Mastering the One-Handed vs Two-Handed Backhand: Pros, Cons, and How to Choose

Few debates in tennis spark as much passion as this one: the one-handed vs two-handed backhand.
Federer or Djokovic? Wawrinka or Murray? One side celebrates elegance and freedom, the other efficiency and stability.

Over the years, I’ve worked with players who’ve tried both — some switching mid-career, others perfecting what feels most natural. What I’ve learned is this: there’s no absolute winner. The “best” backhand depends on your body, timing, and playing style.

I’m Coach Cedde, and in this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about both backhands — their pros, cons, biomechanics, and tactical implications — so you can decide which one truly fits your game.

🎾 Step 1 – The Big Picture: What Makes the Backhand Unique

Unlike the forehand, where your dominant side leads the motion, the backhand requires your body to work in perfect symmetry.
It’s a shot of timing, rotation, and feel — less brute force, more coordination.

That’s why even subtle differences — one hand or two — create completely different sensations, power sources, and tactical outcomes.

Let’s break it down.

✋ Step 2 – The One-Handed Backhand

⚙️ The Essence

The one-hander is the classic, flowing stroke of tennis. It uses a single arm for power and reach, with the body generating rotational force through the hips and shoulders.

Think of Federer’s smooth release, Wawrinka’s explosive extension, or Gasquet’s graceful lift — all variations of the same principle:
freedom, precision, and timing.

✅ Advantages of the One-Handed Backhand

1. Reach and Range
   You get extra reach, making it easier to handle wide balls or approach shots.
   → Ideal for players who like to glide and use the full width of the court.

2. Variety and Feel
   The open racquet face allows effortless transitions to slice, drop shots, or side spins.
   → Great for players who value touch and creativity.

3. Natural Flow and Power from Rotation
   When timed correctly, the kinetic chain (legs → hips → shoulder → arm) produces clean, effortless acceleration.
   → That “whip” feeling that makes the ball explode off the strings.

4. Aesthetic and Rhythm
   Many players describe the one-hander as artistic. You can feel the connection between your body and the ball.

❌ Disadvantages of the One-Handed Backhand

1. Timing Sensitivity
   You have only one arm to stabilize the racquet — if your contact point is late or off-balance, errors come quickly.

2. High Ball Weakness
   Shoulder-level balls, especially with heavy topspin, are harder to manage.
   → Clay players especially feel this pain.

3. Requires Strength and Early Preparation
   The motion demands good leg drive and upper-body control.
   → Less forgiving for late or defensive positions.

🧠 Who Should Use It

Choose the one-handed backhand if you:

• Have natural timing and rhythm.

• Enjoy slicing, approaching, or mixing spins.

• Prefer a flowing, all-court style.

• Don’t mind spending time mastering balance and preparation.

✋✋ Step 3 – The Two-Handed Backhand

⚙️ The Essence

The two-hander is modern tennis efficiency at its finest. With both hands on the racquet, you gain stability, compactness, and power from rotation and leverage.

Think of Djokovic’s laser precision, Murray’s consistency, or Medvedev’s controlled aggression.

The two-handed backhand is about compact preparation and solid structure — less artistry, more reliability.

✅ Advantages of the Two-Handed Backhand

1. Stability and Control
   The non-dominant hand adds support, making it easier to handle fast or heavy balls.

2. Consistency Under Pressure
   Shorter backswing = fewer timing errors.
   → Excellent for return games and baseline rallies.

3. Power from the Body, Not Just the Arm
   The second hand helps the body drive through the shot.
   → Great for players who generate power through rotation rather than wrist action.

4. Easier on High Balls
   You can absorb and redirect pace effectively — especially against topspin.

❌ Disadvantages of the Two-Handed Backhand

1. Less Reach
   You’ll sometimes feel cramped on wide or low balls.
   → Requires excellent footwork to stay in position.

2. Limited Slice Transition
   Switching from two hands to slice can break rhythm, especially under pressure.

3. Less Variety
   The two-hander is more linear — better for power and control than for touch or improvisation.

🧠 Who Should Use It

Choose the two-handed backhand if you:

• Prefer a solid, reliable baseline game.

