1. Aesthetic and Psychological Factors
The aesthetic appeal of the one-handed backhand cannot be overstated. While the modern game of tennis is more focused on power and athleticism, the artistry and elegance of a well-executed one-handed backhand are still admired by many players, coaches, and fans. This style of play evokes the traditions of past tennis legends like Federer, Sampras, and Borg—whose elegant one-handed backhands were crucial to their success. The psychological component of playing with a stroke that feels natural and aesthetically pleasing should not be underestimated. For some players, this stroke gives them a sense of identity or an emotional connection to the game that may be hard to replicate with a two-handed backhand. Mental and emotional comfort can be just as important as physical efficiency in sport.
2. Flexibility in Play Style
While you emphasize that the two-handed backhand is superior in power and stability, the one-handed backhand has a unique flexibility that suits certain playing styles. It can be particularly effective on faster surfaces (like grass), where the player’s ability to generate more variety—like slice, dropshots, and angles—makes the one-handed backhand advantageous. The ability to easily switch between different types of shots (forehand, backhand, slice, etc.) without needing to adjust body positioning or grip allows one-handed backhand players a degree of freedom and variety that might be difficult with the two-handed backhand. Some players, especially on the ATP Tour, use the one-handed backhand to slice more effectively, helping them stay aggressive in rallies and controlling the tempo of the match.
3. Power Isn’t Everything
While the two-handed backhand may provide more power and control, tennis isn’t just about hitting the ball as hard as possible. The ability to generate spin, angle, and deception is often more important than sheer force. The slice and topspin variations produced by the one-handed backhand still give many players a tactical advantage that the two-handed backhand sometimes struggles to match. For example, the ability to produce deep, angled shots with a single hand allows for a more deceptive game, creating more opportunities for setups and quick points. Federer’s slice backhand, for instance, is a key part of his game, allowing him to break opponents’ rhythm and force them into uncomfortable positions.
4. The Risk of Overgeneralization
While it’s tempting to present the two-handed backhand and single-handed forehands as the “biomechanically superior” options, we should remember that every player is different. What works for one player biomechanically might not be optimal for another. Customization of techniques should be considered—what fits into the overarching biomechanical principles may still require adjustments based on a player’s unique body type, physical strengths, and weaknesses. Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, both of whom use two-handed backhands, have uniquely different styles in how they use the stroke. Not every player will gain the same benefits from switching to a two-handed backhand or a two single-handed forehand combination, and some may find that their one-handed backhand remains the most efficient for them.
5. The Evolution of the Game and the Human Body
While modern racquet technology and the physicality of the game have increased the demand for power-based strokes, there’s also a potential risk in leaning too heavily into biomechanical optimization. The game is evolving rapidly, but as players push the limits of physicality and technology, there is the potential for greater wear and tear on the body. Introducing too much reliance on the two-handed backhand, which can place high demands on the elbow and wrist, or the two single-handed forehands, which would further engage both shoulders and the rotator cuffs, could lead to a rise in injuries that we haven’t yet fully anticipated. While distributing the load is an advantage, it’s also important to avoid overuse in multiple areas of the body, which might lead to new forms of injury.
6. Training Ambidexterity
While ambidextrous training has its advantages in sports, it should be noted that the learning curve for developing proficiency with two single-handed forehands or dual-handed strokes is steep. Switch-hitting in baseball, for example, has been developed through years of specialization, and even so, successful switch hitters are relatively rare. The level of coordination and synchronization required to perform at a top level with both hands can be challenging and might require a complete overhaul of training regimens. In tennis, this would involve significant re-conditioning for both arms and a whole new approach to the game, which could be impractical for players who have already invested years in mastering one-handed or two-handed backhands.
7. The Competitive Advantage of One-Handed Backhands
Lastly, although the one-handed backhand has become rarer in modern tennis, the few players who still use it effectively—such as Federer, Wawrinka, and Gasquet—often have a distinct competitive advantage when it comes to the variety of shots they can execute. In an age of power and speed, having a single-handed backhand can provide distinctive tactical options that break up rallies and force errors from opponents who might be less prepared for such variety. The one-handed backhand is a beautiful and rare stroke, and its continued use by top-level professionals showcases its enduring value in certain contexts.
Conclusion: The Future of Tennis?
In conclusion, while the two-handed backhand offers clear biomechanical advantages, it’s important to appreciate the longevity and tactical value of the one-handed backhand in tennis. Ambidextrous training has its place, and as the game evolves, it’s crucial to recognize the balance between biomechanical efficiency and individual playing style. It’s true that many of today’s top junior and professional players are gravitating toward dual-handed strokes or employing more versatile techniques, but the one-handed backhand may still offer something the two-handed backhand can’t replicate: individuality, style, and a unique weapon in the arsenal of the modern tennis player.
By embracing both the scientific rationale and the rich history of the game, the future of tennis will be a blend of biomechanics, creativity, and strategic diversity. Coaches should focus on personalized techniques and recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Whether it’s the one-handed backhand, two-handed backhand, or a combination of forehands and backhands on both sides, the key is understanding the body’s capabilities and developing each player’s natural abilities to optimize their performance and longevity in the sport.