Switching From One to Two-Handed Backhand? | Post Ema Match Training with Shamir

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In today's tennis lesson with Shamir, we discuss the switch from a one-handed to a two-handed backhand.
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[@IntuitiveTennis]

Ema vs Shamir Rematch 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2mZdamglsppg6Msi=nJQYDsQD8TPUDWi6

[@postpunkkid1]

I have a different experience / theory. I used to have a one handed backhand since I started playing tennis as a kid. But after not playing for 20 years or so, when I came back to tennis, my one handed back hand was pretty decent and I could play matches fine etc. But it was so hard to return serves and play high balls that I came to the following conclusion: One handed is great if your timing is perfect, you move your feet really well etc. and you hit 5k backhands a week (or whatever number, but basically, you train that timing a lot). When you don;t have the time to do that, I felt that in my case I would get a more reliable shot as a two-hander. I made the switch. It took me about 1 year to get it decent. But now I can actually compare the two, and I think my theory was proven right. If you don't train like an animal / have limited practice time (like 1 lesson and play a couple matches in a week), the two hander is just more rewarding in terms or reliability. Returning etc is way more productive. That's been my experience.

[@trym54]

100% agree. I also made the switch from 1HB to 2HB

[@nexuseclipse]

Very similar to me (playing again after 20 years doing a desk job). Injured everything (brain and body had different ideas of my capabilities) and was forced to do 2H if i wanted to play. But i didn't stick to the 2H conversion and went back to 1H after my shoulder healed. Now you have have me wondering if I should try it again...

[@kutdrakenbloed]

Exaxtly. Nick might be right that the one handed backhands are technically more sound at 4/5 level, the two handed is way more stable.

[@trym54]

@@kutdrakenbloed Maybe thats the case, but a twohander can be muscled over much more easily than a onehander. So still the best option for most, no matter what level. The only exception would be people 40+ that are very overweight and so unathletic/immobile that a two hander is physiqally difficult to hit because of a large belly

[@dimcorner]

I switch between the two. I can very effectively block a serve one handed but with a two I can add interest and spin. I get better power and penetration with the one but more spin and bigger hitting window with the 2. I basically use my 2 hander against strong opponents or in doubles where it can buy me a bit more time to change my shot selection. Reach is a wash since I can hit the 2 hander open stance comfortably but a one handed open stance is not as precise.

[@d.nakamura9579]

Man, I would’ve LOVED to have had this level of instruction when I was younger and playing

[@ReeCkeh]

I identify so much with Shamir's game and the obstacles he comes across so I'm always clicking the videos he's in.

[@was1swill]

Shamir videos are the best.👌

[@guywhocomments6884]

every one-handed backhand player has experienced that one match that makes them rethink about using a one hander lol

[@Charmander009]

lol since ur a scrub and not a pro it doesn’t matter if u use a one handed two handed or no handed lol

[@Eliath1984]

honestly I never had that moment even in competitive play.. While 2 hand gives easier access to power and stability I always felt like the mobility and versatility of a 1 hand made it worth it.... That and any time I tried to hit a 2 handed backhand the motion of it always felt super awkward for my body.. lol Also Charmander should stick to Pokemon.

it happens every few months lol

[@Lucian86]

Never

[@anonusniogsonisrgnip]

nah if u struggle its cause ur bad, 1hb is an advantage for sure if u know how to hit it well:)

[@pyroboi9401]

I've recently been trying to switch from a one hander to a two hander after I had a disappointing tournament with a one hander. I felt people were targeting that side of my game. It's too early to tell but I think I'll give a two hander six months to a year and see how things go. I do feel that now on the return I can attack immediately instead of having to slice high balls which is new for me and exciting

[@jaygerard4507]

Big Fed fan. Loved hitting a clean one-hander. It’s still fun to whip out occasionally but I’m so so happy I switched to two hands. Far more stable and reliable

[@arunramalingam3857]

Im in the same boat. I have a great one handed slice but no confidence in my topspin/flat one handed so I default to slice in matches. A coach I talked to said stick with one-hander but I want the power that a 2 hander can provide. Strangely, i am unable to unwield that power and the two hander for now seems a little wobbly. But i feel I should continue with progression on the two hander and see where it goes. Would love some thoughts

[@suvadeepmallik1867]

Very impressive one handed backhand

[@ssenssel]

If a player is gonna use a 1HBH, especially an amateur, they need to develop also a killer slice. The problem with Shamir wasn't his 1HBH or lack thereof, but he was missing easy slices into the net. If he kept the ball low and deep he would created at least some problems for Ema attacking style.

