball, and balls on the rise is which grip you're in. They'll stand there and tell you the high one is tough while they're holding a continental grip. Sure is if you try to hit it like that. Just watch Gasquet or Almagro and how they hold the racket. They never met a high ball they couldn't handle.
I play with a one hander and have not had opposing players attack it much. I'm an old guy too. I do attack their two hander though. The downside for me is that your arm will tire after much use. Once that begins, I can switch to my two. It's not as good but still pretty effective, and provides more topspin. I enjoyed the discussion.
My reason for learning the 1 hander b/h was because I was told of all the shots in tennis the 1 hander was the LEAST INJURY PRONE shot in the sport. Ok everyone thinks it looks cool pretty or whatever but I still get less sore hitting a backhand as opposed to a forehand. The opening tells me you're short of material. Ok slow season but the one hander hit properly can be a devastating/hard to read missile. Changing ball direction feels easier with a 1 hander, cutting fine angles again much easier. My buddy took up the 2 handed backhand last year and picked up the worst rotator cuff tear, a year later he still can't play full throttle on any shot. Really sad he's an excellent player.
There's a mockery movie about the dead one handed backhand. Wawrinka, Tsitsipas, Dimitrov, Shapovalov, Rune, Musetti, Gasquet and others star in it. Good for a laugh but here's my point. People keep wringing there hands about 1 hander extinction. How do you explain then the mercurial Tommy Paul or Frances Giovanni, Impechi Perricard. If talking GOAT one hander Federer, Wawrinka, Shapovalov are all excellent but for sure my favourite undoubtedly was a Chilean nicknamed Gonzo by his peers. You might know him as Fernando Gonzales. To me his speed, accuracy, technique (hence easy power) and consistency is still the one hander backhand I'd like to have.
Yes the one hander is harder to learn and two hander is easier to execute. So why is that one hander still around. Easy, it's just better looking, better versatility, harder to read and more powerful with better consistency. It's just plain better. Hey does any 2 handed back hander shoot many backhand slices to great effect. Gentlemen the one handed backhand will be around long after I'm pushing up daisies and we'll worth taking the time to perfect. Sure it's harder than the two hander to learn and in the end very well deserving of your time and effort if you're serious about your game. In truth the two hander is a compromise of your potential as a player. If you're having difficulty learning the one hander. Firstly good footwork is crucial to pulling the ball into the slot (wheelhouse) secondly have your coach show you how to tilt your racquet head forward for more fluidity and easy power. Or just copy Fernando "Gonzo" Gonzales. In my opinion the best one hander that ever lived. Apparently Grigor Dimitrov currently holds the fastest one hander on tour.
I also moved to a one hander and i just love it! Yes, it has its cons but to each folk its own stroke. I am 2m tall and 2 hander just feels super unnatural to me though it is more stable compared to my one hander. But the one hander gives me better reach, better spin and much more power. In addition to that, it brings smile on my face :)
I use to have a two handed backhand but as I got older my shoulders got broader and broader. It became difficult to use a two handed with reduced mobility with my broad shoulders. I am relearning the back hand. So far it is not as good as my previous 2 hander.
I also noticed that I now prefer a heavier racket when I hit with a 1 handed backhand.
Saw a 10 year old Japanese born American boy at Moratoglouus centre on video this week. Hits the ball amazingly. He has a fantastic one handed backhand. Reita Yamanaka was his name I think. Worth alook.
I have a one handed backhand and very proud of it can attack with it and slice is my friend but I do get picked on a lot on that side. Once I get a shot out of position I’m screwed for my backhand lol
I love my one hander. I switched from a two handed when in high school. The only issue I have is I need a heavier racket in order to plow through big service returns. Other than that, I wished I had one on both sides at times.
I drive my game with a one hander backhand (top spin and slice)only defending from the forehand side, there is noting so simple as a backhand. If i could use my left I wouldn't bother with forehands.
I modeled Lendl... father of power tennis. I also have no grip change... samurai with a racquet
I came back to tennis at 52 struggled with a double handed back hand converted to single handed back hand. I find Foot work is easier and it feels balanced and flowing .
