There is no single correct backhand in tennis. The two-handed backhand is more stable, easier to learn and better at handling high, fast balls and returns of serve, which is why most modern players and most coaches of beginners choose it. The one-handed backhand gives more reach, a smoother transition to the slice and volley, and more disguise, but it needs more strength, timing and footwork, and it can struggle with high balls to the backhand side. The best choice depends on your age, strength, playing style and which feels more natural after proper coaching.
This guide compares the two strokes in detail, explains the technique behind each, looks at who they suit, discusses whether you should switch, and lists common mistakes with both.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | One-handed backhand | Two-handed backhand |
|---|---|---|
| Learning curve | Harder; needs strength and timing | Easier for most beginners and juniors |
| Reach | Longer reach on wide balls | Shorter reach; more footwork needed |
| High balls | Difficult above shoulder height | Easier to control and attack |
| Return of serve | Harder against fast serves | More compact and stable |
| Slice and volley transition | Natural; similar grip and shape | Requires switching to one hand |
| Disguise | Good; slice and drive look similar | More obvious preparation |
| Power source | Shoulder rotation, arm extension and timing | Trunk rotation and the non-dominant arm |
| Physical demands | More stress on the dominant arm and shoulder | Load spread across both arms |
How the two-handed backhand works
For a right-handed player, the right hand usually holds a continental grip at the bottom of the handle, and the left hand holds an eastern forehand or semi-western grip above it. In practice, the left arm does much of the work, which is why coaches sometimes describe the two-hander as a left-handed forehand supported by the right hand. The stroke is driven by turning the shoulders and hips, which makes it compact and repeatable. Because both hands hold the racket, it is easier to control on off-centre hits and against heavy topspin, and it lets players take the ball early and redirect pace.
Strengths of the two-hander include stability under pressure, the ability to hit hard crosscourt and down the line from a similar set-up, and reliable returns of serve. Its main limitation is reach: on very wide balls, players often have to let go with one hand or rely on a slice.
How the one-handed backhand works
The one-handed backhand usually uses an eastern backhand grip, with the base knuckle of the index finger on the top bevel of the handle. Some players use a stronger semi-western backhand grip for extra topspin. The stroke starts with a full shoulder turn, the non-hitting hand supporting the racket at the throat during the take-back. The player steps into the ball, releases the supporting hand, and swings from low to high with the arm extended, finishing with the chest facing the side fence and the arms spread wide for balance.
A well-hit one-hander produces heavy topspin and sharp angles, and players who use it tend to slice and volley well because the grip and body shape are similar. The biggest challenge is high balls, since it is hard to generate power when the contact point is above the shoulder. One-handed players often step back to take the ball lower, take it early on the rise, or use a slice to neutralise the rally.
Who each backhand suits
- Young children: almost always start with two hands because they lack the strength to control the racket with one arm.
- Adult beginners: usually find the two-hander faster to learn and more consistent.
- All-court and net players: may prefer the one-hander for its easy transition to slice and volley.
- Baseliners: often prefer the two-hander for its stability in long rallies and on the return.
- Players with strong shoulders and good timing: can get excellent results from a one-hander.
What professional tennis shows
At the top of the professional game, two-handed backhands are much more common than one-handers, especially on the women’s tour, where the one-hander has become rare. Many of the most successful players of the modern era, such as Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, use two hands. The one-hander remains visible through players such as Roger Federer in the past, Stan Wawrinka, Dominic Thiem, Grigor Dimitrov, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Lorenzo Musetti, which shows it can still succeed at the highest level when combined with strong movement and a varied game.
Should you switch backhands?
Switching is a big project. It can take months of focused practice before a new backhand feels natural in matches. It usually makes sense only if your current backhand is limiting your game in a clear way and a coach agrees the change will help. Recreational players with a working backhand are usually better off improving footwork, preparation and consistency than starting over. If you do switch, practise the new stroke in drills first, then in points, before using it in matches.
Common mistakes with both backhands
- Late preparation: turn your shoulders as soon as you see the ball coming to your backhand.
- Arm-only swings: power comes from the legs and trunk rotation, not just the arm.
- Contact too close to the body: especially damaging for one-handers, who need contact well in front.
- Dropping the non-dominant arm too soon on a two-hander: it reduces control.
- Opening the shoulders too early on a one-hander: causes mistimed and weak shots.
Tennis is a repetitive sport that places stress on the elbow, wrist and shoulder. If you feel pain when hitting backhands, stop and see a qualified healthcare professional. A certified coach can check your technique and equipment to reduce injury risk.
Drills for each backhand
For a two-handed backhand, practise shadow swings focusing on shoulder turn, then feed-and-hit drills crosscourt and down the line, and finally live rallies where you take the ball early. For a one-handed backhand, start with the slice to build feel, then practise topspin drives from a coach’s feed with a full unit turn and extended follow-through. High-ball drills, where a partner feeds loopy balls to your backhand, help both types learn to step in or take the ball on the rise. A few minutes on each drill every session builds consistency faster than long, occasional practices. Recording your swing on video also helps you spot late preparation or poor contact points.
Frequently asked questions
Is a one-handed backhand harder to learn?
Yes, for most players. It needs more strength, timing and footwork than a two-handed backhand.
Which backhand is more powerful?
Both can be powerful. The two-hander is more reliable for pace on high balls, while a well-timed one-hander can produce a lot of racket-head speed and spin.
Can I use both backhands?
Many players use a two-handed drive and a one-handed slice. Some also switch to one hand on very wide balls.
