two handed forhand

I am looking for infromation on two-handed forhands. Due to some trouble with my wrist, I think this would add more power to my very week returns. I use a two handed back hand but not sure how to add the second had to the forhand. Any ideas?

I use two hands on both sides. I just add my left hand on top of my right for the forehand and get great underspin. Of course, it looks awful, but gets the job done; almost unreturnable it bounces so low. Don't think this is the "right" way to do it, but who cares? Just do it like you're swinging a baseball bat left handed.

I've got a two handed forehand as well. You end up cross handed and lose a bit of reach. I'm not sure you'll necessarily get more power. I find I get more control. Players like Hewitt and Agassi have 2 handed backhands, but go to the 1 hand forehand for the killer shot.

Famous players with 2 handed forehands - Monica Seles, Gene Mayer, Fabrice Santoro, Hans Gidemeister. By gripping the racket firmly with the additional hand, you should be able to get some interesting spins through the bending of the wrists.

I personally don't play a wristy style, but it's definately a possibility.

On my high school team there is a really little player who uses a junior racket and has a two handed forehand. Amazingly he has very good court placement with a two handed forehand and I haven't seen him hit one off the court yet. He doesn't have alot of power even with both hands but he has great control.

I believe that if the two handed shots don't come naturally to you then you shouldn't use them. I have a single handed forehand and backhand - thats how I naturally began to play. I have developed a double handed backhand for certain shots (usually shots that come close to the body) but they are never as effective as the natural shot (in my case, the single hander). If you learn to play shots properly by rotating the body instead of putting all the stress on the wrist then you'll develop more power without the pain. I've had carpal tunnel syndrome operations on both my wrists and I've had to learn to hit shots with a less wristy action. It pays off.

I have observed pros using two-handed forehands and backhands. Of course you are going to get more stability and power, but this is going to come with a price unless you already know and have the ability to hit one handers. My philosophy in this arena is this: Don't adopt something you have either seen on tv or heard through the tennis vine unless you already have the basic techinques of tennis down. i.e. for a strong serve to be adopted, you should already have a very high percentage serve that you can always fall back upon for your second. Same advice works for all ground strokes, volleys and slice's.

There is a great article in Tennisone.com that talks about the two handed forehand (unfortunately you must be a member to access it). I adopted this stroke in the past year and had some pretty good success with it. My forehand was usually my weakest side. I constantly shanked balls left and right. With the 2 hands though, I have significantly cut down the number of tennis balls that fly (consistency has gone up for me). Luckily for me the transition wasn;t difficult at all. I know some people watch me play like I have an extra head attached to me cause to them it looks kind of stange.

I play with an eastern grip on both the forehand and backhand side. I will occasionally change the grip a little depending on the ball. I personally like the 2 handed grip but found that when I have to hit a one hander my mechanics have improved. I don;t shank the ball as much on 1 handed shots now too. Playing this way doesn;t hurt my body as much. The shock is transmitted to both arms vice one.

The only downfall that I can see with this stroke is that you have to be a little more speedy on the court. The amount of reach that you have is less than the conventional one handed forehand. But that just makes you have to work on the footwork more (which isn;t all that bad).

Thats my opinion on this stroke. And just a little back ground on myself. I started tennis 2 years ago and played using only 1 hand (and played horribly). But a wrist injury led me to the 2 handed system and I been using it since.

I too find that practicing a two-handed stroke improves the one-hander. I always had a one-handed backhand. It used to be my better shot. But when I developed a big forehand, it atrophied because I began running around a lot of backhands to unload my big shot.

One day, just for the heck of it, I decided to see what a two-handed backhand feels like, so I started hitting some against a wall. I found that when I then let go, my one-handed shot was better. My preparation and footwork were better, my swing was straighter -- everything was better! To this day, when I start missing backhands, I hit two-handers for awhile to straighten my backhand out.