I use both. If the ball is hit at a lower pace I will use one, if the ball is too heavy or fast paced I switch to two
A two-handed backhand is really easier to use. It requires less timing (i.e., you can hit it late). I learned and still use a one-handed backhand, but I grew up in the Laver and Roswell era. I'm a smaller player, so high backhands are the norm. I'm actually used to it, so it comes back to practice/repetition. My kids were never into tennis (baseball, swimming), but I would have probably started them with a two-hander. May be later, if they wanted to try or I saw skill there, switch to a one-hander?
I think there are other advantages to the one-hander than mentioned. Like the disguising of the shot. Running down balls is more "natural". Slice returns, if you are skilled, can put the opponent at a disadvantage. A short, low-slice return puts the server on the defensive, even if they are aggressive and like to come to the net (which a lot don't, so it's another advantage).
By the way, Billie Jean King and Rosie Cassels were one-handed, if I remember correctly.
One hander for when I have time. Two hander when the ball is coming in fast. Then again i'm not looking to compete at a high level. Tennis is just for fun
@@c2pascual I was thinking of doing something similar. Two hands when I want to defend and one hand when I want to attack.
I have had a 1-handed backhand all of my tennis life. However, if you see me setting up with 2 hands you're about to get lobbed.
You guys didn't mention the advantages of OHBHs. In many ways say Dimitrov and Musetti both in Top20 because of their incredible backhands with all the variety in the world (none of two handers have)!
That's the problem, it's easier to teach a two handed backhand, I'm 64 and I hit a one handed backhand it's all about preparation on the stroke, I do on occasion see so many players hit the ball late with a two handed background which is impossible to do if you use a one handed background, it's also about what a person prefers, both are beautiful strokes when done properly!!!
i want to see a championn use both. . a good single is a weapon, a two hander is just averagr at best, and a bit ugly
A good backhand regardless of styles is a weapon. But objectively speaking, 2 handers are better under pressure. Especially after 3+ hours matches
At that point why not use forehands on both wings? Nadal is right handed but he hits his forehands with his left so it's possible.
Justin Henin for the women had the best one hand and I liked Pete and Roger for the men. I'm 69 and have always used a one hand and I have more control with it that my forehand. I use it because it gives me more reach. I also have a one hand slice and drops. I have it many that have hit on the other side and came back over. I tried a two and could put myself in traction.😄
Yep I have a one-handed backhand but I’m also a half century old. 🎾
Long live the 1HBH! Dimitrov has the cleanest strokes in the tour today.
I think McEnroe simply bunted the ball back. He never really let loose with that backhand. Fed's neo-backhand is the pinnacle of one-handers. He had just massive power and control. He took the ball so early and his timing was incredible. He really showed the world how to beat Nadal and neutralize his topspin forehand. He could return the ball on the baseline and hit through that ball and not chip or slice like every other one-hander. The real issue for the ATP is do you have to have Fed's talent to win with a one-hander cos everyone's two-hander looks nearly identical, robotic and ugly. If the one-hander is gone with Fed, does that signal the end of tennis as a spectators sport? I for one, am not following Tennis as much as I did when Fed was playing and I know of others that feel the same.
You need heavier racquet for a onehander
Even two handers occasionally hit a slice one-hander.
BJK & Rosie had ohb.
ONEZEE BACKHAND IS AWESOME
Justine Henin had one of the best one handed backhands I've ever seen.
Dominic thime backhand is my ideal dream to have ❤❤❤❤
Is Harry OK? No videos for 4 days.
I have a one handed tennis ellbow.
Didn't tennis change specs of the ball at some point? Racquet and string technology hasn't hit a ceiling yet so isn't it inevitable that the ball will need to be tweaked? It's almost a matter of feasibility. That could keep the ohbh in play hopefully. All thbh's is boring honestly.
needa fix the "backChand"
Add relative newcomer Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard to the one-hander list
oops..you just read him out 😄
I have a one handed backhand unfortunately I am old and nearly extinct hehe 😁
Those that can, do. Those that can't, use two hands.
OHBH till I die.
Back in the women's game in the 70's one-handed backhands was more the norm. Billie Jean King, Rosie Casals, Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong all had great and classic one-handed backhands both slice and topspin. Chris Evert was one of the only top players that I remember that used two-handed backhands during that time.
And one-handers mentioned could use slice with pace from backcourt and great approach shots for net play and cutting off the ball, not always defensive as people think it is in this current generation.