[@yeeeaaahmayneee3808]

Very well said,at recreational level a killer slice is possibly the hardest shot for the opponent to deal with

[@pleaseenteraname1103]

Funny is that I started playing tennis when I was 13, and I actually started with a one-handed backhand because I wanted to be like Federer my favorite player of all time, no it’s probably Djokovic but I was a diehard Federer fan back then, and now I’m 17 almost 18. And I tried for about two months to get a one hander and I literally couldn’t even keep the ball in the court there was absolutely no control the ball will just fly into the fence almost every time, I could hit it in practice OK but in an actual match I would miss almost every single one, and my forehand wasn’t that great either. And then my friend who is much better than me who had started playing tennis few years prior suggested I should hit a two-handed backhand and literally within a few days I saw instant improvement and I have hit one ever since.

[@dundundunnnnnn8717]

Damnit I love Shamir videos

[@IntuitiveTennis]

🙌

[@stranger360th]

I am now reaching 59 years and it is all about having a consistent backhand slice that stays low. So the question whether one-handed or a two handed backhand is better will get obsolete with age anyway 😅

[@SuperDutzzy]

C'mon Shamir!!! 💪💪💪

[@FUsheK]

I wish I had started with a two-hander, but I wanted to be cool like Federer. High balls and kick serves on the backhand are always the reason I lose points 😢.

[@igo2054]

thats a nice plot-twist, all this time Shamir had a secret weapon - two hander

[@pencilcheck]

i will continue to use one hander, as I figure out how to hit a good one hander :D

[@dgib1694]

Shamir have been hitting his one hander for 15 years but still slice when playing games. But after only 30min of two hander he was already doing fine. Give him 6 months and he will perform much better with his 2 handers. If Shamir really does not want to switch, at least practice the slice so it becomes a weapon.

[@DanTuber]

it takes years, not 6 months

[@dgib1694]

@@DanTuber to beat his present one hander ? No, much less

[@DanTuber]

@@dgib1694 You obviously didn't watch the video and not listening to nick

[@Mmoran64]

@@DanTuber I switched at 58 years old only took a couple months and I had a good one hander I like my two hander better

[@dgib1694]

@@DanTuber I did but I have a different opinion (and experience, like Mmoran64)

[@p4ndorA]

Since i was a child every trainer told me 2hander is easier. my difficulties were gone when 1 trainer told me to think of a left forehand while playing backhand. when the ball comes fast like for you with emma, maybe your racket is too heavy for topsin? and the slice didnt help..keep it up.

[@gab_ale]

I think Shamir suffers a lot from confidence issues.

[@mteca5093]

Change his strings to 4g SOFT

[@brendanlawton9822]

Shamir is 34?? I thought he was like 25 lol

[@zero-h8n]

35 is the new 25… or at least that’s what I tell myself as a 32yo lol

[@knotwilg3596]

He's good looking and fit, but the body is not that of a 20-something.

[@anthonyt7173]

Personally I think Shamir is using a much to demanding racket for his level, the 330 gr Yonex Percept 97H 😮

[@bsinghgill]

Agree, nice to see someone else chiming in on this subject. I’ve mentioned this answering another poster. Nick needs to mention this to Shamir, and if he reads enough comments on it, hopefully he’ll bring it up on their next session. Hell, if I lived in the US and in the same area, I would even loan him a lighter racket of mine to prove a point. Nick, please take note and suggest a lighter racket to Shamir 🙏

[@propgee]

330 on 97 is tough stuff. 330 must go with a smaller head

[@petershort936]

@@bsinghgill I've been clamoring about this for at least 3 videos.

