The Two-handed Forehand Revisited

David W. Smith, Senior Editor TennisOne

Four years ago, I wrote an article on the two-handed forehand (The Two-Handed Forehand) for TennisOne describing this unique stroke as both a learning tool and potential weapon for suitable players and within many learning situations. This article continues to generate significant interest and dialogue among players, coaches, and teaching pros alike! Similarly to what we saw of the two-handed backhand of yesteryear, the two-handed forehand has been looked upon with with both suspicion and intrigue. Its use has invoked slander and ridicule, interest and curiosity, acceptance and rejection by both those in the teaching arena as well as those who enjoy playing and watching tennis.

This year at the Pacific Life Open here in Indian Wells, California, one can’t discount the number of pros seen hitting two-handed forehands…and winning! While the tournament is far from over, two specific players, Marion Bartoli of France and Peng Shuai, dominated first round opponents; Bartoli a 6-1, 6-2 over Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria, and Shuai Peng defeated Vasilisa Bardina 6-1, 6-2. On these and the courts of other two-handed forehand players, one could overhear common remarks and observations among spectators.

“Look at that! She is using two hands on both sides!”
“I haven’t seen a two-handed forehand since Monica Seles! Check this out.”

Other pros using the two-hander include Zi Yan of China and Aiko Nakamura of Japan on the women’s side and Fabrice Santoro and Ramone Sluiter on the men’s.

In this update of the use and techniques of the two-handed forehand, I wanted to share not only the technical side of this stroke, but some common impressions which pros and players experience when trying to teach or learn

the stroke.

Now I don't think the two-handed forehand is a shot everyone should use, nor do I think it is destined to become as common as the two-handed backhand has over the last thirty years.

Most pros and recreational players do fine hitting the traditional one-handed forehand with a high degree of success and minimal difficulty. However, it is not uncommon to discover many players who have difficulty with the conventional one-hander, but also, after seeing the pros use the shot at the world-class level of play, it certainly is not the limiting stroke so many claim it to be. Let’s consider that if the pros can use it at the speeds associated with professional-level world-class competition, then certainly the average Jane and Joe at the local club or city tennis courts should be able to execute the shot within their parameters of play. In addition, those who indeed learn tennis with a two-handed backhand, are already conditioned to use two hands and execute movements relative to those associated with two-handed strokes.