Why Choose A Double Handed Backhand In Tennis?

The one handed backhand is a fantastic shot to play and gives players great satisfaction

, but its not as easy to master as the two handed shot.

The three major assets of a double handed backhand are:

1. Strength

2. Control

3. Disguise

How we can consider these assets tactically

Hitting on the Rise (Taking the ball early)

By using both hands, great strength can be imparted which allows a player to hit this shot both consistently and effectively.

The advantages are numerous:

* Hitting on the rise gives the opponent less time to recover

* Hitting further up the court creates more angles i.e. widens out the opponents court

* Easier to generate pace the longer the wait the slower the pace of the incoming ball

* Sends a message of aggressive intent to the opponent

This aggressive tactic is applied in particular to the second serve return. You only have to watch Nadal, Sharapova or either Williams sister to notice this. They move towards the ball in order to cut off the angle.

First Serve Returns

The use of both hands helps the player absorb fast incoming serves and then able to discharge ample amounts of force in deflection.

This does not take anything away from single handed backhands, where you will see Roger Federer topspin a backhand where most players will slice, but most club players who use single handed backhands tend to block fast returns and create a more neutral return where a double handed shot can impart a more aggressive response with topspin.

This is especially true when dealing with a body serve.

High and Wide Balls

Many single backhand players may struggle with these types of balls, especially young juniors. I maybe should not be saying this because as you know I teach Charisma who as petite seven year old hits a one handed backhand and we have been working on this very issue.

Yes she can hit a very useful two hander but it is entirely her choice to play one handed. Who am I to argue? She will find her way, at least she can do both and therefore has options.

Though it is possible to counter a high ball with one hand the two handed shot has the strength to hit up and across this ball at shoulder height especially for junior players

Summary

No I do not necessarily favour a two handed backhand over a one handed backhand! My philosophy is like buying a pair of shoes. Try lots of pairs on. They all have their good points but eventually you will find the pair that is right for you, even though your partner may say well I thought the other ones suited you better.

by: John Littleford

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