[@petershort936]

@@bsinghgill Get the standard Percept 97 and add a touch of weight, make it a 315g racquet and his strokes won't be as slow.

[@rahuljoshi7759]

@@petershort936 Actually that’s what I did . I increased weight to 323 gm ( made is head heavy) and 3 and 9 also has some weight because this racquet needs a little bit more stability against strong servers Percept 97 Swing wt. : 330gms Racquet wt (strung ) :323gms String : Mains ( toro toro @53) Cross (enso pro at @51)

[@petershort936]

Please try a lighter racquet. I can't imagine a 4.0+ level rec player swinging a ohbh with a 330g racquet.

[@virtualyme7659]

I've been teaching for about 20 years. I've also mentioned before in other posts to your channel that I had a one-hander when I started playing in the 80s. When I started teaching in the 2000s I thought it incumbent upon myself to learn how to hit a two-hander so I would better be able to teach it. It ended up my two-hander was more reliable than on my one-handed drive ever was under pressure. The only advice I might give you for your student would be to look at how he is uncoiling and at times he arms the shot and doesn't use the bigger muscles and his torso to uncoil. When I got rushed with a one-hander i tended to do the same thing. I also hit better on the run to my backhand then sometimes when I was set. I believed it again has to do with body positioning and uncoiling properly. Setting early on a ball down the middle or more specifically on a return you need to make a more conscious effort to get turned to the ball. I don't know if you're seeing what I am but of course you are in a better position to judge. Definitely no criticism of you or your student. We all seek to improve ☮️

[@RCShufty]

Man, his OHBH is so good, it makes me sad he kept slicing in that game instead of just trusting the OH.

[@info781]

I see that all the time with one handers, it is just instinct to protect the shoulder.

[@anonusniogsonisrgnip]

Seems absurd to suggest that Shamir should switch from 1hb to 2hb. He spent 15 years playing 1hb and has a great looking stroke! Just keep working on that side if its his weakness! Would be perfect to do backhand drills to improve his game, but dont switch please! Thats like bailing out and starting from 0. Its delusional to think that 1 or 2 hands matter especially at 4.0-5.0 level, one is not superior stroke its up to the player to improve, theres no easy way. If he REALLY struggles with return of serve, then use 2 hands on the return.

[@icefalcon2243]

The heavy racket is more of an issue . His one handy looks great!

[@steeel]

You guys are hardcore. I want to go to Florida to have a good hit.

[@info781]

Florida is tennis paradise.

[@fearhand]

100% more natural as two hander my opinion. Switch to it and win more matches.

[@Didymus1984]

I’m not kidding at all when I say this: you and Shamir need to do a weekly podcast with a different person from your network of tennis people to sit in as a guest each week (Emma, Milan, some pro- or semi-pro players, etc.). The riffing and banter will be great to listen to. And of course you’ll talk about tennis stuff to keep you on track. I’m telling you, it would be gold-no other tennis podcast like it. Please like this comment if you agree.

[@IntuitiveTennis]

🙌

[@CameronOfDune]

I’m someone who’s played with a one-hander since I picked up a racket, I’ve tried playing with a two-hander, but it’s always felt so awkward for me.

[@Charmander009]

That’s cuz ur a scrub that doesn’t know anything

[@Eliath1984]

super relatable.. I always felt cramped when I tried to work on a 2hander.. just didn't feel like a natural movement for my body..

[@dmf30]

I aml a lefty with a one handed backhand. When I pay baseball, I bat right handed so i thought a two handed backhand would mirrow my right handed batting . But it feels real awkward for me and the racket feels too small.

[@MarcoSolidx]

I’m the opposite 😂. I play with 2hands and feel so awkward playing with 1hand

[@Eliath1984]

​@@MarcoSolidx at the end of it I think it kind of depends on the player you idolized when you were building your game.. it kinda has a little something mental to it that kinda blocks you from totally accepting the other for yourself.

[@gregglegend]

Still feel you guys didnt give his 2HB enough of a chance. I've switched from 1 to 2 and the consistency increase has been huge. Easy power with the 1HB, but it feels inherently less reliable in matches My 2 cents...good luck

[@meharvirdi1719]

love this content, and both of your willingness to engage with the comments and experiment!

