Most players today play with a 2-handed backhand, including on the pro tour, although most great champions have used a one-hander.

It is a decision that has to be made on a case-by-case basis. Depending on how old the player is. 11 is young enough to switch. I always say if you don't have a great 2-hander you might as well use a 1-hander; it will help your slice and your volley. Also, if you are not athletic and have slow feet or if you are going to be very tall it is recommended to switch to a 1 hander, because the 2-handed backhand requires extra footwork and extra bending down for low balls. The advantage of a 2-hander is on the return of serve and on high looping balls.

Posted by Gilad Bloom at 04:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The old saying "You are only as good as your second serve" is still true. Many players can crack a first serve, but in crunch time you will need to rely on your second serve. Obviously there might be some technical flaws that need to be fixed, but in general it is recommended to move the grip over towards the backhand grip to increase safety.

Once you do that the serves might go into the net in the beginning. It is recommended to serve from well inside the court until you get the feel and gradually move back until you are ready to serve from the baseline. It is important to snap the wrist up and to the right (or to the left if you are left handed) and to accelerate as you connect. Another source of power can be a deep bending of the knees just before the contact.

You should always serve with targets and a high net, and also practice serving and volleying with only one serve--this will help create more body weight shift into the shot.

Posted by Gilad Bloom at 04:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)