Real Tennis Players - Like You! - Asking For, and Offering, Advice on the Sport They Love
Player to Player is USTA.com’s bi-weekly feature in which everyday tennis players are given a forum to ask advice on the sport they love – and their fellow players will dish out advice. We’ll post a number of the best responses we receive to our question of the week. Please send any questions you’d like answered, or responses to other player’s questions, to Player@USTA.com.
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This week’s question from Mary W. of Falmouth, MA
I've battled with chronic tennis elbow for the last couple of years. I've tried cortisone, physical therapy, arm braces, bands, creams, pills -- you name it! Is there anyone out there who has survived this and kept playing tennis? Is taking a few months off going to help? I love the sport and would be heartbroken to permanently give it up. On the other hand, I feel like I'm making things worse by playing, plus I don't want to let my teammates down by not playing my best.
Please share your advice with Mary W. by e-mailing Player@USTA.com with your name and hometown.
Got a question of your own? Send that along, too.
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Last week’s question from Kevin D. of New York
I am a 34-year-old male player. I've struggled with my one-handed backhand for my whole life, and recently I decided to switch to a two-handed backhand. Does anyone know what the pros and cons are of switching from a one-handed to a two-handed backhand? Also, what are some components from my one-handed backhand that I can apply to a two-handed one?
PLAYER RESPONSES
From Mary W. of Falmouth, MA
I have recently changed from my one-handed backhand to a two-handed version. The pluses definitely outweigh the minuses (in my opinion). First, you get a lot more control, and it takes a lot of pressure off of your arm. Also, because you're using two hands, you avoid having to make a drastic grip change which can cost you time. I also find that I can finally impart more topspin using two hands. A one-handed grip seems to naturally lend itself to more of a slice stroke. The thing I think I like best about having switched is that I can still use the old one-handed if I'm rushed to get to a ball.
From Frank B. of Norman, OK
As many teaching pros will undoubtedly tell you, there is no one great way to hit a two-hander. But if you used an eastern one-handed grip for your backhand, you can still use that for the two. I have also found that the follow through still needs to be up and out. You will finish more over the right shoulder, but still you need to try and get that follow through out and up to help hitting through the ball. I think one of the better illustrations I have had told to me was imagining that you are trying to hit a left-handed forehand. That really helped give me the mental image I needed.
I use a one-handed backhand for my slice and a two-hander for returning serves. If I have time to set up, I will try to drive my two-hander, but after years of hitting a one-hander, I find it difficult under playing situations to go for it.
The obvious lack of reach is a problem with the two, but the added strength outweighs that, in my opinion. It's also good for those shoulder-height balls that are very hard to drive with a one hander. Hope this helps.
From Tony B.
I started with a one-handed because there was only one back then. In the early 80's, I switched to two-handed because Jimmy Connors used two. It worked, but you still need a one-handed slice at times. Eventually I went back to one hand so I could hold three or four balls in my left hand during practice. With all that said, my suggestion is to work on you forehand and make it a real weapon, then your backhand is not as important as it once was. I actually use two hands on hard balls (serve return and deep hard-hit balls that are difficult to control) and one hand the rest of the time. If you have a big forehand, you get a lot of weak replies that you can run around or put away with a forehand. When all’s said and done, whatever works best for you is the one to go with.
From a pro in Dayton, OH
At 34, I hope you have foot speed because when you switch from one to two hands you might gain power, but you'll lose length and the ability to hit a slice on the run. What I would do is learn how to hit a two-handed return of serve. Balls or shots you don't have to reach for with a two-handed backhand are good. Also, players with a two-handed backhand have a little trouble with low shots (slices). But like I said, if you have foot speed you will do better with a two-handed backhand. If you’re slow, keep that one-handed and just learn how to hit it right and how to hit a one-handed slice backhand. You will love it.
From Lindy of Bensalem, PA
Hi Kevin: You didn't exactly say how long you have been using the one-hander, but all your life sounds like a long time. That means a change will be hard. ANY change is hard. Which means it is going to get worse before it gets better. The advantage is that you will have more power. Two disadvantages that I can think of are that you will probably be sacrificing your slice, and it is harder to reach balls hit to your backhand (if you’re a righty). The reach isn't as great. Best advice -- take lessons from a good pro and play as much as you can.
From Jennifer B. of Los Angeles, CA
It can be done. I've had friends who've successfully switched to a two-handed backhand.
Pros: You'll get more power with a two-handed backhand. You'll be able to put more spin on the ball because it'll be easier to come over the top.
Cons: If you've got a slice, you'll give that up with the two-hander. It's a totally different swing, so it'll take a bit of practice. You'll also give up several inches of reach -- which you may want back in a few more years!
Personally, I wouldn't ditch my one-handed backhand for the world. If you've got a natural slice (the "natural" stroke for a one-handed backhand), try practicing against someone who slices like crazy -- such as someone who used to play racquetball. A slice is really tough for opponents to return, and free points are fun! Whatever you decide -- good luck!
From LaRue C. of Alexandria, VA
Kevin, I successfully switched from a one-handed backhand to a two-handed backhand several years ago. It's not an easy transition but can work very well if you stick with it.
Although I'm not a tennis pro, I am a fitness professional who has worked with several players making such a change. We work on strength, movement and balance. These are all important to making this switch successfully.
I'd say one of the big "pros" in the switch will be with your power (the two-hander will be more powerful). Another is disguise (since you can hit the ball later and still generate a lot of power, your opponents have a harder time reading exactly where you are going with your shots). A big "con" is reach, but this can be overcome if you anticipate your opponent's shots well and are quick to respond to the ball. I'd have to say that in my case, the pros far outweighed the cons, and I think it's been a great switch for me.
One component that you can apply from your one-handed backhand is shoulder rotation. Because you're hitting with two hands instead of one, you'll find that rotating your shoulders before the shot is going to be easier and more accentuated since you're also using your non-racquet hand to bring the racquet back.
From Shasta P. of Capitola, CA
I am switching from a two-handed backhand to a one-handed. I heard that the one-handed backhand has a longer reach and better angles and a two-hander just gives more power.
*Please note that any advice given out in this forum should in no way be confused with actual medical advice. Before starting any new exercise regimen or altering your existing one, we strongly urge you to consult with your regular physician.
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