[@jssflrnt1932]

It would be amazing if you could invite for a match a high level player with a one handed backhand so we can get some tips !! 🎾🎾

[@-Munditimum-]

That's the shiniest tennis court I've ever seen on Nik's channel. Rain? What rain? There is no rain when there is dedication. Thank you Nik and Shamir. Love the series. Nik BTW, John McD just passed away. Sad news for both of us but his legacy with live on helping our tennis performance. Cheers! M

[@IntuitiveTennis]

RIP John McDougall

[@alastairtheduke]

3:22, agree with Nick. 2 hander is so confusing at rec level, specifically which arm is dominant. It's easier to get the ball over the net which means players will just do whatever works. A one hander will tell you quicker if you hit it right.

[@ThuDude1]

1HBH is the technically simpler, but still harder because you have fewer compensations. You have a whole other arm to adjust with the 2HBH and help when you're tired. You can have bad form and be late with 2HBH and still be ok at rec level. Footwork and timing needs to be perfect for a consistent and quality 1HBH.

[@MarcoSolidx]

That’s the point 1HBH is disappearing from the high level. The time window you have to hit a 2HBH is bigger

[@ThuDude1]

@@MarcoSolidx You are correct but not sure how this is relevant to my response to the "easier" claim from the vid or making a change after several years. I think many rec players make the change in the other direction because 2HBH is harder on your body, specifically the back. Also, there aren't many high level players watching these videos haha.

[@MarcoSolidx]

@@ThuDude1 it’s funny, because I had a reverse story of Shamir. Had a more or less 2HBH, tried to switch to 1HBH and was a disaster. So transformed my 2HBH and now is pretty reliable on stress situations

[@info781]

@@ThuDude1 muscular men may have issues with the 2hbh as they do not do the hip turn properly and muscle the ball. Women and juniors have to use the hips to get weight on the ball.

[@ThuDude1]

@@info781 if you're saying that strong men generate more force (and have longer torsos), and therefore are more susceptible to injuries from repetitive dynamic movements like 2HBH, then yes I agree!

[@alfandosavant4639]

Just my take, pls take a grain of salt with it. I have the same situation as Shamir here, 8 years playing using 1HBH, good at slow-paced ball or double matches. One day I played single and my opponent just tortured me, cornering me into the backhand corner. Granted, I lost that match. Impulsively, I ditched my 1HBH and tried to learn 2HBH. It's a completely different stroke. My 1HBH is better offensively, but I can defend well with my 2HBH. Now I use my 2HBH almost exclusively. Sometimes I still miss the pace of my 1HBH, but for my backhand defense, 2HBH is better.

[@info781]

Same experience for me, no one can bully a two-hander. It took me a long time to make the change. During a hard third set , when you are tired, I will prefer my two hander over my forehand.

[@Mmoran64]

I have played with a one hander since a kid and use to receive lots of compliments on my ability to hit with heavy pace and topspin, but after a shoulder injury at 56 years old that kept me out of the game for two years when I returned to the game at 58 it hurt my shoulder to play one handed (no problem with slice, just whip action on top spin) I switched to a two hander and love it. had to get use to a little different footwork, racquet prep etc... but I would never go back to a one hander. two hander more forgiving, more stable usually more power, easier on the shoulder and is like having two forehands.

[@Shaunsweeney-Kubach71]

Shamir don’t take advice off people who don’t play tennis! Keep the one hander! I have been playing with a two handed backhand for over 35 years and it’s not easy to do if it’s not practiced everyday!

[@arunramalingam3857]

Does nick take lessons? I need someone good to decide if i should go 1 or 2

[@chrisBDS]

Shamir interrupts Coach Nik a lot...and makes an excuse for everything Coach says. Sometimes, it's just about listening to the coach and adjusting. And lack of intensity is still the thing I've noticed the most. The technical skills are there though for the most part. Really pushing for him to get over the mental block. We're all rooting for success.

