Tennis: 2 HANDED BACKHAND?

Question

Ok, so when I hit a 2 handed backhand (right handed) it feels like I'm hitting a left handed forehand with some assistance of my right hand. Is it supposed to feel that way, or is it supposed to feel like a one-handed right hand backhand with the assistance of the left hand? thanks!

Answer 1

Your left hand should be your dominant hand.   A great site for stroke instrucation is videojug.com  Check out this video:

http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-mast...

Answer 2

i thought it was a right handed backhand with the assistance of the left..

Answer 3

i think some may feel that way. it is quite OK as some guys in here also mentioned, as long as you feel comfortable and you accomplish acceptable shot. in addition, you may also want to try the following grip: since you're right-handed, right hand - either eastern or continental grip, left hand - semi western grip.

hope it helps :)

Answer 4

You had it right the first time. A two handed backhand (for a right handed player) IS a left handed forehand with help from your dominant hand. That's it! Paul Anacone teaches that in his instructional tennis videos. So the way it feels to you is normal, you just have to get used to it. A one handed backhand feels totally different because your strike position is completely different. The shoulder action and rotation into the shot is different.

Now there is some variance with different players. Andre Agassi for instance has said that he always felt like he was hitting his two hander primarily with his right hand. This is what made his backhand so powerful compared to Andy Roddick who has a weak right grip and hits the ball primarily with his left (non dominant) hand. But Andre was unique. When you look at players like Maria Sharapova (ambidextrous) or Rafael Nadal (right handed but plays lefty) you have two superior two handed backhands on the tour. This is because they are using the opposite hand as the primary on that shot.  

Answer 5

I don't think it matters, as long as it's accurate. Everybody senses their bodies differently. Personally,  I prefer one-handed backhands,  because I learned tennis before anybody really used 2 handed backhands. But I do like the compact quality of the two handed backhand, the few times I've used it.

They said Djokovic used to use a 2 handed FOREHAND when he was younger. My son sometimes does that also. I guess I shouldn't criticize him for it in the future. Anyway, it seems like whatever works for a person and feels comfortable is the right way for that person to hit.