As for a two-handed forehand, I think it helps to keep in mind that you drive the racket through with the hand behind. For a right-hander, that would be your right hand on the forehand side and your left hand on the backhand side. So, on a two-handed forehand, you're still driving the racket with your right hand, not pulling it with your left.

What grip do you use for a two-handed forehand??

I use my right hand at the bottom of the racket, and the left hand on top for a backhand..is it the same for a forehand?

another reply would be helpful

i just grab it like volley grip and then just alternate the top hand's grip. the bad thing about this is that you have to play with a hard hitter, this is because you mostly brush up the ball to stop it from going out. this is also efficient because you don't really need alot of time to get yourself into position. :cool:

wang THANK YOU SIR.

i'm not sure if you can get use to it fast, it took me several days! but i like it

The two handed forehand is obviously a rare stroke style, however if your successful, go for it! But remember, only a handfull of successful ATP pros have used it over many years so that should tell you something. If this type of stroke was all that, and had a whole lot to offer, there would be many more people doing it and pros teaching it! If you are injured and it is the only thing that helps, its better than giving up the game. Rock on!

I have just switch this week from a one handed forehand to two handed and loved it! It was so natural for me. Just to let you know that usually a set with my hitting partner lasts about 45 minutes or more because we are so evently matched - it's like a dog fight! 8 to 10 Deuces or more with each other are so common whenever we play each other. With my new two handed forehand, I beat him in less than 25 minutes. I was very pleasantly surprised that I had only 5 unforced errors in the entire set (a very rare thing for me).

My hitting partner was amazed that all shots that I hit with my two handed forehand went in. He used to hit to my forehand side all the time because he knows I will make unforced errors by hitting my one handed forehand long - not any more with my two handed forehand! Strangely enough, it didn't effect my reach at all.

FYI: I switched from a one handed backhand to two handed backhand a few months back and the results were great - balls land in most of the time. Playing two handed backhands and forehands for me is natural. I'm not a strong physically and with this two handed strokes I definately get more control and power.

I would only recommend two handed forehand only if it feels natural to you. Please ask your coach/pro.

Oh, I forgot to mention that the reasons why I use the two handed backhands:
1. I get very wristy - my coach and all my opponents tell me that. My opponents would say "just hit to his forehand side and get errors from him!".
2. I used to get mucle aches on my forearm - near "tennis elbow" area when I use the one handed forehand.
3. More power - I'm not physically strong. I can hit difficult passing shots much better than when I used a one handed forehand.
4. More control - I can place the ball better

Good Luck,

Many years ago, I played against a terrific player named Ron Holmberg, who hit two-handed from both sides. He went on to a successful pro career, but back then guys were playing with wood racquets.

The velocity men hit with today would require you to be extremely quick, because your reach is reduced with a two-handed stroke. Players with only one two-handed stroke can cheat a bit, but if that's all you have from both wings, you've limited your chances at getting to those angles.

i also hit cross handed two handed forehand. my only real problems are trying to reach really wide shots and trying to set land speed records with it.
i hit a few good ones then keep hitting harder and harder until i almost black out. it sure is fun.

My two handed backhand gives me a great comfort and control plus power, and I have no problem to turn my waist when hitting a down the line or cross shot, I just wonder if you guys have any problem or discomfort when doing the same to two hand forehand as you will have to turn your waist like you do to the backhand side right?? I want to learn two handed forehand as I have a big problem on my single hand forehand , lack of control and power.

Hey guys,
I used a two-handed forehand in a match against a hard-hitter the other day, but it didn't reached further than the net and the service line and the bounce was too high. Do you have any suggestions, maybe I have to use more power??
I'm sorry my english isn't very well but I'm from Belgium(you all know Belgium I guess from Henin-Hardenne and Clijsters).
Bye

Well, never say "never." But the two-handed forehand is rare because there are problems with it. It's not just the mirror image of a two-handed backhand, because your dominant arm is the one in back on the forehand side, not the one in front, as on the backhand side. This is why there's no established way to best grip the racket. Some players cross their arms, most don't. Either way you do it has drawbacks.