[@jaygerard4507]

Every video, yes. I catch myself making excuses with my coach and I make myself stop and listen. Good kid. Great videos! But he needs a bit more self-awareness

[@ranjanjha1044]

I loved this video and its message. I’m in the same boat as Shamir - 1HBH - that is quite decent when I’m practicing with my coach but falls apart against a strong opponent. My coach has asked me to not hit any slice for now and hence even more challenging. Switching to 2HBH is very tempting as if it will be the magic pill to all the issues - but clearly this video has proven otherwise. Thanks Nik and Shamir for this video 🙏

[@Shaunsweeney-Kubach71]

I love the rain after training on the courts! It’s so hot down here in Florida! Great job on the video Coach.

[@user-jb2vo6qi4h]

"Shamir, how long did you hit two handers during your 'Agassi phase'?" "About a month" -- cracked me up. Anyway, Nik, is Shamir hitting 4G/4GS and if so what tension, your recommended 40lb range? Thanks

[@IntuitiveTennis]

He is still stringing too tight. I think he is scared to go low. Rn it’s at 49, I want him in the low 40’s

[@hilawes]

I almost switched to a one hander but I didn't want to commit to awkward slices on higher balls. Would rather hit through it with a flatter two handed swing.

[@julius3531]

its going to be amazing when Shamir can hit those super sharp cross court angles with his one hander! one step at a time 💪

[@JohnMoore-h7s]

Shamir's one-hander is great! If he was just starting out, it would make sense to go with two hands. But after so many years of playing, it would be tough to make the change. Even if he could hit well in practice, the pressure of the match would make him want to revert to the one-hander. Also, as he gets older and has more difficulty moving, the one-hander will give him just a little bit more of an advantage of reaching balls and also being able to hit on the run with the one-hander.

[@bartholomewlyons]

Which specs is Shamir’s Yonex Percept?

[@bsinghgill]

Percept 97H. Way too heavy for him. Nick needs to convince him to use a lighter racket 😢

[@bartholomewlyons]

@@bsinghgill that is what I was getting at. He needs a 100sq.in with max 300 gr weight at his low level of play. He is hardly a 4, more like between 3.5 and 4. Using a 330gr racket is ridiculous

[@Eric0816]

When I started to play tennis Lendl, Becker, McEnroe, Gomez, Edberg, Cash, Mayotte......pretty much every top male player used a one hander. It was just freaks like Wilander, Mecir and Agassi who played the two hander. I played the one hander and it seemed natural to me. Then Ivanisevic came on tour and I thought that he was cool so I tried the two hander a bit but I couldn't get it working. I felt that I lost all touch once the second hand grabbed the racket. It felt somewhat numb. It was like playing tennis with boxing gloves on. There was only one shot that I instinctively played two handed. The backhand topspin lob! For some reason I felt the touch when doing this shot. But only if I had time to set it up. I couldn't understand why I could hit a lob two handed but no other shot. Over the years I slowly but surely lost the two handed topsin lob but if go for it consciously I can still do it.

[@BiSONN16]

Don't do it Shamir! We need more one-handers in the game and you got a good one! I'm in the same boat as you. I seem to crush it in drills etc but when it comes to match time the slice somehow sneaks in way more often than it should. But I've been working on it and it's starting to come out a bit more these days! Hitting a one-handed beautifully timed winner is the best feeling ever!

[@ST-xg3gy]

Great student. Great enthusiasm. Agree, stick with one handed. Also, what is the Mardy Fish documentary? On Netflix? 👍

[@IntuitiveTennis]

On Netflix yes

[@dakeras2410]

It takes a higher skill ceiling to play an *effective* one-handed backhand than a two-handed backhand. Put this way can you imagine Wrawinka winning grand slams with a 2 hand backhand? I have consistency drills with my son and his one handed backhand is more consistent than his forehand. What does however happen is that he runs around many backhands and eventually hits one backhand for every four forehands, thus when he is forced to play the backhand, he hasn't hit any for 2 or 3 rallies. Each players is different, play what suits the player and what the player believes in.

[@info781]

I was this way with a 1hbh, decided I did not want to run around it anymore so I switched.