• Play against heavy hitters or on fast surfaces.

• Want more control on returns and rallies.

• Have less upper-body strength or flexibility in the shoulder.

⚙️ Step 4 – Biomechanical Differences You Should Know

ComponentOne-HandedTwo-HandedContact PointFurther in frontCloser to bodyPower SourceShoulder + trunk rotationHips + core + both armsGripEastern backhandDominant hand eastern, non-dominant semi-westernSwing PathLonger, flowingCompact, controlledFootwork DemandHigherModerateDefensive RangeLowerHigher

Each version activates the kinetic chain differently. The one-hander feels like a whip, the two-hander like a punch. Both can be lethal — if used in the right context.

🧩 Step 5 – How to Decide Which One Fits You

When I work with players deciding between both, I ask them 3 key questions:

1. What kind of points do you like to play?
   → Long, stable rallies? Go two-handed.
   → Varied, flowing exchanges with net play? Go one-handed.

2. What surface do you play most on?
   → Clay: one-hander can shine for variety.
   → Hard court: two-hander thrives on stability.

3. How do you naturally use your body?
   → Strong upper-body rotation and good timing? One-hander fits.
   → Compact, explosive core movement? Two-hander fits.

💡 My advice: test both over several sessions — not just in isolation, but during rallies and returns. The right choice will “click” when your body feels aligned with your intention.

🧱 Step 6 – Drills to Strengthen Each Backhand

💪 One-Handed Backhand Drills

1. Shadow Drill: Practice the full motion slowly, emphasizing balance and follow-through.

2. Low Ball Drill: Feed balls that bounce below knee height. Focus on bending the legs and lifting through contact.

3. Slice Integration Drill: Alternate topspin and slice to master transitions.

⚙️ Two-Handed Backhand Drills

1. Non-Dominant Hand Drill: Hit mini backhands using only your non-dominant hand. Builds feel and coordination.

2. Crosscourt Rally Drill: Focus on compact preparation and early rotation.

3. Depth Control Drill: Rally aiming deep into the court — control over raw power.

🧠 Step 7 – Tactical Implications in Match Play

Each backhand type creates different match dynamics.

🎯 One-Handed

• Better for taking the ball on the rise and attacking with variety.

• Ideal for slice + approach combinations.

• Mentally, it rewards rhythm and touch.

⚡ Two-Handed

• Perfect for absorbing pace and controlling baseline exchanges.

• Easier for consistent returns and counterattacks.

• Mentally, it rewards structure and repetition.

In doubles, for instance, the two-hander is often superior on returns, while the one-hander gives you more reach on reflex volleys.

🧘 Step 8 – Mindset: Don’t Copy, Adapt

Many players try to copy Federer’s one-hander or Djokovic’s two-hander. But what you should copy isn’t their stroke — it’s their clarity.

They both know exactly what their backhand does, and what it doesn’t.

Your job is to:

• Identify what your backhand gives you.

• Accept what it can’t.

• Build your tactics accordingly.

If you play your style — not someone else’s — your confidence grows naturally.

💡 Step 9 – The Hybrid Player (Bonus Section)

Some players train both versions for specific contexts:

• Two-handed for returns and rallies.

• One-handed slice for variety and defense.

This hybrid approach is highly effective for all-court players. You don’t need to “choose forever” — you just need to know when to switch.

🚀 Step 10 – My Final Advice: Choose Feel Over Ego

Forget what looks prettier. Forget what others think.
The right backhand is the one that feels natural, balanced, and repeatable under pressure.

When the ball is fast, your mind tense, and your legs heavy — the right backhand is the one you still trust.

📣 Ready to Discover Which Backhand Truly Fits You?

Reading about technique is one thing — feeling it in your own body is another.

📹 If you’re unsure which backhand style suits you best, upload your video for a personalized analysis. I’ll break down your movement, contact, and efficiency, then show you which version of the backhand can unlock your full potential.

👉 Upload your backhand video for analysis here.

Let’s make your backhand not just functional — but unforgettable.
— Coach Cedde