Having the limited reach of a two-handed stroke on both sides would give a lot of court away, too.

So, I would think it over long and hard before switching to a two-handed forehand.

On the other hand, there are advantages. They just don't usually outweigh the disadvantages of the more versatile one-handed stroke.

I have used a two-fisted grip on both sides for years and i love it. If you trully know how to use it you will find that the advantages outweighs the disadvantages. One of the things i love most about it is that similar to a two-fisted backhand, it is well disguised. My natural shot is cross-court, but when the opportunity presents itself, i will turn my shoulder, step into the shot, and send it right down the line. I have wronged footed my opponent quite often due to them cheating on my cross court shot.

Some here believe that a two-fisted forehand is a disadvantage when playing against an opponent who hits with pace. That is where your mental toughness comes-in. Slow the game down mentally, set-up for every shot, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, "GET THAT RAQUET HEAD BACK". As soon as you see the ball off of your opponents raquet, you should already know whether it is to your forehand or backhand. Whichever side is going, your raquet head should be in that position. This is very helpful when playing against an opponent that hits the ball with pace. Personally, I love pace.

I used to play with a two handed forehand, but it's easy for the opponent to know if you are going to hit the forehand or the backhand, especially when he serves.
Also if you a right hander,the riht hand will be on the top of the grip for the forehand unlike the backhand.

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Originally Posted by Tprocurt

The two handed forehand is obviously a rare stroke style, however if your successful, go for it! But remember, only a handfull of successful ATP pros have used it over many years so that should tell you something. If this type of stroke was all that, and had a whole lot to offer, there would be many more people doing it and pros teaching it! If you are injured and it is the only thing that helps, its better than giving up the game. Rock on!

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The comment that the two-handed forehand is a 'rare stroke'...is no different than what was seen and said about the two-handed backhand in the early 70's... Jack Kramer said the two-handed backhand was a shot that robs you of power and gives your opponent a psychological advantage.

However, today there are more two-handed forehand players on tour than there have been in the history of the game combined! Seles proved it didn't prevent her from reaching number one in the world; Gene Mayer was a top 5 world-ranked doubles and singles player, and we now have a number of pros in the top 200 in the world who use the shot. In addition, there are a ton of up-and-coming juniors with national and state rankings using the shot.

So, needless to say, it isn't a shot that is detramental for many. The reason we don't see a lot of pros using the shot is the same reason that we didn't see a lot of two-handed backhand players emerge after Borg won the French at 17. It would take a lot of pros to buy into the shot, learn how to teach it, and then get enough athletes with the right mind and physical attributes to get ranked and into the top levels. We are seeing that exact transition now with the two-handed forehand. Believe me, there were a lot of naysayers about the two-handed backhand too! The shot is not necessary for everyone, nor for most. But, it is a fantastic tool for learning many concepts and components for hitting a forehand well.

Monica Seles won 9 grand slams with two handed forehands and backhands. So, this really proves that the two handed method does work. I'm not sure if you remembered that Seles two handed strokes were so potent that Steffi Graf couldn't handle her pace.

I always had trouble with my forehand when I was younger. I finally gave up playing tennis for 20 years. Now I've started playing again and discovered the two handed forehand. Perfecting it has given me power and control over my shots. I'm able to place the ball where I want on the court, and with the speed and spin that I choose. I have to play with a two handed forehand, because without it I have no control over the ball. The two handed forehand really works for me. I perfected it using a tennis ball machine and lots of practice until it felt natural. I'm very pleased with the outcome. Furthermore, I continue to improve my tennis game, which is important to me. Next I am going to perfect the two handed back hand.

The two-handed forehand isn't the mirror image of the two-handed backhand.