[@dakeras2410]

@@info781 Yep, a lot of players are/were successful with running around their backhand. Federer, Sampras, Muster, but you will always struggle with it being a real weapon (like Wrawrinka) if you only play it 20% of the time. If you don't have confidence, rather switch to 2 handed.

[@Dasato123]

There is about a 1 inch gap between Shamirs hands when he hits the two hander. He’s probably doing this to get more control of the racket head but it will lead to less racket head speed and more Muscling of the racket and less ballistic swinging. Looked at another way if the vast majority of pros don’t do this why should a rec player have a unconventional technique especially since he’s not going to make it his full time job to make it work like a pro would.

[@Ockv74]

Thanks coach, I really need to do this!!!❤❤❤

[@FMD023]

You will need to have even better footwork if you use a one hand bh. I used to have a two hander back when I was a junior and less than 100 lbs. I have short bulky arms and wide chest. It feels like I’m trying to stretch every time I hit so I have no choice but to go one hand. I have to play 1-2 feet behind the baseline. That’s where I am comfortable because I have time to load up and leverage my hips. That and if the ball is a deep floater I have time to move back. If I’m playing at baseline and the ball is deep I have to slice it or catch it on the rise. I’m only 5”5 so high balls are more difficult when I’m standing near the baseline. Lucky for me I just play recreationally because if I played a match, all someone has to do is hit deep and then drop shot at the right time. One hand bH is one of the most beautiful shot in tennis but if you have the fundamentals n mechanics at the recreational level, it is easy the most horrific looking shot out there 😅. So many recreational players open up way too early, flick their wrist, and don’t remain sideways. I made sure when I switched that I don’t look ate up when I play. Self recording and reps with my tennis ball machine did wonders.

[@emmettebramble10]

In reality, his two handed backhand fell apart for the same reason why his one handed backhand fell apart vs Emma. Once the level went up the lack of repetition under faster conditions does not allow him to be successful. His coordination cannot keep up. He needs repetition under high pressure/stress to develop the muscle memory and having success with his execution

[@AdultPlaysTennis]

I love it. Talking tennis in the rain ;)

[@RaphaClassic]

I actually switched from a 1HBH at age 11 and it was one of the best decisions in my tennis career for me. With the 2HBH I got **directly** better in matches, high balls, low balls. I would **never** have reached my current level with a 1HBH. I am also 5'9 and I believe the 2HBH is better for 'shorter' players as you will get so many shoulder level and above balls when you are shorter. Shamir has a good 1HBH, mine was also 'not bad', but maybe the two-hander will just prove better in the long run.

[@djp3525]

I have shorter arms and a bigger chest/shoulders. 2 hand is restricting. Someone like Medvedev and Zerev are knuckle draggers.

[@CoachRyan727]

Very Florida video, sunny rain 🌧️ ☀️ out of nowhere 😂

[@IntuitiveTennis]

💯

[@giorgioc6765]

Nik, thanks a lot for this. I started in the 80s, completely self-taught. At the time it was of course a 1hbh, a lousy one. Then I stopped for a long time, since a couple of years ago, when I started back playing regularly, mainly doubles. That means a lot of playing but a very little quantity of BH (just like you were saying about Jack Sock). About one year ago I decided to try and learn 2HBH, and to be honest it has always happened to me the same as Shamir in this video: pretty good against the wall and with ball feeding, non-existent in rallies, because I never developed any trust on it. So after watching this video, just yesterday evening I played singles and tried going back to the 1HBH: it immediately felt better than the two hander, and honestly better than it has ever been in the past. It felt USABLE. Tomorrow I'll have a lesson with a coach and I'll ask him to make an evaluation as you did with Shamir. But I think my mind is made up.

[@ajmcdaddy4215]

I tried switching from a one-hander to two-hander when I had tennis elbow. I could hit a decent ball but it was all very mechanical. I then tried switching to playing left and right forehands (I'm right-handed but play cricket and table tennis left hander), and whilst I could hit a decent ball it was too confusing. However, the training hitting left-handed forehands actually helped a lot when I switched back to two-handed as I was now more accustomed to the turn of the body and using the left hand for control, so I became less mechanical. My two-hander still isn't as good as my one-hander (I've switched back to one), but the two-hander I learnt comes out I few times when I'm under pressure and don't have time to set for the one-hander.

