Why Has the Double-Handed Backhand Taken Over from the Single-Handed Backhand in Modern Tennis?

For much of tennis history, the single-handed backhand was a dominant stroke, exemplified by legendary players like Rod Laver, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer. However, in the modern game, the double-handed backhand has taken over as the preferred technique among most professional and amateur players alike. This shift is largely due to changes in playing conditions, advancements in racket technology, and the increased physicality of the sport. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the double-handed backhand's dominance, analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each technique, and discuss whether players with a single-handed backhand should consider switching.

The Rise of the Double-Handed Backhand

The shift from the single-handed to the double-handed backhand has been influenced by several key factors:

1. Evolution of Tennis Surfaces and Playing Style:

   • In the past, tennis was largely played on faster surfaces like grass, where shorter rallies and serve-and-volley tactics were dominant. The single-handed backhand, which allows for greater reach and variety, was well-suited to these conditions.

   • Today, modern tennis is played on slower surfaces with higher bounce (e.g., hard courts and clay), leading to more baseline rallies and heavy topspin exchanges. The double-handed backhand provides better stability and control in these conditions, making it the preferred choice.

2. Racket and String Technology:

   • Advances in racket technology have allowed players to generate more power and spin, which benefits the double-handed backhand. With modern string technology, players can take bigger swings and control the ball better, making the compact and stable double-hander more effective.

3. Increased Physicality of Tennis:

   • Tennis has become a much more physically demanding sport, requiring players to engage in longer, high-intensity rallies. The double-handed backhand allows for greater endurance and less strain on the dominant arm, making it an attractive option for modern professionals.

4. Coaching Preferences and Player Development:

   • Most coaches today prefer to teach young players the double-handed backhand because it is easier to learn, especially for juniors who lack the strength to hit a one-handed backhand effectively. As a result, more players develop and refine this stroke from an early age.
     

Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Technique

Double-Handed Backhand

Advantages:

• Stability and Control: Using both hands on the racket provides greater stability, allowing players to handle high-bouncing shots and incoming heavy topspin more effectively.

• Power Generation: The added support from the non-dominant hand helps generate more power and consistency.

• Better Handling on Returns: The compact nature of the stroke allows for quicker reactions and more solid returns against powerful serves.

• Easier for Younger Players: Juniors can develop their backhand more quickly with two hands, as they don’t need as much upper body strength early on.
  

Disadvantages:

• Limited Reach: The use of both hands restricts the player’s reach, making it harder to stretch for wide balls.

• Less Slice Variety: Players with a double-handed backhand often struggle to develop an effective slice, which is a useful shot for variety and defense.
  

Single-Handed Backhand

Advantages:

• Greater Reach: The extended arm provides more reach on wide shots, which is beneficial in defensive situations.

• More Variety: The ability to switch between topspin, flat, and slice shots gives one-handed players more tactical options.

• Aesthetic and Natural Flow: Many players and fans appreciate the fluidity and beauty of a well-executed single-handed backhand.
  

Disadvantages:

• More Difficult to Master: The single-handed backhand requires excellent timing, technique, and strength to execute consistently, making it a tougher stroke to develop.

• Vulnerable to High Balls: It is more challenging to handle high-bouncing shots, especially on surfaces like clay.

• Less Stability on Returns: The single-handed backhand is generally weaker on return of serve compared to the double-handed technique, making it harder to control fast incoming serves.
  

Are Most Players Learning the Double-Handed Backhand Now?

Yes, the vast majority of young players today are taught the double-handed backhand. Since it is easier to learn and provides more consistency, especially at a young age, most coaching academies prioritize this technique.

There are still some notable professionals who use the single-handed backhand, such as Stefanos Tsitsipas, but they are increasingly rare. Even Roger Federer, who has one of the greatest single-handed backhands of all time, occasionally struggled against players who targeted his backhand wing with heavy topspin.

Should Single-Handed Backhand Players Switch?

For those who have already developed a single-handed backhand, switching to a double-handed technique is not necessarily a good idea unless there is a fundamental issue affecting performance. While some players have successfully transitioned, such a switch requires significant time and effort, and it is often more beneficial to refine and improve the existing stroke rather than overhaul it entirely.

However, if a player is struggling with consistency or finding it difficult to handle the demands of modern tennis (e.g., high-bouncing balls, rapid pace), they might consider adapting their game rather than fully switching. Working on strengthening their backhand, improving footwork, and developing an effective slice can help compensate for the disadvantages of the single-handed stroke.

Conclusion

The double-handed backhand has become the dominant technique in modern tennis due to changes in playing conditions, technology, and the physical demands of the sport. While it provides better control, stability, and power, the single-handed backhand still has its advantages in terms of reach, variety, and aesthetics. Today, most players learn the double-handed technique from an early age, and while switching from a single-handed to a double-handed backhand is possible, it is not always the best choice. Instead, players should focus on maximizing the strengths of their chosen style while mitigating its weaknesses. Ultimately, whether one uses a single or double-handed backhand, success in tennis is about consistency, adaptability, and tactical intelligence.