For a two-handed backhand, you put your right hand (assuming you're right-handed) at the bottom of the handle in a Continental or Eastern backhand grip. This allows you to let go and hit one-handed if necessary. You place your left hand on the handle in whatever grip is comfortable. The left hand drives the racket through, doing 70-80% of the work.

For a two-handed forehand, you should put your dominant right hand at the bottom in a forehand grip so you can let go and hit one-handed if necessary. But that means that your left hand goes above it. That makes you tend to pull the racket with left hand, instead of drive it with the right. This grip also doesn't feel natural. Imagine trying to swing a baseball bat that way - with the right hand at the bottom and the left hand above it.

So, many players hit the two-handed forehand with the left hand at the bottom. They are out of luck if the shot is out of two-handed reach.

These are the reasons why the two-handed backhand is common, but the two-handed forehand isn't generally recommended. That said, if it helps your game, and you don't think it worth the time it would take to master the one-handed shot, go for it. Be aware of its limitations though. It really does affect your reach. And not just to the side, but in every direction.

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Originally Posted by Unregistered

I am looking for infromation on two-handed forhands. Due to some trouble with my wrist, I think this would add more power to my very week returns. I use a two handed back hand but not sure how to add the second had to the forhand. Any ideas?

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i used single for a while but don't feel very comfortable. i am left handed (writing) but stronger at throwing etc with my right, slightly ambi dextrous so i find it more natural to use double hands both sides. if you move your wrists in preparation for a shot you get some great angles. so i used my right hand to hold the racket and left to support by gripping the throat

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Unregistered

The comment that the two-handed forehand is a 'rare stroke'...is no different than what was seen and said about the two-handed backhand in the early 70's... Jack Kramer said the two-handed backhand was a shot that robs you of power and gives your opponent a psychological advantage.

However, today there are more two-handed forehand players on tour than there have been in the history of the game combined! Seles proved it didn't prevent her from reaching number one in the world; Gene Mayer was a top 5 world-ranked doubles and singles player, and we now have a number of pros in the top 200 in the world who use the shot. In addition, there are a ton of up-and-coming juniors with national and state rankings using the shot.

So, needless to say, it isn't a shot that is detramental for many. The reason we don't see a lot of pros using the shot is the same reason that we didn't see a lot of two-handed backhand players emerge after Borg won the French at 17. It would take a lot of pros to buy into the shot, learn how to teach it, and then get enough athletes with the right mind and physical attributes to get ranked and into the top levels. We are seeing that exact transition now with the two-handed forehand. Believe me, there were a lot of naysayers about the two-handed backhand too! The shot is not necessary for everyone, nor for most. But, it is a fantastic tool for learning many concepts and components for hitting a forehand well.

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Well, in general principle, I wouldn't disagree with you, but in this case there are solid reasons for the conventional wisdom.

More often than not, however, you'd be exactly right. My pet peeve is these go-around-come-around lines that say you must do this or that in tennis. Everybody goes, "Yup, yup, yup" and sucks it up, just because a famous person probably first said it. These cliches become "true" only because they get repeated ten billion times. No one ever dares to notice that they don't even make sense.

One of my favorite ones is the one that says you're supposed to immediately point up at a lob, cock your racket back over your shoulder, and - maintaining this awkward pose - move back under the lob to hit an overhead. The pros who tell you to do this don't do it themselves when they hit overheads! Why? Because it's totally clumbsy. And it doesn't do diddly to keep you from STARTING your swing late.

There's way too much monkey-see-monkey-do in tennis. But just because some things taught are wrong doesn't mean all things taught are wrong. I don't know why so many people resort to the invalid support of "who-said-it" instead of giving REASONS for believing a thing. But the unreason can go the other way too. Just because someone was wrong about something doesn't make everything he says worthless. I'm always suspicious of things people say without giving any logical reasons it - but rather acting as though boosting or attacking some proponent's credibility is a legitimate argument.