Two Handed vs One Handed, That is the Question!

“I would be teaching a two handed topspin and a one-handed slice and volley. It practically takes a genius to hit a single-handed backhand.” - Martina Navratilova

"If Roger Federer had a two handed backhand nobody would ever beat him"

-Nick Bollettieri

In the 1970's nearly everyone used a one handed backhand. Then came along Chris Evert, Jimmy Connors and Bjorn Borg. The tennis world saw the offense and reliability a two handed back hand could create. That put the artistry and finesse of the one handed back hand on the endangered list and took with it the strategies of several volley, chip and charge returns.

In May 1999 nearly half (43) of the top 100 men players in the world used a one handed backhand. Ten years later the number fell to 28. In 2019 it was 15. On the ladies side there are only 6 players inside the top 200. In a world of instant gratification the two handed back hand is predominately taught to our juniors and beginning players because it is easier and results come more quickly although in reality the one handed backhand is technically a harder shot to hit requiring more footwork. I rarely teach a new player a one handed backhand. But, in a world where most of us are playing more doubles than singles I am a BIG believer in developing a one handed backhand slice, and this is why:: *It's a magnificently crafty way to create low, soft angles to open up the court *A slice backhand stays low often skidding up from the court and causes your opponent to hit up creating opportunities for you at the net *A one handed backhand allows you to have more time to react *There isn't the need to change your grip when you go to the net and volley *A one hander allows you to hit finesse lobs and drop shots, keeping your opponent unaware In my opinion, finesse can beat power! (most of the time) Roger Federer, who is renowned for his beautiful one handed backhand, has been quoted as saying he won't have any of his four children learn the shot. "My kids will learn a two handed backhand. It's easier, it's that simple." ....

Ultimately, it's your game and the choice is yours!

Today's video shows you two of the all time great one handed backhand players; John McEnroe and Stefi Graf playing mixed doubles at Wimbledon in 1999