[@ccdemagician2]

I experience the same doubt as Shamir. The one-handed backhand feels like a liability especially on high balls. But I tried a bit of 2 handed backhand, and it's worse cuz I keep hitting the net

[@ilive2drive651]

I switched Due to injury...my shoulder just can't take the fallow through on the one hander

[@robertl426]

I havent played in years, and it was primarily in the 90's when I played a lot. I had a one handed BH that was better than my forehand. I could hit a two hander for fun, but it tended to go high over the net when I did. The swing mechanics are very very different, hence it's a difficult switch to do.

[@scottfahy5468]

Watched this with my wife and she noticed right away that Shamir's arms were so close to his body on the two hander he had no power. The one hander is a much better choice for him.

[@neygercey7899]

That’s my problem. Changing from 1 hand to 2 hands BH at age of 65, after using slice and 1 hand BH. It’s tough.😮

[@karlopeternel7685]

I love my one-handed backhand, I would never even try two-handed backhand, yaaaack, two-handed is disgusting. With one-handed I get beautiful angels, beautiful topspin, more using aggressive slice also, I love it, one just needs to know how to do it properly, has to be simple

[@stranger360th]

90% of recreational players have a weaker backhand than forehand…funny though many recreational players do not play up to this. They try to out perform each other on the forehand side instead of just throwing a high ball on the backhand and finish with a volley. (Genaugenommen haben viele Medenspieler überhaupt keinen Plan, wenn sie auf den Platz gehen 🤪)

[@melfox215]

Being a one handed backhand player myself, I think the one hander is inferior. Considering most players under age 40 have a two handed bh might be a sign for it. Anyhow I face many players in competitive matches that switch to one handed slice when the match begins independent if they have a one handed or two handed bh . Watching some semi pro (national ranked players) tournaments, I barely remember anyone playing one handed backhand disregarding few slices. The evolution of tennis within the last 30 years indicates the same scenario where hardly anybody plays the bh one handed. So I guess this development will continue looking at signature players like Alcaraz, Sinner, Swiatek, Gauff, etc.

[@kickdogseal]

My Two Handed BH used to be destructive when I was a young teen. Always had a weaker forehand. But after not playing for a decade and only recently been getting back to it, its ridiculous how terrible it has become. I am hitting better one handers than two handers weirdly. Guess I am old.

[@grainsdor]

I’m left handed person but for some reason I play tennis with my right. I used to play one handed backhand but I had to switch to a two handed. It gives me much more power, I can easily return fast shots etc. It didn’t take me long time to switch probably because I m also left handed. But i still have much more control and precision with one handed backhand

[@miguelbarahona6636]

If you have a one handed backhand: love it, embrace it, trust it, drill it, feed balls with it, if someone on other court asks you for a ball, pass them it with a backhand. Watch the best one handers: Wawrinka, Federer, Musseti, Kuerten.. for inspiration. The time will come when other players start commenting how beautiful and reliable is your backhand.

[@JV-py3lg]

It is a beautiful swing, until it’s your least reliable shot and you lose because of it

[@jaygerard4507]

That’s the thing…these are world-class athletes. I was very stubborn and thought I would never switch from my beautiful one-hander, but switching to two is the best decision I’ve ever made in tennis

[@info781]

Agree but it is too tempting to fall back to the slice, that could work if you promised yourself never to slice.

[@sarkology]

Most problems with the 1 handed BH can be fixed with a more modern grip like Guga. I think it would help Shamir too his grip looks too close to continental and he will have a hard time against modern game players like Ema

[@info781]

I did the switch to 2hbh about 8 years ago, for the simple reason that the one hander was breaking down during the third set and I was dropping balls short. Too much work for one shoulder. The switch can be tough, remember the 2hbh is nothing like a left handed forehand, it is a like a one hander with a supporting arm. The tough part is muscular men will try to hit with no hip turn, so they will have back problems . Women and juniors use the hips and it is more fluid for them.

[@nachoelg]

You should give more time tonyour two handed. There is a switching grips thing that you need to get used to. I switched to 2 handed for exatcly the same reasons and now i am happy, took me 6 months 😊. The main thing is confidence and in my case it was imposible to gain with one hand

[@adamrosenthal3072]

A 4.0 with a good one handed slice can do some real Damage. I thought his one hander was pretty good. Nothing would have helped against the Pro however.

[@chalk9352]

I had the same problem but with my forehand. I am a lefty and I didn't trust that shot. After one match with a friend something clicked inside my head and I said that i not gonna be bullied again on that shot. It's not a easy fix. Just trust the shot and repeat it in practice. He will get there. He wants it and he has a coach who can get him there. Otherwise they wouldn't talk about tennis in the rain.

[@smithjoshua99]

I tried switching from one handed to two handed, and the two hander started hurting my back so much. I don't have a bad one hander, i just hate returning serves with it. So we're gonna compromise and return two handed

[@rcyc]

I think the 2hbh is a simpler stroke and it's easier to take high balls. Also the early preparation & timing isn't as critical as compared to the 1hbh.

[@chrishartman9467]

next plan against the female pro is to run around every backhand and hit a forehand and drop shot her followed up by a lob after the first set she will give up sadly I did that to a guy on clay once cause he was a baseliner and he blew his knee out.

[@LegolasD]

He should definitely switch the biggest pro is his return of serve will be much stronger with 2h

[@cekinekshn]

2HBH for rec level is just superior - deal with it

[@robertsullivan6246]

This will be a game changer for Shamir.

[@rochesternewyork7814]

Hey Nick, I want to come and train for a week or two. what do I need to do?

[@nicolasX2602]

Shamir plays for 15 years ? I thought 3 years the most!!!

[@patrickweston3293]

That was great coaching. You meet the player where he's at and help him with HIS game.

[@mib910]

restriction could be bc no muscle memory yet

[@SamantarMaitra]

Hey Nick i have question I have played tennis over a decade and I use a two handed backhand and as I turned a bit old should I switch to one handed as it provides less pressure on my shoulders and hand would it be a worth it descision

[@info781]

You think the one-hander is less pressure? You are putting the whole match on one shoulder. Easy to do in practice, but not when the back hand is under attack.

[@adammadrista3196]

How I wish I had w coach like you.

[@wildmanauh]

Shamir needs serious training on his footwork

[@criktun3346]

But Nick, why not focus on Forehand + Slice? ONLY Why over complicate it with the 1HB also? Let Shamir play slice, FORCING the 1HB mid-match makes him way more tense, let him hit his 1HB naturally on weak balls

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Shamir’s 1-H BH is way better than his slice. Slice needs work. In matches his misses it more than his 1-h

[@criktun3346]

@@IntuitiveTennisreally wow, surprising he needed you to tell him that, he does have a v good 1HB your right

[@IntuitiveTennis]

@@criktun3346 we talked about this during the match. We will work on the slice as well, but reg BH takes priority rn.

[@MAELOB]

I will play him when i get healthy again 😉

[@robertosilvestrelli]

is Shamir Racket good for a one hander?

[@damirvaleev1293]

to be honest, his two-handed looks like one-handed with extra hand, so you can't actually compare them, still believe he could play better with two-handed

[@smashsquirtle4378]

That’s exactly what I was thinking

[@williewasahippie]

I grew up with a one hander. I can still rip it. I could never hit a two hander solidly or with any pace. Learning the 2HBH is easier for kids to learn, I believe. But the 2HBH is more versatile (offense, defense, slice, approach shots, and can provide more pace). While you have more reach with the 1HBH, one weakness can be the return of serve & not being as solid as a 2HBH.

[@propgee]

Shamir's problems are mental, really

[@propgee]

I wager Shamir is right eye dominant

[@5ammy13]

I was surprised at his 2 hand backhand game when he was being fed the ball, because I just couldn't figure out the 2 hander when I tried to switch. Then, I saw him rallying and I recognized that LOL. It is super weird going to a 2 hander if you have been a 1 hander all your life.